In a recent review article published in the journal Antioxidants, scientists in the United States and South Korea discuss the benefits of topical and dietary blueberry supplementation in preventing environmental stressor-mediated skin damage and preserving skin health.
Blueberries are a rich source of many bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties, including flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds. Anthocyanin is the major polyphenol in blueberry, which is responsible for its blue color. This compound has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Studies investigating the topical application of phytochemicals have indicated that bioactive compounds present in blueberries, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and resveratrol, provide protection against common environmental stressors.
Another health benefit of topical blueberry extract application is the improvement of the skin barrier function. The UV radiation-mediated degradation of skin proteins filaggrin and involucrin is responsible for the loss of barrier function and induction of chronic skin inflammation. Blueberry topical application has been found to increase the levels of these proteins to protect against UV radiation.
