Antioxidant Founds In Berries And Pomegranates Lessens Sun-Damaged Skin

The polyphenol ellagic acid, an antioxidant found mostly in berries and pomegranates, protects the skin from collagen breakdown and thus wrinkling as a result of sun exposure when taken orally or applied topically, a Korean study in mice has found. According to the researchers, when applied to the skin of hairless mice, ellagic acid lessened ultraviolet ray-induced skin roughening and thickening that causes wrinkles. The compound also prevented collagen destruction and skin reddening (inflammation). The researchers concluded that “dietary and pharmacological interventions with berries rich in ellagic acid may be promising treatment strategies interrupting skin wrinkle and inflammation associated with chronic UV exposure leading to photoaging.”