CONTACT: Missy Gough (847) 330-0101, ext. 384 [email protected]
Karen Klickmann (847) 330-0101, ext. 341 [email protected]
VITAMINS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF SKIN CONDITIONS
NEW YORK, NY (October 28, 1998) - Vitamins have been increasingly used to prevent and treat a variety of skin disorders. A new study in the October issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that vitamins A, C and E are increasingly important because of their antioxidant capabilities.
Antioxidants have been the center of much media attention in recent years due to their ability to stabilize reactive, potentially-harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are thought to be the cause of many diseases from cancers to colds. The free radicals damage a person's DNA, causing unwanted changes in the basic building blocks of cells. This damage can often be prevented, and sometimes reversed, with the healing properties of antioxidants.
The three antioxidants most commonly found in antioxidant supplements are vitamins A, C and E. Each works independently and in conjunction with other vitamins to reduce the effects of free radicals. "There have been so many conflicting media reports that it is often difficult for the public to understand what the antioxidants can and cannot do to help people maintain good health," said Karen Keller, MD, the lead author of the study. "We did a comprehensive review of the scientific literature to determine how vitamins A, C and E can help dermatologists improve patient care."
Vitamin A is found in many yellow and green vegetables, egg yolk, butter, liver and fish oils. Retinoids, the active ingredient in Vitamin A, are more commonly known as retinol in topical skin creams, lotions and ointments.
Retinoids, whether synthetic or natural, have many important biological effects such as regulating growth and differentiation in cells, diminishing malignant cell growth and strengthening the immune system. Most retinoid research has focused on acne treatments, the main treatment use of the compound since 1971. Recently, multiple controlled studies have shown that retinoids can reduce and prevent wrinkles, brown spots and actinic keratoses. Patients reported noticeable improvement in skin texture and tone after starting a retinoic acid treatment program. The positive results can be reversed, however, if the patient discontinues topical application of the retinol products. At one time, retinoids were only available in prescription treatments. Now, many retinoids are available in over-the-counter preparations.
Vitamin A was also found to have positive results when used as a treatment for stretch marks, psoriasis, lichen planus and other disorders relating to the hardening of the outer layer of the skin.
A close relative of vitamin A, beta-carotene also functions naturally as a free radical scavenger to protect cells. Beta-carotene and vitamin A may work together to generate positive results for patients. It is most commonly found in green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, cantaloupes, meat, butter and cheese.
Ascorbic acid, found in vegetables and citrus fruits, is more commonly called vitamin C. This water-soluble molecule is considered by researchers to be the most important antioxidant in numerous cellular activities. It acts as an antioxidant by scavenging and quenching free radicals throughout the body.
Vitamin E is present in vegetables, oils, seeds, corn, soy, whole wheat flour, margarine, nuts, and some meats and dairy products. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E are well-documented, especially in relation to plasma and red blood cells. Vitamin E may also be important in reducing sunburn severity, as well as the lines and wrinkles associated with sun exposure.
"The antioxidant properties of these three vitamins may work when applied topically to fight signs of photoaging," noted Dr. Keller. "Many patients note improvement in skin texture, wrinkles and age spots while using these products. The role of supplements as a method of obtaining these vitamins is still being researched." The effects of vitamins A, C and E in the prevention and treatment of skin cancers show that each works independently to reduce skin cancers. They also work together to help prevent the formation of new lesions. Vitamin A was effective in the treatment of some premalignant and malignant skin conditions. The current consensus is that it probably does not cure skin cancer, but treatment may prevent the formation of new lesions as long as therapy is continued. This was true for a variety of skin cancers ranging from malignant basal cell carcinomas to premalignant actinic keratoses lesions when treated with oral retinoids. One study found that regular supplements of both vitamins A and E were associated with a 70% reduced risk for basal cell carcinomas. In addition, an increase in dietary vitamin C has been shown to reduce UV-induced tumors in mice.
Wound healing is an important indicator of skin health. To enhance wound healing, it is important that patients receive adequate amounts of each vitamin. Patients whose bodies are vitamin A deficient experience diminished wound healing, which is correctable by vitamin A supplementation. Vitamin C is considered critical in wound healing because it acts as a cofactor for several enzymes, which stabilize collagen.
Through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, topical vitamin E may enhance would healing, although the benefits remain controversial. More research is needed to determine if and how vitamin E supports the wound healing process. While it is important that everyone receives the recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals, there is no research to suggest that mega-doses of vitamins A, C and E provide enhanced benefits. In fact, mega-doses of vitamins A and E, as well as beta carotene, build up in the body and may cause serious adverse reactions ranging from headaches to birth defects to altered immunity at high levels. "It is important that people eat a variety of foods every day to receive the needed antioxidants," advised Dr. Keller.
The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest and most influential society representing physicians who specialize in treating skin, hair, and nail conditions.
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REFERENCE NOTE: Keller, K.L., M.D.; Fenske, N.A., M.D.; Uses of Vitamins A, C, and E and Related Compounds in Dermatology: A Review, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, October 1998, pp. 611-625.
Vitamins and Skin Care
Vitamin A Sources Skin Results
Condition
*stored in Butter Acne *reduces
the liver frequency of
Egg Yolk outbreaks
*high doses when applied
have acute Fish Oil topically or
side effects taken orally
including Green
hair loss, Vegetables
depression,
birth Liver
defects, and
irreversible Yellow
bone damage Vegetables
Psoriasis *condition
may worsen
during
therapy
initiation
*may be used
alone
topically or
orally, or
combined
with PUVA
therapy to
achieve
results in
patients
whose
condition is
unresponsive
to either
therapy
alone
Skin Cancer *may prevent
formation of
new lesions
when taken
orally
Sun Damage *when
applied
topically,
helps skin
repair
itself
faster
*improves
fine and
coarse
wrinkling
*lightens
brown spots
*reduces the
number and
size of
actinic
keratoses
Wound *prevents or
Healing restores
impaired
wound
healing
caused by
medications
when taken
orally
*promotes an
early
inflammatory
response
Beta Carotene Sources Skin Results
Condition
*high doses Butter Sun Damage *moderately
can result in reduces UV
arotenoderma, Canteloupe damage
a including
discoloration Carrots redness and
of the skin wrinkling
that is Cheese when taken
reversible orally
Green Leafy
Vegetables
Meat
Squash
Sweet
Potatoes
Vitamin C Sources Skin Results
Condition
*water-soluble Vegetables Skin *increases in
Cancer dietary vitamin C
*flushed from Citrus have been shown to
body daily Fruits reduce UV-induced
tumors
*safe in high
levels due to
water
solubility
Sun *reduces fine
Damage lines and wrinkles
when applied
topically
*helps skin
regenerate
*may lessen
severity of sun
burns when applied
topically
Wound *critical element
Healing
*may help to
provide strong
framework for
tissue repairs
when taken orally
Vitamin E Sources Skin Results
Condition
*high doses Corn Immune *studies of
can cause Function elderly population
serious side Dairy indicate a lower
effects Products incidence of
including infectious disease
pulmonary Margarine and cancer with
embolism, proper levels of
breast Meats vitamin E in
tumors, system
severe Nuts
fatigue
syndrome, Oils
enlargement
of the male Seeds
breast,
increased Vegetables
cholesterol
and altered Soy
immunity
Whole
Wheat
Flour
Skin *oral supplements
Cancer may help reduce
the risk of basal
cell carcinomas
Sun *reduces sunburn
Damage cell production
after topical
application
*oral and topical
treatments may
reduce wrinkling
*may help to
smooth rough skin
Wound *anti-inflammatory
Healing properties may
enhance wound
healing
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