The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity

Abstract

BackgroundDuring menopause, the decrease of estrogenic secretion induces the disruption of skin functioning, thus causing the decline in skin elasticity characteristic of skin aging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in postmenopausal women the effect of daily consumption and/or application of argan oil on skin elasticity.Materials and methodsSixty postmenopausal women consumed butter during the stabilization period and were randomly divided into two groups for the intervention period: the treatment group of 30 participants received dietary argan oil, the control group of 30 participants received olive oil, and both groups applied cosmetic argan oil in the left volar forearm during a 60-day period. Assessments of skin elasticity parameters, ie, the three R-parameters (R2 or gross-elasticity of the skin, R5 or net elasticity of the skin, and R7 or biological elasticity), and the resonance running time (RRT) at both volar forearms of the two groups were performed during three visits: before starting oils consumption and application, after 30 days of oils consumption and application, and after 60 days of oils consumption and application.ResultsThe consumption of argan oil led to a significant increase of gross-elasticity of the skin (R2) (P<0.001), net elasticity of the skin (R5) (P<0.001), biological elasticity (R7) (P<0.001), and a significant decrease of RRT (P=0.002). The application of argan oil led to a significant increase of gross-elasticity of the skin (R2) (P<0.001), net elasticity of the skin (R5) (P<0.001), biological elasticity (R7) (P=0.001), and a significant decrease of RRT (P<0.001).ConclusionOur findings suggest that the daily consumption and/or topical application of argan oil have an anti-aging effect on the skin demonstrated by the improvement of skin elasticity, characterized by an increase of R-parameters (R2, R5, and R7) and a decrease of RRT.

Phenol Content and Antioxidant and Antiaging Activity of Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius L.)

“…This antioxidant activity presents high potential as a UVB sunscreen agent [10,52]. Argan oil can improve skin elasticity [53] and skin hydration by restoring the barrier function and maintaining the water-holding capacity [54]. Moreover, a natural skin toning cream has been developed from safflower oil [55].…”

Argan Oil-Mediated Attenuation of Organelle Dysfunction, Oxidative Stress and Cell Death Induced by 7-Ketocholesterol in Murine Oligodendrocytes 158N

“…Argan and olive oils are rich in tocopherols, phytosterols, and unsaturated fatty acid, which makes them very interesting oils with respect to their actions on the risk factors of numerous diseases, mainly cardiovascular diseases, associated with hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Argan oil is also traditionally used for the treatment of skin infections and in cosmetics [ 27 , 28 ].…”

Anti-aging Effects of Select Botanicals: Scientific Evidence and Current Trends

“…Measurements were taken from the right and left volar wrists. Improvements in elasticity were seen in both groups on the wrist where the argan oil was topically applied, but on the wrist where the argan oil was not applied only the group consuming argan oil had significant increases in elasticity [31]. This was attributed to the increased antioxidant content in argan oil compared to olive oil.…”

“…A small RTC of 60 post-menopausal women suggested that daily consumption and/or topical application of argan oil decreased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), improved elasticity of skin, based on an increase in R2 (gross elasticity of skin), R5 (net elasticity of skin), and R7 (biological elasticity) parameters and a decrease in resonance running time (RRT) (a measurement inversely related to skin elasticity) [31,32]. The groups were randomized to consume either olive oil or argan oil.…”