An innovative tomato-based complex could protect skin from UV damage, new research has suggested.

A report on CosmeticsDesign.com has revealed that LycroRed's tomato lycopene supplement could substantially cut the development of sunburned cells and curb the decline of skin Langerhan cells.

The Israeli company came upon the discovery by prescribing test subjects 10mg of the Lyc-O-Mato complex for a period of ten weeks before exposing them to UVA and UVB radiation.

Dr Zohar Nir, an expert at LycoRed, told CosmeticsDesign.com: "We checked the skin samples under the microscope and counted how many cells had died under the radiation.

"In the sample from untreated patients the number of sunburn cells was six times higher than the treated group."

The group claimed that damage to Langerhan cells was also significantly cut by using the treatment.

LycoRed has now submitted the complex for a Patent Co-operation Treaty, which will allow the firm to apply for global patent protection within the next 18 months.

© Adfero Ltd

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