A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial to quantitate photoprotective effects of an antioxidant combination product.

Background: Ingestion of multiple antioxidants may result in synergistic increases in skin protection. Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, controlled study, the authors evaluated the effect of an antioxidant combination product in women with mild-to-moderate photoaging over 20 weeks. Changes on Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity levels and Minimal Erythema Dose were measured throughout the study. Results: Both Minimal Erythema Dose and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity levels increased in women receiving the antioxidant combination product, with the difference from baseline being statistically significant as early as Week 4. Similar findings were observed in women who received the control product, which had modest antioxidant activity. The comparisons between the two groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Oral ingestion of a combination of antioxidants can lead to improvement on objective measurements, such as Minimal Erythema Dose and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity levels, when compared to baseline values.