By Kate Somerville The Daily Mail (UK)A vitamin E-rich skin cream could be the solution to boosting skin’s collagen levels, according to a team of skin health specialists.
Vitamin E is a chemical compound found in the skin that helps regulate the production of collagen and other connective tissue, helping it to support healthy skin.
Researchers from the University of Leeds believe that topical vitamin E cream could act as a natural anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation.
The cream has a chemical structure that means it works in a very similar way to aspirin, the main ingredient in anti-inflammatories, which can be taken orally.
Researchers say the gel is a natural way of controlling inflammation.
However, there is currently no evidence that topical anti-irritant treatments can be used as a way to reduce skin damage caused by UVB rays.
A study of patients with a range of skin conditions showed that UVB radiation and sunburn are the leading causes of skin damage in the UK.
A report by the Royal College of Dermatologists said it was essential to increase the number of skin-care professionals who were aware of UVB exposure and to develop effective treatments for the disease.
Professor Sue Brown from the RCD said: ‘UVB rays have been shown to affect human skin and can lead to skin cancer and skin problems.’
If people are aware of the fact that UV radiation can damage their skin, we need to make sure that they have a comprehensive skin care programme that can reduce skin problems caused by the sun.’
We need to get better at understanding how to reduce UVB-induced damage to our skin and make sure we are doing it safely.’
It is the responsibility of all dermatologists to be as aware as possible of the risks of sun exposure and how to avoid it.’
The team behind the research are led by Professor Sue Brown, who is based at the University College London.’
Our research is based on a study of people who are aged 50 to 80, who are a good source of vitamin E,’ she said.’
People who are 65 and over tend to have higher levels of vitamin-E than younger people, which may be linked to the ageing process.’
However, we know that the amount of vitamin e in the body is much higher than it would be in the elderly.’
The research was conducted on a group of more than 1,000 people.
Professor Brown and her team used a proprietary formulation of vitamin Epsom salt, which contains 100% vitamin E, to treat the skin.’
A lot of people use Epsom salts and think they are safe,’ she explained.
‘But they do not have enough vitamin E to be able to prevent UVB damage to the skin.”
The skin cream is the right solution to help prevent UV damage and help restore the skin to its normal colour.”
We have a lot of good research being done now, but there is a huge amount of research that needs to be done.’
I would really like to see the cream being used as an alternative to sunscreens.’
Vitamin A is essential for the formation of collagen, the protein that gives our skin its elasticity.
The researchers say it could also act as an anti-cancer agent by reducing the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.’
Vitamin-A supplements have been used as treatments for several skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, psoropharyngitis, psoriatic arthritis and multiple sclerosis,’ Professor Brown said.
The study was published in the British Journal of Dermopathy.
ProfessorBrown is part of a team that is currently developing a skin-softening gel, which she believes can be made more widely available.’
With the rise of sunscaping, many people don’t realise how damaging it is to their skin.
We have the knowledge to make it easier for people to see what the benefits of sun protection are,’ she added.’
Many people are now turning to sunscreen because of the increased amount of sun they have.’
The researchers are now developing a topical antiinflammatory gel that they hope will be available in time for people’s holidays.’
The gel will be a lot like a gel for children and teenagers who are sensitive to UVB, so they will not have to worry about damaging their skin,’ Professor Browns said.