As the winter chill gives way to the warmth of spring, we eagerly shed our heavy layers and bask in the sun's rejuvenating glow. Yet, while the sun's rays may lift our spirits, they can also wreak havoc on our skin, accelerating the signs of aging and compromising the skin's delicate barrier.
UVA rays, in particular, penetrate deep into the dermis, generating reactive oxygen species that induce DNA damage, oxidative stress, and the destruction of collagen and elastin fibers—the very building blocks of youthful, radiant skin. But new research has uncovered a powerful ally in the fight against photoaging: the active form of vitamin B9, folate, as Quatrefolic®.
In a soon-to-be-published study, dermal fibroblasts were exposed to UVA irradiation to mimic sun exposure and then supplemented with 5-MTHF (the bioactive form of folate found in Quatrefolic®). The results were remarkable: 5-MTHF demonstrated dose-dependent uptake by the fibroblasts, remaining stable for up to 48 hours—a critical factor in promoting proper cellular repair. Moreover, 5-MTHF provided significant protection against UVA-induced oxidative stress, reducing cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS production, especially at higher concentrations.
But the benefits of Quatrefolic® don't stop there. Folate has also been shown to boost DNA repair and synthesis, which are necessary for healthy skin cell production and turnover, antioxidant activity, and enhanced collagen production. By supporting these vital processes, Quatrefolic® contributes to overall skin health and protection against sun-induced damage.
As we embrace the warmer months and the promise of radiant, youthful skin, Quatrefolic® emerges as a game-changing solution, harnessing the power of folate to transform the way we approach skincare from the inside out.
Quatrefolic®, a clinically supported ingredient readily recognized by the body, is a star of the Gnosis by Lesaffre offering and a prime example of how "Thinking like Nature" can change the standard of human health.
Reference:
1 Barbarossa S, et al. Feeding skin cellular regeneration: the importance of 1C metabolism and the potential of 5-MTHF. Novel Approaches for Skin Health 10 June 2025.
