Supplementation with Eskimo Skin Care improves skin elasticity in women. A pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the question of whether supplementation with an oral oil formulation rich in natural stable fish oil can alter skin elasticity, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin roughness in healthy women.


METHODS
Twenty-four healthy women aged 40-60 years participated in a single-blind randomized trial for testing the effect of a proprietary oral supplement for skin nutrition (Eskimo Skin Care) on skin elasticity, TEWL, and skin roughness. Skin elasticity was measured by an optical cutometer, TEWL by a water-loss module based upon the vapour gradient principle, and skin roughness with a three-dimensional microtopography imaging system.


RESULTS
Skin elasticity increased by 10% after 3 months of treatment with the supplement, a statistically significant increase in comparison with the control group (p=0.0298). There was a trend, though not statistically significant, towards a positive influence on the skin's barrier function. No effect on the skin roughness was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Eskimo Skin Care, an oral preparation rich in natural stable fish oil, can improve skin elasticity.
Segger
Dörte
D
Skin Investigation and Technology, Hamburg, Germany.
Matthies
Andreas
A
Saldeen
Tom
T
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004548:Elasticity / Q000187:drug effects; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000187:drug effects
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3