Topical application of a linoleic acid‐ceramide containing moisturizer exhibit therapeutic and preventive benefits for psoriasis vulgaris: a randomized controlled trial

Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammatory disorder with frequent relapse. Ceramides and their key enzymes are deficient in the lesions, resulting in impaired epidermal permeability barrier, which correlates with disease severity. We evaluated the efficacy of linoleic acid‐ceramide moisturizer (LA‐Cer) as an adjunctive and preventive therapy for psoriasis vulgaris. 106 patients were randomized into two groups. The control group (C₁) received Mometasone Furoate 0.1% Cream (MF) while the treatment group (T₁) was given 0.1% MF in combination with LA‐Cer moisturizer. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), pruritus, capacitance (CAP), and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of normal skin and lesion were evaluated at Week 0, 2, 4, 8. Subsequently, T₁ patients were randomized for another 1 year. LA‐Cer‐group (T₂) maintained the use of moisturizer while control group (C₂) discontinued. CAPs, TEWLs, PASI were assessed after 1 year. Primary endpoints (PASI‐50 at Week 8) revealed superiority of LA‐Cer‐MF versus MF, less relapse, and rebound in LA‐Cer‐group than control (C₂) at Year 1. There were time‐by‐therapy interaction effect on CAPs, lesional TEWL, and PASI. LA‐Cer‐MF induced higher CAP, an earlier reduction of lesional TEWL and PASI than control (C₁). CAPs, lesional TEWL, and PASI remained stable in LA‐Cer‐group. CAPs, lesional TEWL, and PASI were comparable to the baseline levels in control group (C₂). Topical LA‐Cer moisturizer can alleviate psoriasis, and could be a valuable approach for the treatment and prevention of psoriasis.     

Cera-Glow,ferment lysates of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201, improves skin barrier function in clinical study

Background

Ceramides are essential lipids in stratum corneum for skin permeability barrier function in that they retain the skin moisture and protect from the invasion of foreign pathogens. Previously, we demonstrated that ferment lysates of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 enhanced ceramide production in human epidermal keratinocytes. Furthermore, for comprehensive knowledge of this effect, in vitro experiments and multi-omics analysis were conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Aims

This study was designed to identify whether a cosmetic sample (i.e., Cera-Glow) containing the lysates improves the skin barrier function in clinical trials.

Patients/Methods

Twenty-four female participants (45.46 ± 9.78 years) had been enrolled in the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurement for 5 days and 21 female participants (50.33 ± 5.74 years) had undergone a skin hydration evaluation for 4 weeks. TEWL and skin hydration were evaluated using a Tewameter and the Epsilon Permittivity Imaging System, respectively. After applying the Cera-Glow sample, all participants recorded a satisfaction survey questionnaire (e.g., satisfaction, efficacy, and adverse reactions).

Results

Application of Cera-Glow significantly improved transepidermal water loss induced by 1% (w/v) sodium lauryl sulfate (p < 0.05–0.01) and increased skin hydration (p < 0.01). Metabolic analysis suggested that Cera-Glow should contain beneficial gradients for skin barrier function. According to the questionnaire, most of participants were satisfied with the skin hydration improvement and efficacy of Cera-Glow.

Conclusions

Cera-Glow, ferment lysates of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201, can significantly improve skin barrier function.     

Woad extract containing cream improves significantly dry,irritated, and pruritic skin

