Beta-carotene and photo-aging:
Researchers supplemented beta-carotene at a dose of either 30 mg/day or 90 mg/day for 90 days to women 50 years of age or older. The women were evaluated at the beginning of the study and again after the 3 months for facial wrinkles and elasticity, UV-related damage, and pro-collagen gene expression, which is the structural protein found in skin and other connective tissue. The results showed that in the low-dose group, elasticity and wrinkling was reduced, pro-collagen gene expression was increased (levels were significantly increased to 4.4 times the baseline level), and markers of UV-related damage were lower. The study authors stated that 30 mg/day of beta-carotene supplementation was the most beneficial in improving skin health and function that were impaired by photoaging. (12)