In view of increasing skin cancer rates and the interest in preventing photoaging, effect enhancers (adjuvants) for sunscreens are more in demand than ever. Scientists are continuing to search for potential new natural molecules that could protect the skin even more effectively from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. A recent study has uncovered an unexpected ingredient that might do just that: turmeric. But can the trendy spice be an effective UV filter?
Turmeric is already known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties that help treat eczema and psoriasis. One of its molecules in particular, curcumin, is proving to be an interesting aidvarious skin problems. And it is precisely this active ingredient that American researchers paid attention to when searching for the UV filter of the future.
Curcumin nanoparticles provide sustained topical delivery
Their study, conducted in rodents, confirms the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin on the skin and highlights “its potential as a photoprotective adjuvant (aid) when delivered through nanoparticles.” This process aims to overcome some of the limitations of curcumin that researchers have identified in previous studies, including its low water solubility and rapid degradation in vivo. The substance is still a long way from being used in everyday products. In view of these encouraging initial results, the scientists now want to go further and test whether the active molecule could be used as a solar filter.
In an interview with Dermatology Times, Adam J. Friedman, a professor at George Washington University who was involved in this American study, is enthusiastic about these results and already sees the potential of curcumin, even if the research is not yet very advanced. “Ideally, it would be incorporated into a sunscreen or moisturizer to be used in combination with a sunscreen,” explains the scientist, who believes that another formulation would be possible as a “do-over” – that is, when you forget to use it Apply sunscreen.
Curcumin seems to have a bright future if the researcher is to be believed. “Today there is increasing scientific evidence supporting the usefulness of curcumin in the treatment of chronic pain, osteoarthritis and inflammatory dermatoses such as psoriasisAcceleration of wound closureand for bacterial, fungal and viral skin infections as well as cosmetic complaints such as pigmentation disorders,” he explains.
Reference: Experimental Dermatology (January 15, 2021)”Curcumin nanoparticles as a photoprotective adjuvant“, Nagasai C. Adusumilli, Breanne Mordorski, Joshua Nosanchuk, Joel M. Friedman, Adam J. Friedman
