Skin-Lightening and Anti-Ageing Effect of a Food Supplement

Oligomeric ProanthoCyanidins extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine Pinus pinaster (FMPBE) have been studied for a long time and demonstrated various phytopharmaceutical applications. The objectives of this study were to assess the cutaneous lightening and anti-ageing effects of FMPBE after 56 days of consumption, in healthy Asian women.

The cosmetic efficacy of the product was assessed through various biometrological evaluations. The subjective efficacy by the subjects as well as the acceptance was collected with a self-evaluation questionnaire. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and cross-over study evidenced the safety and efficacy of the 100 mg FMPBE supplementation from 28 days of intake: in comparison to placebo, the skin on pigmentary spots became significantly lighter and less red, skin on the face was more firm and its surface was less wrinkled. After 56 days of consumption, the skin was additionally significantly more elastic and the yellow constituent of the skin decreased on the normal skin.

Taken together, these results proved that FMPBE supplementation can be considered as an innovative approach to skin whitening and anti-ageing treatments. It represents an interesting alternative to topical products and supports the skin from the inside out.