In vitro study demonstrates that phytochemical creams protect skin cells against ultraviolet damage and senescence, suggesting potential topical benefits against photoaging.
Key Points
To evaluate the ability of phytochemical-containing creams with SPF to protect cultured human skin cell lines from ultraviolet radiation-induced damage, cellular senescence, and DNA mutations.
Pre-treated human skin fibroblasts (HFF1), skin-isolated stem cells (SSCs), and keratinocytes (HaCaT) with two SPF-containing creams for 72 hours prior to UV light exposure.
Assessed gene expression of key cell cycle regulators (p16, p19, p21, p53, and TERT) and quantified senescence using beta-galactosidase colorimetric assays.
Measured antioxidant capacity to neutralize free radicals from oxidative stress and evaluated UV-induced DNA mutations.
Pre-treatment with tested creams protected all skin cell populations from UV-mediated damage and premature senescence while promoting a younger phenotype.
Formulations stimulated cellular DNA repair mechanisms and counteracted oxidative stress by reducing free radical production across all treated cell types.