GET AN A-LISTER GLOW WITH LYCOPENE

Lycopene – pronounced like-o-peen – is a natural ingredient in skincare products loved by A Listers.

Gil Gadot and Sophia Veraga are among its celebrity devotees, and Gwyneth Paltrow uses an abundance of it in her pricey GOOP skincare.

But what exactly is lycopene and where does it come from?

• Lycopene is a phytonutrient (i.e. natural compound) carotenoid (i.e. plant chemical) which gives certain vegetables and fruits their pink/ red colour
• Tomatoes, sweet red peppers, and watermelons are rich in lycopene
• It is known as ‘king of the antioxidants’ – natural molecules which help bone health and fight the toxic free radicals (atoms) that are linked to skin photo-ageing (caused by sun and daylight) and blemishes.

Numerous dermatological studies have clinically proven lycopene’s anti-inflammatory benefits and its ability to improve skin moisturisation, skin texture, and skin elasticity. Tomatoes are filled with this powerful  phytochemical, which helps boosts our natural collagen and gives skin its taut, youthful structure.

High-grade lycopene extracts don’t come cheap. Many of the topical skin serums and creams featuring this active ingredient are therefore prohibitively expensive for regular use. And not all these lotions are easily absorbed into the skin.

Following a daily Mediterranean diet, like Penelope Cruz and Brooke Burke, is one way to build up lycopene from within. In large enough quantities, lycopene-rich foods – including  sweet potatoes - can give you a radiant glow and protect the skin from UVA and UVB damage, as well as fighting acne, rashes, and dryness.

But it’s difficult to get adequate amounts of lycopene in the average Northern European diet. Most of the fruit and vegetables we consume are imported and have lost some of their lycopene content through the packaging and transportation process.

Lycopene supplements are an option, but the correct formula is crucial. For best results, Lycopene must be extracted from high grade sources and carefully blended with other antioxidants.

For optimum skin health, lycopene works best in conjunction with Vitamins A and E, both of which are present in tomatoes. Beta carotene and Vitamin C are also compatible.

The much-publicised LYMA brand uses high potency lycopene in its skincare supplement. But at a whopping €235 for a month’s supply in their copper container, it is enormously overpriced. A much more affordable and equally effective alternative is MY Nutra Glow (€34.99) by Irish skincare supplements company, VISAGE+ 

Formulated and made in Ireland for dull, photo-aged, and congested skin, these plant-based nutri-capsules contain high-potency lycopene and turmeric complex, plus eleven other clinically proven ingredients including hydrating Hyaluronic Acid – which LYMA lacks.

The active lycopene complex in MY Nutra Glow is derived from highly nutritious cherry tomato extract. In the VISAGE+   consumer trials in the US, Ireland, and the UK, 96% of testers reported a noticeable improvement in their skin tone, clarity, and hydration within three weeks of taking MY Nutra Glow daily.

Testers and customers have also described MY Nutra Glow as a “tan-keeper,” citing its ability to prolong a suntan and to resurrect a  fading summer glow. The inclusion of Gotu-Kola and high-strength Vitamin D3 is another winner for MY Nutra Glow, “a beauty supplement loaded with health benefits”, according to an independent clinical scientist quoted on the company’s website.

For further info, see www.visageplus.ie.