UV photoprotection by combination topical antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E

Abstract

Background: Virtually all plants and animals protect themselves from the sun using vitamins C and E.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to see if a combination of topical vitamins C and E is better for UV protection to skin than an equivalent concentration of topical vitamin C or E alone.

Methods: We developed a stable aqueous solution of 15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and 1%-tocopherol(vitamin E). We applied antioxidant or vehicle solutions to pig skin daily for 4 days. We irradiated (1-5minimal erythema dose) control and antioxidant-treated skin using a solar simulator with a 295-nmband-pass filter. On day 5, we measured antioxidant protection factor, erythema, sunburn cells, and thymine dimers.

Results: The combination of 15% L-ascorbic acid and 1%-tocopherol provided significant protection against erythema and sunburn cell formation; either L-ascorbic acid or 1%-tocopherol alone also was protective but the combination was superior. Application during 4 days provided progressive protection that yielded an antioxidant protection factor of 4-fold. In addition, the combination of vitamins C and E provided protection against thymine dimer formation.

Conclusion: Appreciable photoprotection can be obtained from the combination of topical vitamins C and E. We suggest that these natural products may protect against skin cancer and photoaging. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;●:000-000.)

Jing-Yi Lin, M. Angelica Selim, Christopher R. Shea, James M. Grichnik, Mostafa M. Omar, Nancy A. Monteiro-Riviere, and Sheldon R. Pinnell