Specifically formulated to aid the maintenance of healthy skin during summer months and promote protection against UV exposure. This product is formulated using a variety of antioxidants and skin-supporting ingredients. To be used in conjunction with a suitable sunscreen for optimal protection.

What are the ingredients of Viridian's S.P.F Skin Pro-Factors?

• SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE

• A group of enzymes that help catalyse reactions involved in the dismutation of superoxide radicals, thus protecting the cells against oxidative stress. Along with catalase and glutathione peroxidase, SOD is required as the first line of defence against the formation of free radicals that can contribute cellular damage. Levels of SOD decrease as we age, thus increasing the risk of disease pathogenesis due to impaired ability to protect against oxidative stress.

• ASTAXANTHIN

• Derived naturally from the Haematococcus pluvialis algae, astaxanthin is a reddish pigment that is classified as a carotenoid. This potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent may reduce skin deterioration caused by chronic exposure to UVB rays.

• CAROTENOID MIX

• Naturally sourced from D. Salina Algae. Carotenoids are a class of red/orange pigments that are abundant in fruits and vegetables. The most-studied carotenoids include lutein, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and alpha-carotene. As powerful antioxidants, carotenoids have been studied to support eye health, cardiovascular health, and skin photosensitivity. Some carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A internally.

• GRAPE SEED EXTRACT

• Rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), grape seed extract is a potent antioxidant that can protect cell membranes against water and fat-soluble free radicals. As highly bioavailable compounds, proanthocyanidins are flavonoids that have been noted to support vascular health and the prevention of degenerative and metabolic disorders.

  What is Viridian's S.P.F used for?

SKIN MAINTENANCE AND UV PROTECTION- Environmental factors such as chronic UV ray exposure and skin dryness can exacerbate aging and deterioration of skin. UV radiation may cause pigmentary changes, wrinkling, loss of skin elasticity, and carcinoma6. Exposure to UV rays causes an increased generation of reactive oxygen species, which are harmful free radicals that can trigger changes to the cell’s proteins and DNA, causing altered function (Figure 1).

UV generates oxidative free radicals. UV photons interact with atomic oxygen to promote formation of free radical derivatives such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and the highly reactive hydroxyl radical. Free radicals avidly attack macromolecules such as protein, lipid, RNA and DNA, altering their structure and interfering with their function.

Consuming or supplementing the diet with antioxidant-rich compounds may help inhibit premature skin aging. In a clinical trial, astaxanthin supplementation significantly reduced photoaging, wrinkle formation and UV-induced release of damaging cytokines. After 16 weeks of 6-12mg astaxanthin supplementation, 65 female participants in Japan experienced positive changes to skin condition compared to placebo. Specifically, astaxanthin supplementation notably improved skin elasticity and moisture and reduced wrinkle formation. Furthermore, the astaxanthin suppressed the secretion of inflammatory cytokines caused by UV exposure.

In two additional trials investigating the effects of astaxanthin on skin, positive results were also noted. In one study, 6mg of daily astaxanthin supplementation in 30 female subjects improved skin wrinkles, age spot size, and skin moisture.

Skin surface photographs and replica images of crow’s feet after astaxanthin supplementation. Improvement in wrinkle depth and skin smoothness noted.

Another investigation conducted on 36 males also observed beneficial effects of 6mg astaxanthin supplementation on skin moisture and elasticity.

How does Grape Seed Extract work?

Oxidative stress can also lead to hyperpigmentation and skin discolouration (chloasma). It was observed that supplementing with an OPC-rich grape seed extract can improve chloasma, particularly around the summer months. After 6 months of grape seed extract supplementation in 12 Japanese women, a significant reduction in melanin-index and hyperpigmentation signs were observed.

What does SOD do?

A study that investigated the beneficial effects of antioxidants on oxidative cell damage is a trial conducted by Muth CM9 on superoxide dismutase (SOD). In 20 healthy volunteers, supplementation with an oral preparation of SOD contributed to reduced blood isoprastane levels (marker of oxidative stress) after exposure to an oxygen test9. Using the same mechanism, SOD may help prevent DNA damage to skin cells caused by UV-induced oxidative stress. To further confirm the antioxidative capacity of SOD, another study that used a SOD-rich melon extract noted photoprotective effects after supplementation. SOD supplementation or topical application significantly increased endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced sunburn cell formation in response to UV radiation.

What does Beta-carotene do?

Another nutrient that has shown promising results with regards to UV protection is beta-carotene. In a meta-analysis conducted in Germany, beta-carotene supplementation with a dose between 15mg- 180mg for 3-24 weeks observed a stronger photoprotective effect as trials increased in duration. The mechanism of action of beta-carotene in protecting skin is suggested to arise from its antioxidative capabilities. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that beta-carotene may interrupt signalling pathways that are induced by oxidative damage.

Supporting the findings of this meta-analysis, a trial conducted in women also promotes the use of beta-carotene in preventing photoaging of skin. After supplementation with 30mg beta-carotene for 90 days, improvements in facial wrinkles and skin elasticity due to UV exposure was noted. Photoprotective efficacy was even noted in studies that used low doses of beta-carotene (6mg)13. Thus, beta-carotene supplementation is well-established in research to have notable photoprotective effects on human skin, according to a large body of trials.

• CARDIOVASCULAR SUPPORT- Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are major contributors of atherosclerosis, that can lead to detrimental cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidant therapy, such as astaxanthin supplementation, has been reported to improve blood lipid profiles and reduce oxidative damage to blood vessels that can lead to atherosclerosis.

Similarly, grape seed extract positively affected cardiovascular risk markers, where notable improvements on blood pressure resulted from supplementation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS- None known.

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING – Not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding, please refer to the Pregnancy Complex

DRUG INTERACTIONS- None known.

RECOMMENDED USE- 1 to 3 capsules daily with food. Timing: ideally take this product 2 weeks before travelling and then daily during the period of sun exposure. Not suitable for children under.

Products that would go with Viridian's S.P.F Skin Pro-Factors.

Ultimate Beauty Skin Repair Oil, Ultimate Beauty Complex, Ultimate Beauty Omega oil, Ultimate Beauty Skin Hydration.