Lutein compound - widely present in plants and taken as oral supplement for preserving eye health - was found to be extremely beneficial for the skin, because it increases skin's hydration level and elasticity and reduces the oxidation of superficial lipids in the epidermis. The study conducted by Italian scientists at the University of Naples was presented at the Beyond Beauty Paris conference in France.

Lutein is the green pigment in plants. Besides its role to give the color of green and dark-green vegetables and fruits, lutein also improves eyesight, the bone system and the teeth and protects and prevents our organism from cancer. Lutein is found in green vegetables and fruits, such as: cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, endives, asparagus, spinach, nettles, kiwi fruits, green apples, beans, peas, parsley, pepper grass, green tea etc.

Lutein is found all throughout our body, but it is very concentrated in the macula of the eyes. That is why it significantly inhibits the risk of developing macular degeneration of the eyes and is much recommended for individuals that have eye problems and also for the ones that make extensive use of their visual ability such as, for example, people that are over-exposed to sun rays or computer screens on a regular basis.

The results of the clinical study carried out by Italian experts showed that a 10 mg supplement of lutein administrated orally every day boosts skin hydration by 60%, skin elasticity by 20% , the levels of epidermis superficial lipids by 50%, while reducing the oxidation of the same superficial lipids by 64%.

The research was entitled 'Clinical Evidence for Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Skin Health, Part 1: Comparison of Placebo, Oral, Topical and Combined Oral/Topical Xanthophyll Treatments' and could be a breakthrough discovery in the continuous anti-aging fight.

"This research underscores the importance of thinking about skin health and beauty from the 'inside out.' The benefits of taking lutein daily will be of great interest to people who are looking for new ways to improve the hydration and elasticity of their skin and help reduce the appearance of premature aging," stated Bruce Katz, M.D., a dermatologist and director of the JUVA Skin & Laser Center in New York.