Protective effects of an extract of the freshwater microalga Scenedesmus rubescens on UV-irradiated skin cells

Abstract

Background

Skin aging results from intrinsic but also extrinsic factors of which UV-irradiation is a main cause. It is hence of interest to have means to protect skin from UV -irradiation induced damage. We selected an extract of the freshwater microalga Scenedesmus rubescens and assessed its potential to protect skin from photoaging caused by UV-irradiation.

Methods

Skin cells in-vitro and ex-vivo were analyzed for markers of UV-irradiation induced photodamage such as decreased viability, decreased collagen content, hyperpigmentation, and sunburn cells.

Results

We found that a dry extract of the microalga Scenedesmus rubescens was able to suppress cellular signs of ageing induced by UV-irradiation. It enhanced dermal fibroblast viability, rescued dermal collagen content, inhibited the formation of sunburn cells, and inhibited tyrosinase activity.

Conclusion

An extract of Scenedesmus rubescens showed broad activity against markers of UV-irradiation induced cutaneous ageing. It may therefore be used as a preventive or regenerative agent for anti-ageing strategies.

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