Researchers at Western New England University in Springfield, United States, explored whether grape-derived powder could shield the skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage. The study, reported in the journal antioxidants, offers fresh insights into how natural grape compounds may support skin health under sun exposure. The research focused on the link between diet, skin response to UV light, and the role of gut microbes in mediating protective effects. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence on how polyphenols in common foods influence skin resilience and overall aging processes. [Attribution: antioxidants journal, 2023]
In a controlled trial, 29 volunteers were enrolled to test daily grape powder intake equivalent to about 2.25 cups of grapes for two weeks. Skin responses to UV irradiation were measured at the start and at the end of the period, providing a before-and-after view of any protective shifts. The study design emphasized practical, real-world dosing, aiming to translate laboratory observations into everyday dietary patterns. [Attribution: antioxidants journal, 2023]
By the end of the study, roughly one third of participants showed increased resistance to sunburn, suggesting a tangible improvement in UV tolerance. Researchers also observed notable changes in the gut microbiome, which they hypothesize play a key role in mediating skin protection. The team highlighted how grape polyphenols may influence specific gut bacteria, potentially altering inflammatory pathways and the skin’s response to UV stress. These interconnected biological routes underscore the idea that nutrition and microbiota can jointly impact skin health. [Attribution: antioxidants journal, 2023]
Contextual data on skin cancer risk and sun aging provide a backdrop for these results. It is commonly estimated that up to one in five Americans could develop skin cancer by age 70, with solar UV exposure accounting for a large share of non-melanoma and melanoma cases. In addition, UV radiation is linked to a substantial portion of visible skin aging. While the study centers on grape polyphenols, the broader takeaway stresses the importance of sun protection, dietary quality, and gut health as complementary strategies for reducing UV-related damage over time. [Attribution: antioxidants journal, 2023]