Effects of <b><i>Aloe</i></b> Sterol Supplementation on Skin Elasticity, Hydration, and Collagen Score: A 12-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial

TLDR

Aloe sterol stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid production in human dermal fibroblasts. This study investigates whether oral Aloe sterol intake improves skin conditions. A 12‑week, randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial with 64 healthy women measured skin elasticity, hydration, collagen score, and performed forearm ultrasound. Aloe sterol supplementation significantly enhanced skin moisture, transepidermal water loss, elasticity, and collagen score, increased elasticity indices over time, raised skin fatigue area, and boosted dermal collagen content, indicating a beneficial effect on skin health.

Abstract

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Our previous study confirmed that <i>Aloe</i> sterol stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid production in human dermal fibroblasts. This study aims to investigate whether <i>Aloe</i> sterol intake affects skin conditions. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of oral <i>Aloe</i> sterol supplementation on skin elasticity, hydration, and the collagen score in 64 healthy women (age range 30-59 years; average 44.3 years) who were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or an <i>Aloe</i> sterol-supplemented yogurt. Skin parameters were measured and ultrasound analysis of the forearm was performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> ANCOVA revealed statistical differences in skin moisture, transepidermal water loss, skin elasticity, and collagen score between the <i>Aloe</i> sterol and placebo groups. The gross elasticity (R2), net elasticity (R5), and biological elasticity (R7) scores of the <i>Aloe</i> sterol group significantly increased with time. In addition, skin fatigue area F3, which is known to decrease with age and fatigue, also increased with <i>Aloe</i> sterol intake. Ultrasound echogenicity revealed that the collagen content in the dermis increased with <i>Aloe</i> sterol intake. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The results suggest that continued <i>Aloe</i> sterol ingestion contributes to maintaining healthy skin.