Lycopenes and other anti-oxidants can help protect against cellular damage and support normal cellular growth. A recent study examining the role of beta-carotene and lycopene in protection from ultra-violet UV radiation has expanded lycopenes potential benefits to include protection from UV damage.

Exposure to ultra-violet light by human skin has short and long-term effects. The short term are sunburn and tanning. The long term are skin aging and increased risk of skin problems. Scientific research data now indicates that lycopene may be a very important protection against UV lights on your skin. Lycopene is destroyed by UV radiation and thus you need some to replace it. If lycopene's powerful antioxidant capabilities is responsible for protecting against UV light, then raising our skin lycopene levels through health supplements can provide some protection from aging of skin, skin cancers, and carcinogenesis.