Influence of the Systemic Application of Blue–Green Spirulina platensis Algae on the Cutaneous Carotenoids and Elastic Fibers in Vivo

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of a food supplement rich in antioxidants on the antioxidant status of the skin. For this reason, the blue-green algae Spirulina platensis powder was used for oral application during eight weeks. The effect of oral application of the antioxidant-containing Spirulina platensis on characteristic skin aging parameters, e.g., concentration of cutaneous carotenoids and the collagen/elastin index (SAAID), was investigated in vivo. A significant average increase from 2.67 ± 0.86 arb. units to 3.25 ± 0.93 arb. units (p < 0.001) in the cutaneous carotenoid concentration was detected subsequent to oral application of the carotenoid-containing Spirulina platensis powder, showing a significant improvement of the antioxidant status of the skin. A slight but not significant increase (p = 0.33) in the dermal SAAID mean values was measured from −0.54 ± 0.11 to −0.51 ± 0.11 subsequent to oral intake of Spirulina platensis powder.

Carotenoids in Human Skin In Vivo: Antioxidant and Photo-Protectant Role against External and Internal Stressors

“…In another placebo-controlled randomized study using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy [ 261 ] in 29 healthy women of Fitzpatrick skin Type II [ 259 ], the daily oral supplementation of green cabbage extract over 5- and 10-months (BioActive Food, Bad Segeberg, Germany), a carotenoid-rich dietary supplement (a daily carotenoid dose is 1650 µg: 1290 µg lutein, 210 µg β-carotene, 90 µg lycopene, and 60 µg zeaxanthin) shows a significant increase ( p < 0.05) of the carotenoid concentration in the SC of the palm by approximately 10–22%. The daily dose of carotenoid intake was significantly lower (approximately four-fold) than in the previous study [ 260 ]. In addition, a significant increase in the concentration of collagen Type I ( p < 0.01) after 5- and 10-months of green cabbage extract supplementation was shown on the cheek (increase by approximately 18 and 17%, respectively) and the inner forearm (increase by approximately 20 and 12%, respectively) [ 261 ].…”

“…A significant increase of the carotenoid concentration in the SC that was measured on the palm by approximately 22 % ( p < 0.001) was shown. A tendency ( p = 0.33) to increase the concentration of collagen Type I in the papillary dermis of the inner forearm was also observed using in vivo two-photon tomography [ 260 ].…”

Revealing the potential of cyanobacteria in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals — A new bioactive approach

“…Extracts from Arthrospira platensis were found to increase cell viability and decrease DNA damage due to inhibition of thymine dimers and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), in normal human dermal fibroblasts (nHDFs) exposed to UV-B radiation [112]. Also, in a clinical trial involving 10 volunteers between 25 and 54 years, supplemented for 8 weeks with two daily doses of 0.7 g of powdered Spirulina platensis, a considerable increase in the concentrations of cutaneous carotenoids (22% on average) was verified, in addition with a slight increase in the collagen/elastin skin index [113].…”

Carotenoids and Dermoaesthetic Benefits: Public Health Implications

“…Indeed, carotenoids can be found in various diet components beyond fruits and vegetables. They are also present in herbs, legumes, cereals [52], algae [53,54], foods of animal origin (such as egg yolk, mammal's milk and tissues, and seafood) [55,56], food additives (such as colorants) [57,58], and as dietary supplements. Among the numerous carotenoids, the main ones found in the diet include lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene, and lycopene.…”