Eating habits ‘can affect skin’s sun protection ability’

Eating at abnormal times may have a negative impact on the skin's ability to protect against the sun.

This is according to a new study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, which has indicated that poor eating habits can disrupt the skin's biological clock in a way that prevents it from filtering out harmful ultraviolet radiation.

A study of mice showed that when the otherwise nocturnal animals were given food only during the day, they sustained more skin damage when exposed to ultraviolet B light during the day than during the night.

This occurred at least in part because an enzyme that repairs UV-damaged skin called xeroderma pigmentosum group A shifted its daily cycle to be less active in the day. Animals eating on a normal cycle did not undergo this shift, and were less susceptible to UV damage.

Dr Joseph Takahashi, chairman of neuroscience at UT Southwestern Medical Center's Peter O'Donnell Jr Brain Institute, said: "This finding is surprising. I did not think the skin was paying attention to when we are eating."

With over 20 years of experience within the science market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current science roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.