Objective of this open, noninterventional, noncontrolled study was to investigate the tolerability and performance of a woad extract containing cream in subjects with dry, pruritic skin after twice daily application over 2 weeks. Assessments included sensorial characteristics, skin condition, pruritus (numeric rating scale [NRS], dynamic pruritus score [DPS]), skin dryness (itch‐controlled days [ItchCD], overall dry skin [ODS]), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and quality of life (5PLQ, DLQI). All sensorial characteristics were well perceived (>4), with tolerability (4.77 ± 0.47) and no negative skin feelings (4.73 ± 0.74) achieving the highest scores (0–5 scale). Dry skin and symptoms improved significantly (p < .001) for all variables: NRS (from 4.8 ± 1.74 to 1.83 ± 2.18), ItchCD (from 8.23 ± 4.40 to 4.81 ± 4.07), ODS (from 1.80 ± 0.85 to 0.65 ± 0.65), hydration (23.33 ± 1.33 to 40.70 ± 1.86), and quality of life (5PLQ: from 7.12 ± 4.25 to 4.24 ± 3.67; DLQI: from 5.29 ± 4.79 to 3.00 ± 3.98). The DPS revealed a moderate antipruritic effect. The TEWL decreased slightly (p = .511). No side effects were reported. The study suggests that, the cream is effective, and well tolerated in treating dry, irritated, and pruritic skin.     

Transepidermal water loss in the orphan forms of ichthyosis

As a surrogate measure of skin barrier dysfunction, we sought to determine differences in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) among ichthyosis subtypes and correlate TEWL with clinical severity. Subjects with Netherton syndrome had the highest TEWL values (increased water loss), while TEWL values were lowest in subjects with epidermolytic ichthyosis. TEWL correlated with severity only in lamellar ichthyosis and age was inversely correlated with TEWL (r_s = −.213, P = .02). TEWL is an objective measure that complements disease severity in ichthyosis and may be used as an adjuvant to monitor treatment response.     

Stratum corneum integrity as a predictor for peristomal skin problems in ostomates

Background Peristomal skin problems are common, most often the result is disruption of the skin barrier and this may account for more than one in three visits to ostomy nurses. Therefore a specific assessment of individual risk factors relating to the skin barrier function would be of great interest. Methods Skin barrier integrity in ostomy patients with peristomal skin problems (PSP) was compared with that of ostomy patients with normal skin (controls) using transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Mechanical barrier disruption was determined by a tape stripping test and chemical barrier disruption [sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) 0·25%]. Results Patients and controls had a highly significant increase in TEWL value in the peristomal area compared with nonperistomal contralateral abdominal skin (P < 0·0001 for both groups). The skin barrier of normal‐looking contralateral skin of ostomates was found to be borderline impaired in patients with PSP compared with those without. A linear association was seen between the number of tape strips removed and TEWL for both cases and controls. Tape stripping suggested that patients with PSP had less resilient skin (P = 0·002). A significant difference in TEWL value between cases and controls was also seen for the SLS patch test on the dorsal skin (P = 0·02). Conclusion Successive tape stripping, a situation analogous to the normal use of a pouching system, caused a higher degree of barrier damage more rapidly in patients with PSP, indicating an impaired mechanical quality of the barrier. The SLS exposure test suggested a generally increased susceptibility to irritant dermatitis as assessed by TEWL. Our findings suggest tape stripping and SLS testing may have a role as predictive tests to identify patients at risk of PSP.     

Age‐related changes in skin mechanical properties: a quantitative evaluation of 120 female subjects

Background/purpose: The most commonly used method to determine the mechanical ability of skin is the creep test using suction chamber devices. Until now, there is no scientific consensus upon which skin deformation parameters and which body sites are particularly suitable to describe age‐related changes in human skin mechanics. The aim of this study was to find those mechanical skin parameters best representing influence of aging at five different body sites. Methods: A total of 120 healthy women aged 18–65, divided into four similar age groups, were included in this study. The biomechanical properties of the skin were measured using the Cutometer^® MPA 580 on five body sites: cheek, neck, cleavage, volar forearm and back of the hand. In order to analyze parameters referred to 1 mm skin thickness, we also used 20 MHz sonography (DUB 20). Results: A high average correlation with age was found for the parameters U_a/U_f, U_r/U_e, U_r, U_r/U_f and U_a. Only low correlation with age was found for the parameters U_v/U_e, U_f‐U_a, U_f5/U_f, U_d/U_f and U_a5. The localizations cheek, forearm and neck showed the highest correlation with age, while cleavage showed only low correlation. Conclusion: According to the results of our study, we recommend the parameter ratio of elastic recovery to distensibility (U_r/U_f) as well as the gross elasticity (U_a/U_f) for evaluation of aging effects on the mechanical properties of skin. Their high correlation with age makes them particularly applicable to represent the influence of aging onto skin mechanical properties. Most suitable localizations to evaluate skin aging are cheek, forearm and neck.     

