Intervention with flaxseed and borage oil supplements modulates skin condition in women
De Spirt S, Stahl W, Tronnier H, Sies H, Bejot M
Published in British Journal of Nutrition
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; women received 2.2 g/day total fatty acids as flaxseed oil or borage oil, or a medium-chain fatty acid placebo, for 12 weeks.
Key Findings
Borage oil raised plasma gamma-linolenic acid; skin hydration increased significantly after 12 weeks and transepidermal water loss fell by about 10% after 6 weeks in both oil groups. Skin reddening and blood flow after nicotinate irritation were reduced versus baseline.
Conclusions
Twelve weeks of borage oil supplementation improved skin hydration and barrier function in healthy women.
Limitations
Healthy volunteers rather than patients; small groups; several comparisons were within-group versus baseline rather than versus placebo; surrogate skin endpoints.
Supplements Studied
Skin hydration was significantly increased after 12 weeks of treatment compared to week 0, with flaxseed or borage oil.
Outcomes Measured
Transepidermal water loss was decreased in both oil groups by about 10 % after 6 weeks of supplementation.
Skin hydration was significantly increased after 12 weeks of treatment compared to week 0, with flaxseed or borage oil.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Supported in part by an oil supplier (author affiliation with Bejot/industry)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.