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This word is associated with carrots, and we have known it since childhood: only the lazy did not learn that beta-carotene is good for vision. In fact, the benefits of this substance are wider, which is well known to cosmetics manufacturers.
What is beta carotene
In terms of beauty, beta-carotene has two main properties.
It is the most powerful antioxidant with many positive effects, which will be discussed below.
It helps to get a beautiful tan.because it is itself a pigment. It is no coincidence that girls in Brazil drink a glass of carrot juice before going to the beach.
From the point of view of general biology, beta-carotene is a plant component that is converted in the body into vitamin A (retinol), one of the most important substances for skin beauty. In the beauty industry, the word “retinol” has become something of a mantra: products with its active participation, both home and professional, are a huge success.
Beta-carotene is named after carrots.
But back to the predecessor of retinol. Beta-carotene is an orange pigment named after the carrot (carota in Latin). The point is not only in the cheerful, warm color, but also in the wonderful properties that it possesses.
The family of carotenes is very large – there are about 600 of them. Lycopene, which is popular today, also belongs to them.
What is it needed for
As a powerful antioxidant, beta-carotene inhibits free radical activity, preventing cell damage. Thus, it protects us from premature aging. Many studies have shown the beneficial effect of beta-carotene on human immunity precisely against the background of oxidative stress (in completely healthy people, this effect was minimal).
Bright vegetables and greens are good sources of beta-carotene.
They say that we do not feel the presence of vitamins, but only their deficiency. And the lack of vitamin A manifests itself primarily externally – the skin becomes dry, cracked, flaky, covered with acne. All this can be accompanied by impaired vision, decreased immunity. Children may have growth retardation. During pregnancy, it is especially important to get enough beta-carotene.
By the way, unlike vitamin A itself, beta-carotene is practically non-toxic even with an overabundance. If there is too much of it in the body, this is manifested by a slight darkening of the skin.
Useful properties for the skin
Antioxidant protection cells from damage and aging.
Speed up processes regeneration.
Protection from ultraviolet radiation. A pleasant side effect is an even tan. Recall: carrot juice inside and products with SPF externally are the secret to perfect skin tone.
Healing properties.
Finally, beta-carotene helps to cope with the signs of vitamin A deficiency.
Products containing beta carotene
Beta-carotene is found in all bright vegetables – carrots, pumpkins, peppers, tomatoes. Moreover, the amount of pigment varies within fairly large limits, depending on the saturation of the color. All (!) Leaves of plants are also rich in valuable substance. This means that greens like spinach, sorrel, arugula, basil, mint are also a source of beta-carotene.
A couple of carrots a day covers the daily requirement for beta-carotene. Just keep in mind: in grated carrots, a quarter of an hour after cooking, it almost does not remain.
Unlike most useful substances, beta-carotene does not lose its properties during heat treatment (heating or freezing), but rather accumulates!
The waters of Lake Sasyk are rich in beta-carotene.
Interestingly, beta-carotene is produced on a huge – literally industrial – scale by some algae and fungal cultures. Pink Lake Sasyk in Crimea is a living miracle of nature, rich in beta-carotene.
For dietary supplements and cosmetics, this substance is obtained just using algae and fungi.
Application in cosmetics
In cosmetics, beta-carotene is often included in products:
against pigmentation;
for and after sunburn;
nourishing and anti-aging;
for the skin around the eyes;
for hands.
Beta-carotene is one of the main ingredients in Kiehl’s eye care products. It is important that such products are suitable for people who wear contact lenses.
Funds overview
© Kiehl’s
Cream for the skin around the eyes with avocado Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, Kiehl’s moisturizes and refreshes the thin and delicate epidermis in this vulnerable area. It has a pleasant light texture.
© Kiehl’s
Nourishing body cream Creme de Corps, Kiehl’s with a thick texture, it is well distributed over the skin, does not leave a feeling of stickiness and greasy. In addition to beta-carotene, the composition contains squalane to moisturize the skin, avocado and sesame oils with a softening and lipid-replenishing effect, aloe vera extract as a soothing component.