Oral intake of a new full-spectrum hyaluronan improves skin profilometry and ageing: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

Skin aging is a physiological condition which leads to structural and functional changes in skin. Common signs of aging are the gradual decrease of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Therefore, effective HA supplementation could counteract HA deficiency and improve skin parameters, providing a safe profile for use which is easily incorporated into daily routine.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate a food supplement containing a wide range of hyaluronans of different molecular weights (full-spectrum hyaluronan [FS-HA]) in order to ameliorate skin conditions in adult females.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Sixty subjects showing mild-to-moderate skin aging signs were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to receive 200 mg/day of FS-HA (ExceptionHYAL® Star), or placebo, for 28 days. Dermatological parameters were evaluated at T and T. Product efficacy and tolerance were further evaluated using a self-assessment questionnaire. In addition, HA serum levels were weekly evaluated in a proportion of enrolled subjects.

RESULTS

After only 28 days, subjects in the active arm showed a statistically significant improvement in all evaluated dermatological parameters related to skin aging. Skin became more hydrated (+10.6%) and protected from dehydration, with a decrease in both wrinkle depth (-18.8%) and volume (-17.6%) and increase in elasticity and firmness (+5.1%). Instrumental results were further confirmed by self-assessment questionnaire outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Administration of a food supplement based on innovative hyaluronans from bio-fermentation, characterized by a wide range of molecular weights, resulted in a quick and significant amelioration of typical signs of skin aging.