Lutein has a well-established role in eye health. There is accumulating evidence that lutein may also play a role in skin health. Its presence in human skin along with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity provide a rationale for a role in preventing ultraviolet-induced damage to skin. Epidemiological studies support a role for diets high in lutein and decreased risk of wrinkling and cancer. Recent intervention studies have shown lutein to prevent ultraviolet-induced carcinogenesis in animals and to improve skin physiology parameters in humans, including antioxidant protection from ultraviolet light irradiation. In this review, the authors explore the rationale and plausibility of a role for lutein in skin health.
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