A randomized, placebo-controlled doubleblind parallel group study in the Treatment of Aging Symptoms of the skin using Topical and Oral Treatments

Abstract

The present placebo-controlled double-blind study was carried out in 57 nonsmoking female subjects with aging symptoms of the skin. The present skin support system1 is a new anti-aging treatment regime, combining topical and oral treatments. The topical treatment is based on a proprietary microencapsulated retinyl palmitate in the form of a cream. The oral treatment is a tablet containing a proprietary marine complex, vitamins, and minerals. The cream as well as the tablets are manufactured by Pharma Medico, Denmark. The active treatment was given twice daily to 29 subjects as cream and tablets, while 28 subjects received placebo cream and tablets. The study had a duration of 4 months. The two treatment groups were clinically comparable at the start of the intervention with respect to the main parameters, age and grade of aging symptoms of the skin. Objective measurements, skin thickness and elasticity, as well as subjective observations of clinical parameters were used for evaluation of the effect. In addition the participants made self-evaluations of the effect, using visual analogue scales (VASs). The results showed a significant improvement in skin quality, in objective as well as in subjective parameters. Compared to previous studies conducted with the active components of the cream and tablets separately, the present combination gave an additive effect and is thus an attractive and well-tolerated treatment for the aging skin.