Ability to estimate relative percutaneous penetration via a surrogate maker – trans epidermal water loss?

Aims: This study measures the dynamic change of the trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) rate and in vitro skin permeation data of tritiated water and [¹⁴C]‐clonidine HCl in order to refine our knowledge in the relationship between percutaneous penetration and TEWL. Measures: TEWL values were measured before and during the experimental period. Single application of tritiated water and [¹⁴C]‐clonidine HCl were dosed at the same time on dermatomed human skin samples collected from 12 donors in a flow through diffusion cell system. Radioactivity of absorbed dose: stratum corneum, epidermis, dermis, receptor fluid collected every 4 hours, as well as removable dose residue was counted to determine accountability, percent dose, μg equivalent, and flux rate. These data were further combined with TEWL values to analyze their possible relationship. Results: Results showed that baseline TEWL values correlated with the thickness of dermatomed skin (r=?0.44, P=0.007), and with tritiated water fluxes (r=0.34, P=0.04) and [¹⁴C]‐clonidine HCl (r=0.36; P=0.03). The fluxes of tritiated water and [¹⁴C]‐clonidine HCl were correlated (r=0.67, P<0.001). When TEWL and permeation data were compared, the pattern of tritiated water expressed as a percent dose permeated in receptor fluid resembled the TEWL pattern. Conclusion: The methodology described provides evidences of the correlation of TEWL and skin integrity and skin permeation and further demonstrates to be a rapid alternative to tritiated water permeation for measuring skin barrier functions in vitro. To develop TEWL measurement as a possible predictive model to assess in vitro percutaneous absorption, however more chemicals with various physical‐chemical properties need to be examined, and the relationships to TEWL and tritiated water flux better defined.     

Comparison of the skin biophysical parameters of Southeast Asia females: forehead–cheek and ethnic groups

Background Regional and ethnic (racial) differences in skin properties are well known. However, regional and racial studies are limited and have studied skin properties using an insufficient number of subjects and limited ethnic groups, except in the case of some recent studies. Objective The aim of this study was (1) to compare the skin biophysical parameter among the large scale of Southeast Asia females group and (2) to compare skin properties of the forehead and cheek. Methods We measured and compared seven skin biophysical parameters, such as skin hydration, sebum, skin pH, melanin index, erythema index, skin elasticity and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), of the forehead and cheek of a large population of Indonesian (n = 200), Vietnamese (n = 100) and Singaporean females (n = 97). Results At the point of site difference, there were significant differences in five biophysical parameters (skin hydration, skin pH, melanin index, erythema index and skin elasticity) in Indonesian females. In Vietnamese and Singaporean women, they were significant differences in five biophysical parameters (skin hydration, skin pH, melanin index, erythema index and TEWL). At the point of ethnic difference, the Indonesian women had the highest skin pH and melanin index between the different ethnic groups. Vietnamese women had the highest skin hydration and TEWL in the forehead, whereas Singaporean women had the highest skin elasticity. Conclusion The skin biophysical parameters are different between the forehead and cheek among Southeast Asian females. It also reveals that the biophysical parameters are different in same racial group.     

