White tea protects against sun damage

When topically applied, white tea may protect against sun damage and provide anti-aging benefits, say researchers at University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University. They applied a cream containing white tea extract to a patch of skin on the buttocks, an area not normally exposed to sunlight. The patch and a control patch without cream were then exposed to artificial sunlight. Researchers reapplied white tea extract and compared the results three days later.

They found the white tea extract protected against destruction of Langerhans' cells in the epidermis, the skin's top layer. The first skin cells to detect germs and mutated proteins caused by cancer cells, these cells are also very sensitive to sunlight damage. They were destroyed in the control patch, but not in the patch treated with white tea extract. It warded off DNA damage, likely by protecting against oxidative stress, say researchers.

"We know younger skin tends to be able to resist the oxidative stress associated with exposure to the destructive rays of sunlight," said Kevin Cooper, chairman of the dermatology department at UHC and CWRU. "The white tea extract also appears to build the skin's resistance against stresses that cause the skin to age." Previous research shows green tea is just as effective in protecting against UVA radiation (International Journal of Cancer, 102(5): 439-44, 2002). Look for natural skin care products containing white tea at your health food store.

Source: Health Supplement Retailer, hsrmagazine.com (January 30, 2003).