In vivo Raman spectroscopic analysis of the influence of IR radiation on the carotenoid antioxidant substances beta-carotene and lycopene in the human skin. Formation of free radicals

Abstract

Resonance Raman spectroscopy was used as a fast and non-invasive optical method for the determination of the influence of IR radiation on the degradation of carotenoid antioxidant substances beta-carotene and lycopene in the human skin. It was found that the beta-carotene and lycopene concentration in the skin are decreased almost immediately subsequent to IR irradiation. The magnitude of degradation of carotenoids in the skin was determined at 27% for beta-carotene and 38% for lycopene on average. A strong correlation between the individual level of beta-carotene and lycopene in the skin of volunteers and the magnitude of destruction of carotenoids beta-carotene and lycopene in the skin was found to be R 2 =0.78 and R 2 =0.89 correspondingly. Taking into consideration the absence of absorption in the infrared range of spectra and the relative heat stability of carotenoids up to 50° C, the action of free radicals, which can be produced subsequent to IR irradiation in the skin, can be the main purpose for the degradation of carotenoid substances in the skin.