Quick Question: What Helps the Skin More — Eating or Topically Applying a Beneficial Ingredient?
In the past, I have received several e-mails asking if it was better to ingest or topically apply beneficial ingredients to the skin. While I never knew the answer, I am proud to now report that this new study in The Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology suggests that eating an ingredient is more beneficial than topically applying it. However, the study further suggests that a combination of eating and topically applying ingredients to the skin may be most beneficial.
The Actual Study
In the study, conducted by Mavi Cosmetics in Italy, 40 women were split into four groups. The first group was given a supplement called FloraGlo Lutein with antioxidants (10 mg lutein and 0.6 zeaxanthin). The second group was given a topical cream with lutein and zeaxanthin. The third group was given both the supplement and the topical cream. The fourth and final group was given placebo.
After 12 weeks, it was found that either the oral supplement or the cream improved skin elasticity, hydration, and protection against sun damage. However, the combination of oral and topical formulations boosted numbers the most — skin hydration by 60 percent and protection against sunburn by 20 percent.
Some Combinations of Beneficial Ingredients in Supplements and Topical Creams
Green Tea
Green tea has been demonstrated to have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and photoprotective properties. (For more on green tea, please read my blog post on green tea, or this comprehensive summary of research conducted on green tea here.) Green tea is available as a beverage or a supplement by numerous brands; however, one concern in the past has always been the amount of caffeine necessary to ingest enough beneficial EGCG. Luckily, there is Dr. Brandt Skincare Anti-Oxidant Water Booster ($35, Sephora.com), in which one dropper full claims to deliver the benefits of 15 cups of green tea without the caffeine. A very concentrated source of green tea extract in a topical treatment is TOPIX Replenix Serum ($46.25, 4Derm.com) which contains 90% beneficial green tea polyphenols as the second ingredient (behind water).
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is an excellent ingredient, which does everything from inhibiting UVA-and UVB-damage to inhibiting collagen degradation to activating procollagen synthesis. (For more, read yesterday’s blog post on pomegranate.) Pomegranate is available as an ingredient in the oral supplement Murad PomphenolR Sunguard Dietary Supplement ($35.00, Murad.com) and may be enhanced with topical application in Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15 ($32.00, Murad.com).
What are some foods that are rich in antioxidant content?
In this exciting 2006 study by the American Botanical Council, the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score of 27 vegetables were compared, and artichokes, beetroot, cabbage, broccoli, red chicory, red chili, and yellow pepper had the highest ORAC score. For more on foods and food preparation that are beneficial for your skin, please read this blog post.
How can I get FloraGlo Lutein?
As Pierfrancesco Morganti, professor of applied cosmetic dermatology at the University of Naples and a researcher at Mavi Cosmetics tells Allure in November 2007, “Though FloraGlo Lutein is not yet available, some other skin creams contain one or both ingredients and may be similarly effective.” He further recommends eating “leafy green vegetables and yellow and orange fruits,” which are sources of lutein and zeazanthin.
As A Result…
To get the most out of your skincare regime, it seems that a combination of oral supplements and topical formulations is best. Always remember: the skin is a sign of wellness, so what’s good for your health is ultimately good for your skin. If you have concerns, be sure you consult a physician! 
[...] Avoid or neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are caused by UV rays (both from the sun and tanning beds), pollution, cigarette smoke, pesticides, and other sources. McDaniel is a big believer in the power of berries, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables: “Each plant is a little chemical factory, and since we need to be defended against all the forms of free radicals, there is value in eating a variety.” Makes sense – eating and topically applying antioxidants has been found to be more effective than either method alone (full article here). [...]
Pingback by Advice from Dermatologist Dr. David McDaniel - FutureDerm.com | February 25, 2008
[...] smoke. Wear sunscreen everyday and limit UV exposure. Eat – and topically apply – lots of antioxidants, which has been shown to be more effective than either method alone. Use retinoids or alpha hydroxy [...]
Pingback by How Can I Rebuild Collagen? - FutureDerm.com | March 8, 2008
[...] anyone tries this combination, be sure to let me know how it works out for you! Keep in mind that previous research has shown that orally ingesting antioxidants is slightly more effective than topical application of [...]
Pingback by Wish You Could Take a Pill And Improve Your Wrinkles? - FutureDerm.com | March 30, 2008
I have been drinking the Dr. Brandt drops 1-2X a day for almost 2 years now. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be without them. The few times I have been without them, I noticed that my skin was lacking in radiance and firmness. I recommend them for the sheer fact you are getting anti-oxidants even if you aren’t seeing an exterior result. I think they are going to make a difference as I age.
Comment by Amber | June 14, 2008
Thank you! Your article answered my previous question if it’s better to eat or apply your antioxidants. Of course, it’s much better to do both.
Comment by Joyce | June 17, 2008
[...] were done after animal or human consumption of the ingredients, rather than topical absorption. Further, oral consumption of a beneficial ingredient has been proven to be more effective than topic…. My favorite source is GNC Double Strength Fish Oil ($15.99 for 90 softgels with 600 mg total [...]
Pingback by Spotlight On: Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids - FutureDerm.com | July 27, 2008