面部糖皮质激素依赖性皮炎患者经皮水分丢失和皮肤含水量分析

目的 分析面部糖皮质激素依赖性皮炎患者的皮肤屏障功能。方法 将面部分为额部、鼻尖、下颌、双面颊、双侧口角的皮损区及左耳后无皮损区共8个点，分别测量95例面部糖皮质激素依赖性皮炎患者及25例健康对照者的经皮水分丢失（TEWL）和皮肤含水量。结果 与健康组相比，面部糖皮质激素依赖性皮炎组下颌、双侧口角、双面颊TEWL值均显著升高（t值分别为4.90，2.60，2.57，2.54，3.77，P < 0.01）；双侧口角、右面颊及额部的皮肤含水量均显著降低（t值分别为3.27，3.81，2.02，2.78，P < 0.05）。在8个测量点中，面部糖皮质激素依赖性皮炎组与健康组TEWL值均为下颌及双侧口角 > 双面颊及额部 > 耳后无皮损区；皮肤含水量降低均为下颌及双侧口角 > 双面颊及额部 > 耳后无皮损区。结论 面部糖皮质激素依赖性皮炎患者下颌、双侧口角、双面颊区域皮肤屏障功能受损，口周区域TEWL值较高，而面颊皮肤水分含量较少。     

EIectrical impedance and transepidermal water loss of healthy human skin under different conditions

Background/aims: The skin barrier function is a multidimensional quality, which can be defined by a combination of noninvasive measurements, including EIectrical impedance (EI) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Methods: TEWL and EI were determined on in five different areas of the body in 25 healthy volunteers. The effects of hydration (a 15 min water bath, a 1 h occlusion and application of an oil-in-water emulsion combined with occlusion) were measured on the volar forearm. Results: EI was highest in the axillary region, followed by the cheek, spinal region, presternal area and upper arm. TEWL was highest in the axillary region, followed by the cheek. Lowest levels were detected in the spinal region, the presternal region and the upper arm. The water bath increased EI but not TEWL. After 1 h occlusion TEWL was not increased and EI decreased, which corresponds to stratum corneum hydration. After a single application of an oil-in-water emulsion, we observed a reduction of EI and an increase of TEWL. The simultaneous use of occlusion and application of an emulsion led to the most significant reduction of EI. TEWL was increased during the following 30 min. Conclusions: EI and TEWL show a topological variability. Acute hydration increased EI but occlusion and/or moisturizing decreased EI. Acute hydration and occlusion alone did not significantly affect TEWL, but moisturizing in combination caused a longer lasting TEWL increase. To examine the stratum corneum function, the use of different noninvasive techniques seem to provide more complex information.     

Different Cosmetic Habits Can Affect the Biophysical Profile of Facial Skin: A Study of Korean and Chinese Women

BackgroundPrevious studies on the age-, climate, and skin care habit-related changes of biophysical parameters have mainly focused on Caucasians, and studies on Asians are in paucity.ObjectiveThis study was aimed to investigate the variations of cutaneous biophysical parameters in Chinese and Korean women (northeast Asians) and to assess the association between those parameters and age, climate, and cosmetic habits.MethodsA cross-sectional study included 361 healthy Chinese and Korean women between 18 and 49 years of age in 4 cities (Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Shijiazhuang in China, and Suwon in Korea). We measured skin surface temperature, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum, elasticity, skin pore, wrinkle, and skin tone (brightness) using non-invasive instruments. Demographic profiles and cosmetic habits were assessed using a questionnaire.ResultsSkin elasticity and tone decreased, and pore size and wrinkle increased with age. Subjects in Suwon (Korean) showed higher hydration level, lower TEWL and lower sebum, less severe wrinkle and brighter skin than those in the 3 cities in China. After adjusting for age and region, using sunscreen everyday, wearing base makeup daily, and using moisturizers improved hydration, TEWL, and elasticity significantly.ConclusionWomen in Suwon (Korea) were found to have a better profile of biophysical parameters than women in the 3 Chinese cities, which might be attributed to cosmetic habits, besides age and climatic factors. The fact that appropriate cosmetic habits are associated with favorable skin biophysical parameters underscores the importance of daily skin care routine in preserving skin functions.     

