An ingredient extracted from strawberries is the latest natural defence again UV damage, and may also help with other inflammatory skin condition such as eczema and psoriasis, according to a new study.
As more and more consumers are starting to opt for natural alternatives for sun protection and inflammatory skin conditions, the hunt is on for non-chemical but effective alternatives to chemical UV filers and steroids.
The latest natural sun filer and anti-inflammatory wonder ingredient comes from strawberries.
A joint study by Italian and Spanish researchers and published in the August edition of the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, found that when skin cell cultures with strawberry exact added to them were exposed to 90 minutes of French Riviera midday sun, cell survival and integrity was significantly prolonged than skin cells without the strawberry extract.
Although scientists are still not completely sure, they suspect that the molecules in strawberry extract that offer the skin UV protection are called anthocyanins, which are pigments that give leaves, flowers and fruits their red colour. According to the researchers these compounds have important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
[quote]The researches concluded that although more research was needed, their research suggested that cream containing strawberry extract could not help protect the skin against UV damage, but could also help fight against other forms of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.[/quote]
Other Spanish research has also demonstrated that strawberry extract can also strengthen the red bloods cells and protect the stomach from the effects of alcohol.
