Protection Against Sunburn And Skin Problems With Topical And Orally-Ingested Dosages of Zeaxanthin

A method of reducing the incidence or severity of an unwanted skin discoloration or irregularity, comprising:

• ingesting, over a period of time, at least 10 milligrams per day of zeaxanthin, the ingested zeaxanthin being in an oral formulation that is one of a group consisting of a capsule, a tablet, and a liquid, the zeaxanthin in the oral formulation being predominantly present in the form of the R-R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin;
• and
• during the period of time, applying a topical formulation to the skin at a location of the unwanted skin coloration or irregularity so as to reduce the severity of the unwanted skin coloration or irregularity on the skin, the topical formulation being in the form that is one of a group consisting of a lotion, an ointment, or a cream, the topical formulation including zeaxanthin.

A method of reducing the incidence or severity of an unwanted skin discoloration or irregularity, comprising:

• ingesting, over a period of time, at least 20 milligrams per day of zeaxanthin, the ingested zeaxanthin being in an oral formulation that is one of a group consisting of a capsule, a tablet, and a liquid, the zeaxanthin being the predominate carotenoid in the oral formulation, the oral formulation including at least one vegetable oil and at least one second active ingredient, the at least one second active ingredient being selected from the group consisting of melanocyte-stimulating hormone and analogs, non-zeaxanthin carotenoids, tyrosine, green tea extract, lutein, lipoic acid, and selenomethionine.