HealthCert Blog

A clinical trial in Texas sought to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral anti-ageing supplement in treating sun damaged skin, and found it be effective in significantly improving the appearance of facial photoaging.

The signs of skin ageing – including the development of fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration – are the result of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The primary cause of extrinsic ageing is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which breaks down the skin’s underlying structure and accelerates the appearance of aged skin. Strategies to treat or prevent these processes have traditionally been performed locally, with topical and injectable treatments. Essential nutrients – such as vitamins E and C, selenium, and zinc – have been shown to reduce the negative effects of UV radiation on skin through their anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties.

The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial saw participants take two anti-ageing supplement tablets (consisting of marine complex 210mg, vitamin C 54mg and zinc 4mg) or a placebo for 16 weeks. The subjects – who were all healthy women aged 35 to 60 years – were restricted from products or procedures that may have affected the condition and appearance of their skin, including direct sun or tanning bed exposure. Participants used a standardised facial cleanser and SPF15 moisturiser.

The study observed significant enhancements in clinical grading of overall facial appearance, radiant complexion, periocular wrinkles, visual and tactile roughness, and mottled hyperpigmentation, favouring the subjects in the anti-ageing supplement group.

Click here to access the full paper 

Source: The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology
Authors: Thomas J. Stephens, Monya L. Sigler, Peter D. Hino, Anne Le Moigne and Lisa Dispensa

To learn more, please join us at the next Certificate Courses in Aesthetic Medicine.