摘要
Skin photoaging, driven primarily by ultraviolet radiation, remains a critical dermatological concern. Carotenoids, a class of natural pigments with potent antioxidant properties, have emerged as promising agents for preventing and mitigating photoaging. This review comprehensively integrates current understanding regarding the triggers of skin photoaging, oxidative stress and their associated signal pathways, the photoprotective roles and mechanisms of carotenoids, as well as their bioavailability. Common C40 carotenoids, such as β-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin demonstrate remarkable antioxidant activity, primarily attributed to their conjugated double bond structures. Many studies have demonstrated that both oral and topical administration of these C40 carotenoids can effectively alleviate skin photoaging. Specifically, they play a crucial role in promoting the formation of a new skin barrier and enhancing the production of collagen and elastin, key structural proteins essential for maintaining skin integrity and elasticity. Mechanistically, these carotenoids combat photoaging by effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species and modulating oxidative stress responsive signal pathways, including MAPK, Nrf2, and NF-κB. Notably, we also anticipate the anti-photoaging potential of novel carotenoids, with a particular emphasis on bacterioruberin, a C50 carotenoid derived from halophilic archaea. Bacterioruberin exhibits a superior radical scavenging capacity, outperforming the conventional C40 carotenoids. Furthermore, when considering the application of carotenoids, aspects such as safe dosage, bioavailability, and possible long term usage issues, including allergies and pigmentation disorders, must be taken into account. This review underscores the anti-photoaging mechanism of carotenoids, providing strategies and theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of photoaging.
摘要译文
皮肤光照主要由紫外线辐射驱动，仍然是一个关键的皮肤病学问题。类胡萝卜素是具有有效抗氧化特性的一类天然色素，已成为预防和减轻光泽的有前途的药物。这篇评论全面整合了有关皮肤光照触发，氧化应激及其相关信号途径，类胡萝卜素的光保护作用和机制及其生物利用度的当前理解。常见的C40类胡萝卜素，例如β-胡萝卜素，番茄红素，astaxanthin，叶黄素和Zeaxanthin表现出显着的抗氧化活性，主要归因于它们的共轭双键结构。许多研究表明，这些C40类胡萝卜素的口服和局部给药都可以有效地减轻皮肤光泽。具体而言，它们在促进新的皮肤屏障的形成并增强胶原蛋白和弹性蛋白的产生，这是维持皮肤完整性和弹性必不可少的关键结构蛋白，从而起着至关重要的作用。从机械上讲，这些类胡萝卜素通过有效清除活性氧和调节包括MAPK，NRF2和NF-κB在内的氧化应激响应信号途径来对抗光照。值得注意的是，我们还期待新型类胡萝卜素的抗活性潜力，并特别强调了细菌蛋白素，这是一种源自卤素古细菌的C50类胡萝卜素。细菌素蛋白素具有优于传统的C40类胡萝卜素的优质根本清除能力。此外，在考虑采用类胡萝卜素的应用时，必须考虑到诸如安全剂量，生物利用度以及可能的长期使用问题（包括过敏和色素沉着障碍）等方面。这篇综述强调了类胡萝卜素的抗光老化机制，为预防和治疗光学提供了策略和理论基础。
Yingchao Ma (https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0456-3558) [1];Chengxiang Li (https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4902-1459) [2];Wanping Su [3];Zhongshi Sun [4];Shuo Gao [5];Wei Xie [6];Bo Zhang [7];Liying Sui [8];. Carotenoids in Skin Photoaging: Unveiling Protective Effects, Molecular Insights, and Safety and Bioavailability Frontiers[J]. Antioxidants, 2025,14(5): 577