Do any supplements reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, or tighten the skin?

Answer:

There is some evidence that collagen supplements may be modestly helpful in reducing wrinkles, although it may offer no added benefit when a daily moisturizer is used. The best evidence for collagen has been demonstrated in clinical studies using a specific, branded collagen ingredient. Bone broth and bone broth supplements can also be a good source of collagen, but there are no clinical studies on their use for reducing wrinkles or increasing skin elasticity.

Although CoQ10 supplements are sometimes promoted for reducing wrinkles or "rejuvenating" aging skin, only one small study found that a branded CoQ10 supplement reduced wrinkles around the eyes, nose and lips in middle-aged women.

There do not appear to be any studies showing that CoQ10, or any other supplement, can tighten loose skin, but there is some evidence that several other supplements may help to reduce wrinkles and/or increase skin elasticity.

Cocoa flavanols were found in one study to reduce the depth of "crow's feet" wrinkles around the eyes, and increase skin elasticity in older women with moderate sun damage and visible wrinkles.

There is preliminary evidence that astaxanthin supplements may reduce the area of wrinkled skin around the eyes — but not the depth of wrinkles.

Soy isoflavones may slightly reduce wrinkles and skin pigmentation but don't appear to improve skin hydration in postmenopausal women.

Phytoceramides supplements, derived from plants such as wheat and rice, are promoted to hydrate and "plump" the skin for a more youthful appearance, but there is little evidence to support their use for reducing wrinkles, increasing elasticity, or improving the appearance of aging skin.

Although biotin is commonly promoted for reducing wrinkles and improving skin, no such benefits have been demonstrated in clinical research other than for reducing skin inflammation in infants deficient in biotin.

Although topical vitamin E creams and oils are often promoted to improve aging skin or reduce wrinkles, there is little evidence to support these uses.

Of course, protecting skin from sun damage is an important factor in preventing wrinkles and reducing the appearance of aging skin, and there are several supplements which may be helpful for protecting the skin from sun damage.

Use the links above for more details found on ConsumerLab.com.

Also, see our article about topical estriol (estrogen) creams, which are available over-the-counter and as compounded drugs.