Hydrogen Protects Skin Cells from UV Damage Through Antioxidant Pathway
Hydrogen ameliorates oxidative stress via PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in UVB-induced HaCaT cells
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress · Skin & Dermatology System
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Bingxin Zhang, Zishen Zhao, Xiaoyin Meng, Hongguang Chen, Guojun Fu, Ke-Liang Xie
- Journal
- International Journal of Molecular Medicine
- Year
- 2018
- PMID
- 29532858
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Medium (Dissolved)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 37 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Hydrogen gas can help protect skin cells from damage caused by UV rays by activating a protective pathway in the cells.
Key Finding
Hydrogen reduced oxidative stress markers in UVB-damaged skin cells and activated protective cellular defense pathways, with effects partially dependent on the PI3K/Akt signaling mechanism.
Summary
This laboratory study examined how molecular hydrogen protects skin cells from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. Researchers exposed human skin cells to UVB radiation and treated some with hydrogen. They found that hydrogen reduced harmful molecules called free radicals (reactive oxygen species) and activated protective defense systems within the cells, specifically through a pathway involving proteins called PI3K, Akt, and Nrf2.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage laboratory study in isolated skin cells, not humans, so its relevance to drinking hydrogen water or using hydrogen products for skin protection remains unclear. While the findings suggest hydrogen may have antioxidant effects in skin cells exposed to UV damage, much more research—including human studies—would be needed before drawing conclusions about real-world benefits for photoaging or sun damage prevention.
Abstract (excerpt)
Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure-induced oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of skin damage. However, the nuclear factor erythroid‑2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway is a critical factor in protecting cells against UVB‑induced injury through inhibiting oxidative stress…