Tomato-Based Sunscreen Coming to Beaches Near You
By Michelle Fabio
Protecting your skin from sun damage may get a little easier thanks to a new extract from our favorite fruit, the tomato.
LycoRed, a company that specializes in the development and production of plant extracts, has zeroed in on oleoresin from LycoRed’s specially-bred tomatoes.
Studies have shown that this tomato extract works to defeat free radicals and block harmful UV radiation from reaching the skin, potentially lowering risks of skin cancer as well as premature aging.
Lyc-O-Mato wouldn’t be recommended as a substitute for sunscreen, but it can offer added protection while keeping your skin more elastic, i.e., younger, as well.
Aside from its use as a cream or lotion, LycoRed’s formulation can also work its magic from inside the body as well; with its prominent lycopene and Vitamin E components, it is already used in capsule form by beauty and cosmetic companies, and it could also be a nutritional supplement too.
The tomato extract is currently available in Europe through Inneov, a venture between L’Oreal and Nestle, as well as through French company Oenobiol. LycoRed says the product should hit shelves in the US shortly.
So will you be slathering on tomato extract anytime soon?
Source: Lycomato’s Ingestible Sunscreen Based on Tomatoes So You Don’t Turn Into One
July 25th, 2008 at 1:21 am
I read someplace that just eating tomato products helps prevent sun damage.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Wow, Michelle, what a timely post! We’re about to head for the North carolina shore, and I was just obsessing about sunblock. Of course I’ll get us a tube of super-strong sunblock to protect our sensitive Pennsylvania skin, and cart straw hats and caps along, but oh yes, we’ll eat lots of yummy tomato salads and tomato sauces as well while we’re down there. Viva tomatoes!!!!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:25 am
How innovative! Processed tomatoes are supposed to be excellent anti-agers. Makes sense.
July 26th, 2008 at 4:26 am
Great news for us tomato lovers isn’t it?
Deb, perhaps you read that here at Tomato Casual in a post by Vanessa?:
Another Victory for Tomatoes and Lycopene?