Efficacy studies of dietary supplements in the field of skin and hair

Anti-aging and co. scientifically proven

Aug. 2021. There are now numerous dietary supplements in the form of capsules, tablets or drinks that advertise with certain claims of efficacy. For these claims, it is necessary to provide proof of efficacy. In the case of advertising claims for skin and hair, effects on skin physiological parameters, skin structure as well as hair quality can be analyzed with the help of modern dermatological testing methods. Eurofins supports you from the study planning to the report and is at your side for advice.

Some efficacy evidence at a glance

Improvement of skin properties (anti-aging)

In the field of anti-aging, Nutricosmetic offers useful approaches. For example, an improvement in skin density (ultrasound measurement), i.e. strengthening of the collagen structure of the dermis, can be achieved, which in turn has a favorable effect on the elasticity of the skin. This can be determined using a cutometer.
Sensitive skin in particular often shows a disturbance of the barrier function (tewameter measurement). Supplementation with preparations can strengthen the skin's barrier function and thus significantly reduce dehydration and also improve skin hydration.^[1]
At the same time, the skin surface structure can be positively influenced with regard to roughness and scaliness. The skin surface can be characterised using VisioScan® camera.

Hair loss

A suboptimal supply of the hair root, for example due to nutritional deficiencies or stress, can lead to diffuse hair loss. In this case, specific active ingredients of a nutritional supplement may help to compensate for this deficiency. An improvement of the hair status can be determined with the help of the non-invasive TrichoScale procedure. First and foremost, the hair in growth, the number of hairs and the hair density are determined^[2]. Here, for example, an improvement in hair status can be achieved through a positive effect of supplements on microcirculation.

Photoprotection

For persons with very light-sensitive skin or with increased sun exposure, it may be useful to build up a light-internal sun protection factor. During testing, the decrease in skin redness after irradiation with 1.25 MED can be determined and thus the photoprotective efficacy can be proven^[3],[4].

Have we sparked your interest?

When testing your product, we will always advise you individually and work with you to select the study design that is best suited to your particular requirements. Please feel free to contact our experts for efficacy studies of dietary supplements, Prof Dr Ulrike Heinrich and PD Dr Nicole Braun.

We are looking forward to your enquiry!

References

[1] De Spirt S, Sies H, Tronnier H, Heinrich U. An encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate increases skin microcirculation in healthy women. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012;25(1):2-8. doi: 10.1159/000330521. Epub 2011 Aug 5. PMID: 21822034
[2] Braun N., Heinrich U. What Can Complex Dietary Supplements Do for Hair Loss and How Can It Be Validly Measured − A Review. Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(14), 4996; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10144996
[3] Heinrich U, Gärtner C, Wiebusch M, Eichler O, Sies H, Tronnier H, Stahl W. Supplementation with beta-carotene or a similar amount of mixed carotenoids protects humans from UV-induced erythema. J Nutr. 2003 Jan;133(1):98-101. doi: 10.1093/jn/133.1.98. PMID: 12514275
[4] Heinrich U, Moore CE, De Spirt S, Tronnier H, Stahl W. Green tea polyphenols provide photoprotection, increase microcirculation, and modulate skin properties of women. J Nutr. 2011 Jun;141(6):1202-8. doi: 10.3945/jn.110.136465. Epub 2011 Apr 27. PMID: 21525260