Carotene and other carotenoids for protection from sunlight
What it found
In people, diets or supplements rich in beta-carotene or lycopene have shown protective effects against sun damage to the skin.
Protection takes several weeks to appear and is much weaker than sunscreen.
What they found
Studies in people
Protection in people
Human intervention studies have documented protective effects for beta-carotene or for lycopene, given either through a carotenoid-rich diet or as a supplement.
Time to take effect
Because of the natural turnover time of skin, several weeks are needed before protective effects appear.
Compared with sunscreen
Photoprotection from single dietary components such as beta-carotene or lycopene, measured as sun protection factor, is considerably lower than from topical sunscreens.
Animal and lab studies
How it may work
Light sets off oxidative reactions in exposed tissues. Carotenoids are thought to work by mopping up reactive oxygen species.
UV-absorbing molecules
Phytoene and phytofluene are precursor molecules of higher unsaturated carotenoids and are found in various fruit and vegetables. Their absorption spectra cover the UVB and UVA range, so they may add to the photoprotective effects of carotenoid-rich food.
Other findings
Other food components
Food is a complex mix of many substances, so other components may also add to the effect seen.
What the authors conclude
“However, an optimal supply of antioxidant micronutrients in the skin increases basal dermal defense against UV irradiation, supports longer-term protection, and contributes to maintenance of skin health and appearance.”
Also in their conclusions
- They say an optimal supply of antioxidant micronutrients in the skin increases basal dermal defense against UV irradiation.
- They add that it supports longer-term protection and contributes to maintenance of skin health and appearance.
How it was done
The authors looked at whether nutrients taken by mouth, rather than applied to the skin, can help protect against skin damage from sunlight.
They reviewed human intervention studies in which people got beta-carotene or lycopene through a carotenoid-rich diet or supplements.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- The review does not give numbers for how much protection people got or how many people were studied.
- It cannot show whether taking carotenoids prevents skin cancer or other long-term sun damage.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany
The paper
- Title
- β-Carotene and other carotenoids in protection from sunlight
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Evidence
- Studies in people · animals · lab
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Stahl W, Sies H (2012). β-Carotene and other carotenoids in protection from sunlight. The American journal of clinical nutrition. doi:10.3945/ajcn.112.034819PubMed 23053552DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error