Zeaxanthin and lutein

• In 2007 Skin Pharmacology and Physiology published a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial which showed that a combination of both oral and topical administration of lutein and zeaxanthin provided skin protection against aging caused by UV light, with oral administration offering more potent protection. [Source]

Probiotics – Decreased sensitive and increased rate of recovery

• In 2014 Beneficial Microbes published a 2-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 64 subjects which showed that probiotic supplementation improved skin barrier function recovery and decreased skin sensitivity. [Source]
• In 2009 Dermato-Endocrinology published a double-blind, placebo-controlled study which demonstrated that the probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii reduced recovery time related to the protective function of skin cells after UV exposure. [Source]

Flavanol-rich chocolate

• In 2009 the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published a double-blind study in which 30 volunteers consumed 20 grams per day of either low- or high-flavanol chocolate. After 12 weeks the high flavanol group displayed more than double their natural skin protection from UV light, while no significant change was seen in the low flavanol group. The authors concluded that high-flavanol chocolate can help protect skin against damaging UV rays. [Source]

Psychological stress

• In 2015 Mechanisms of Ageing and Development published an animal study which found that mice submitted to psychological stress for 28 days had more wrinkled skin, with reduced thickness, collagen and elastin levels. [Source]

Aloe vera – Reduced facial wrinkles

• In 2009 Annals of Dermatology published a study in which 30 females over the age of 45 with photo damaged skin received had a significant reduction in facial wrinkles and improved skin elasticity as well as increased collagen production after 90 days of 1,200 mg/d dietary aloe vera gel supplementation. [Source]

Aloe vera – Erythema (skin redness)

• In 2014 Pharmacognosy Magazine published a study which found that aloe vera and aloe ferox gels reduced skin redness (arythema) similarly to hydrocortisone gel after 6 days of treatment. [Source]

Aloe vera – Dry irritated skin

• In 2003 the American Journal of Infection Control published a study in which assembly line workers with dry hands wore an aloe vera coated glove for 8hrs/day for 30 days. Noticeable improvement was seen after 3.5 days and marked improvement was seen after 10.4 days. subjects saw improved skin integrity and reduced fine wrinkling. [Source]

Astaxanthin – Skin Protection

• In 2014 in the Journal of Medicinal Food published a placebo-controlled study involving 44 subjects which found that 12 weeks supplementation with 2 mg/day astaxanthin combined with 3 g/day collagen hydrolysate improved facial elasticity and skin barrier integrity in sun-damaged facial skin. [Source]
• In 2012 Acta Biochimica Polonica published an open-label trial where 6 mg/day oral astaxanthin supplementation combined with 2 mL/day topical astaxanthin for 8 weeks decreased wrinkles and age spots and improved skin texture, elasticity and moisture content in 30 women. [Source]
• In 2012 Acta Biochimica Polonica published a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 6 weeks supplementation with 6 mg/day astaxanthin improved crow’s feet, wrinkles, skin elasticity and transepidermal water loss (moisture loss though the skin) in 36 healthy males. [Source]
• In 2010 the Journal of Dermatological Science published an in vitro study which showed that astaxanthin could provide a significant protection against the effects of sun damaged skin – specifically sagging and wrinkles. [Source]

Acupuncture – Skin conditions

• In 2015 the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a review of 24 studies in which acupuncture was used to treat a variety of skin conditions. In 17 of these studies acupuncture significantly improved skin conditions including dermatitis, pruritus, hyperhidrosis and melasma. [Source]

Collagen – Skin elasticity and moisture

• In 2014 Skin Pharmacology and Physiology published a double-blind in which 69 women received either 2.5 or 5 grams of collagen hydrolysate or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. At the end of the study period both collagen groups had significantly improved skin elasticity compared to the placebo group. There were no side effects seen in the study. [Source]
• In 2016 the Journal of the Science of Food Agriculture published a double-blind study which found that, compared to a placebo, collagen hydrolysate (particularly with higher levels of bioactive collagen peptides) improved facial moisture, elasticity, wrinkles and roughness with no adverse effects. [Source]

Royal Jelly – Protection Against Skin Aging

• In 2012 the Journal of Medicinal Food published an animal study involving female rats with estrogen deficiency caused by the removal of both ovaries. The estrogen deficiency lead to a reduction in collagen and thinner skin. Supplementation of one percent royal jelly in the diet restored collagen to close to normal levels, thus protecting against skin aging. [Source]

Vitamin A – Reduce wrinkles associated with skin aging

• In 2007 Archives of Dermatology published a double-blind study in which 36 elderly subjects received treatment with .4 percent retinol (vitamin A) on one arm and its vehicle (control) on the other arm up to 3 times per week for 24 weeks.  Results showed that topical retinol improved fine wrinkles associated with aging, likely through increased skin hydration and collagen production. [Source]

Water – skin hydration

• In 2015 Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology published a study involving 49 women which showed that an additional 2 liters (approximately 8 cups) of water consumed daily lead to significant modifications in deep skin hydration after 30 days. [Source]

Colloidal oatmeal

• In 2015 the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology published a study involving 29 female subjects with mild-to-moderate itch with moderate-to-severe dry skin on their lower legs. Results showed significant clinical improvements in roughness, dryness, scaling and itch when treated with a colloidal oatmeal skin lotion. [Source]

Dead sea salt

• In 2005 International Journal of Dermatology published a study in which individuals with dry skin saw a reduction in roughness, dryness and redness after 6 weeks when using a 5 percent dead sea salt solution for 15 minutes daily. [Source]

Coconut oil

• In 2008 Dermatitis published a 4-week, double-blind study comparing virgin coconut oil to virgin olive oil in 26 subjects affected by atopic dermatitis. While both oils were effective, virgin coconut oil showed greater efficacy in reducing Staphylococcus aureus – a bacteria present on the skin of individuals affected by atopic dermatitis.  [Source]
• In 2014 the International Journal of Dermatology published a 117-patient, double-blind trial comparing virgin coconut oil to mineral oil for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. After 8 weeks, of those in the virgin coconut oil group, 47 percent achieved moderate improvement and 46 percent saw excellent results. In the mineral oil group 34 percent saw moderate results and 19 percent achieved excellent results. [Source]
• In 2004 Dermatitis published a double-blind trial comparing extra-virgin coconut oil to mineral oil for treating xerosis (dry skin) in 34 patients. Both oils proved to be safe and effective treatment options. [Source]