Combining Topical and Oral Botanicals for Skin Redness, Pigmentation, Sleep, and Mood: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

External and internal stressors have been found to adversely affect skin health and overall wellness. There is growing interest in the use of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant plant-derived ingredients, such as ashwagandha, saffron, l-theanine, and tocopherol, to mitigate the impact of these stressors. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of oral and topical products (InnerCalm and SuperCalm, respectively) that contain naturally derived ingredients on skin redness, skin pigmentation, sleep, and mood in healthy females with Fitzpatrick skin type 1–4 and self-perceived sensitive skin. Subjects were randomized to an oral (oral group), a topical (topical group), or a combination of both the oral and topical interventions (combined group). Standardized photography-based image analysis was used to assess skin redness and pigment. Self-assessments of mood and sleep were measured with the abbreviated profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh sleep-quality index (PSQI), respectively. Assessments were made at the baseline, 1-week, 4-weeks, and 8-weeks of the intervention. The average facial redness decreased in the topical group at 8-weeks (p < 0.001) and in the combined group at 4-weeks (p < 0.05) and 8-weeks (p < 0.001), relative to the baseline. The average facial pigmentation decreased in the oral (p < 0.05) and combined (p < 0.05) cohorts at 8-weeks, relative to the baseline. The oral group exhibited an improvement in sleep quality at 1-week relative to the baseline (p < 0.05) and at 8-weeks relative to the baseline (p < 0.05). Finally, the combined group demonstrated improvement in fatigue (p < 0.01) and confusion (p < 0.05) at 8-weeks relative to the baseline, though total mood disturbance increased in all 3 groups over the course of the study. Measured outcomes relating to mood may be confounded with the timing of the study, which ran during the COVID pandemic. Overall, we demonstrate the role of oral and topical herbs and of nutraceuticals for skin health and wellness. Further research will be needed to elucidate synergistic effects in oral and topical combination regimens.

A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Lotion on Facial Skin in Photoaged Healthy Adults

“…There is an increase in the use of plant-derived ingredients, such as Ashwagandha, saffron, l-theanine, and tocopherol for their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties to help reduce the effect of chronic stress on the skin, overall health, and quality of life [27]. Natural plant extracts contain secondary metabolites, which can inhibit, interrupt, or repair damage caused by UV exposure [28].…”

“…Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is widely used as an adaptogen in Ayurveda and in traditional medicine [27]. Adaptogens help to cope with stressors and prevent potential physiological consequences related to stress [29].…”

“…We also assessed the effect of topical therapy on quality of life using the Short Form Health Survey-12 (SF-12), which is a validated questionnaire and widely accepted in research applications [36]. Other research in skin improvement has used other quality of life scales like Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Survey) [27]. The self-reported SF-12 survey evaluates the physical and mental state of the responders.…”

35-45 Metų Moterų, Vartojusių X Maisto Papildą, Veido Eritemos Ir Bendro Kraujo Rodiklių Sąsajos

“…Žmonės dėl eritemos mažiau pasitiki savimi, todėl gali suprastėti jų gyvenimo kokybė [5]. Veido raudonio mažinimui yra nemažai medicininių, kosmetologinių procedūrų, veido odos raudonį gali sumažinti ir vartojami maisto papildai, pasižymintys antioksidantinėmis bei uždegimo slopinamosiomis savybėmis [6,7]. Maisto papildai, kurių sudėtyje yra vitaminų, mineralinių medžiagų, augalų ekstraktų ir kitų komponentų, tokių kaip kofermentas Q10, omega-3 riebalų rūgštys, L-karnozinas, alfa lipoinė rūgštis, taurinas, prisideda prie geros odos būklės palaikymo.…”