Squamometry as a screening method for the evaluation of hydrating products

Background/aims: Squamometry is a combination of sampling corneocytes by adhesive coated discs followed by colour measurements after staining the cells. In this study, the correlation between stratum corneum (SC) hydration and scaling was investigated using capacitance measurements and squamometry, respectively. Methods: Stratum corneum hydration and assessment of barrier function by transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements were carried out on different sites of left and right volar forearm skin of female volunteers (n=13; 24±3 years). D-Squame^® samples were taken on the same test spots. Results: Visual evaluation of the coloured samples by light microscopy and the development of a four-point-scale scoring system was found to be necessary to detect and minimise overestimation of chroma C* values. Capacitance measurements revealed neither significant differences between corresponding sites on left and right forearms no between different skin areas on the same forearm. Squamometric measurements, on the contrary, did not show any symmetry between corresponding test sites on both forearms or between different sites on one forearm. No correlation could be found between squamometric measurements and SC hydration values obtained at the same test sites. No skin barrier function impairment lays at the origin of this observation since TEWL values were found to be similar at all test sites in comparison to control skin. In a randomised single blind study, hydration and TEWL showed a significant improvement of 25% and 15%, respectively, after a 14-day application period of a moisturising cream. Although visual scoring of the coloured samples of both treated and untreated test spots revealed a good correlation with chroma C* values, the quantitative results found with squamometry were very doubtful. Conclusion: Squamometry with visual scoring can be proposed as a screening technique for SC hydration rather than a quantitative method to appreciate skin moisturisation.     

A comparison of techniques for the measurement of transepidermal water loss

Summary An Evaporimeter and a ventilated chamber technique have been compared in their ability to measure transepidermal water loss (TEWL) through rat skin. These techniques measure TEWL under very different conditions; the Evaporimeter measures the net TEWL under ambient relative humidity (RH) whereas the ventilated chamber employs a constant atmosphere, usually of low RH and thus measured the uni-directional diffusion of water. Paired Evaporimeter and ventilated chamber measurements were made of TEWL through normal skin and through skin whose barrier properties had been altered by tape-stripping (15 applications) or single applications of n-hexadecane (28.4 mol cm^–2). Both measuring techniques indicated the same level of TEWL through normal skin (mean 0.3 mg cm^–2 h^–1) and during increases in TEWL induced by n-hexadecane (max TEWL c 3.5 mg cm^–2 h^–1). However, the Evaporimeter was found to underestimate the higher rates of TEWL induced by tape-stripping, ie above TEWL rates of 7.5 mg cm^–2 h^–1. The Evaporimeter is portable, easy to use and suitable for measurements of net water loss up to 7.5 mg cm^–2 h^–1; it can only be used for comparative assessments of epidermal barrier function if used at a particular ambient RH. The more cumbersome ventilated chamber is to be preferred for accurate assessments of barrier function where high rates of TEWL occur.At this address during a period of industrial training     

Impact of defensins-containing body cream on skin composition

Background and Aims

Defensins are peptides capable of reactivating latent LGR6 stem cells in the basal layer. When applied topically, these peptides can reduce signs of skin aging and increase dermal thickness. This study investigates the effects of a topical defensin formulation on extremity skin composition.

Methods

An open label, single arm clinical trial was conducted on participants with dry, photoaged, or dull skin. A defensin-containing hand and body cream was applied twice daily for 6 weeks to the hands, forearms, elbows, and knees. Photographs and objective measurements of skin hydration, viscoelasticity (VE), retraction time (RT), thickness, density/transepidermal water loss (TEWL), as well as self-evaluation of skin quality and characteristics were obtained pre- and post- intervention.

Results

After the study period, RT decreased by 56% across all body sites (p < 0.001) and VE improved at the elbow (125%, p = 0.009) and knee (110%, p < 0.001). Skin density also increased in all 4 body sites (40%, p < 0.001), while skin thickness increased at the elbow (29%, p = 0.03) and knee (17%, p = 0.04). Skin hydration increased at the elbow, knee, and forearm by 99%, 28%, and 16%, respectively (p < 0.05), while TEWL improved at the elbow only (−39%, p = 0.02). Patients' self-evaluations showed improvements in overall skin quality and in the domains of dryness, ashiness, wrinkling, pigmentation, redness, roughness, and discomfort (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Following 6-week use of a defensin-containing cream, subjects reported significant improvement across many subjective skin domains. Similarly, objective measurements demonstrated significant improvement in skin architecture at select sites.     

Cutaneous differences between Black, African or Caribbean Mixed-race and Caucasian women: biometrological approach of the hydrolipidic film

Background/purpose: Studies about the adaptation of ethnic types of skin to an environment radically different from their original environment are rarely found in the literature. We have evaluated the differences in the skin surface properties of three ethnic groups: Black, African or Caribbean Mixed-race and Caucasian women living in defined climatic conditions.
Methods: Biometrological evaluations of barrier function were made by measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and skin dryness. To approach the skin protective coating we evaluated cutaneous lipid index (LI), cutaneous pH, skin frictional properties and skin wettability.
Results: The TEWL, cutaneous hydration, dryness and LI show no significant difference. Volunteers were given a self-assessment questionnaire regarding their hygiene and cosmetic practices. The results show that 100% of Black and 92% of African or Caribbean Mixed-race women use a hydrating product daily vs. only 16% of Caucasian women. They justify this practice by the ' dry skin ' sensation that they feel if they do not use a moisturizer. We tried to assess objectively to the protective coating surface of the human skin: the hydrolipidic cutaneous film, by measurements of pH, frictional properties and wettability which show significant differences. We may suppose that the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of the skin in these three ethnic groups is different.
Conclusion: To interpret these results as accurately as possible, it would be interesting, in future investigations on the ethnic types of skin, to evaluate the sweat secretion, and to analyse each element of the sebaceous secretions quantitatively as well as qualitatively.     

Cold plasma is well‐tolerated and does not disturb skin barrier or reduce skin moisture

Background: Cold plasma, a new treatment principle in dermatology based on ionic discharge delivering reactive molecular species and UV‐light, exhibits strong antimicrobial efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Before implementing plasma as new medical treatment tool, its safety must be proven, as well as assessing skin tolerance and patient acceptance. Patients and Methods: We investigated the plasma effects of three different plasma sources (pulsed, non‐pulsed atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) and a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD)) on the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin moisture after treating the fingertips of four healthy male volunteers. Results: TEWL values were reduced by pulsed APPJ and DBD by about 20% but increased after non‐pulsed APPJ by 5–20%. TEWL values normalized 30 min after all forms of plasma treatment. Skin moisture was increased immediately and 30 min after treatment with pulsed APPJ but was not affected by non‐pulsed APPJ and DBD. Conclusions: All plasma treatments were well‐tolerated and did not damage the skin barrier nor cause skin dryness. Cold plasma fulfils basic recommendations for safe use on human skin and as future option may serve as the first physical skin antiseptic.     

Patterns of aluminum hydroxychloride deposition onto the skin

Background: Aluminum hydroxychloride (AlCl₃) is an antiperspirant. Aim: To revisit the AlCl₃ deposition in vivo and in vitro on glass slides and stratum corneum (SC) harvested by cyanoacrylate skin surface strippings (CSSS). Methods: Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was assessed following application of 5% AlCl₃ on the forearms. The AlCl₃‐coated skin, glass slides and CSSS were observed using two ultraviolet light‐emitting CCD cameras in order to record changes in specular reflectance related to AlCl₃ deposition. In addition, the corneoxenometry bioassay was performed in order to predict AlCl₃ irritation. Results: AlCl₃ deposited on glass slides looked as linear threads and rings of similar sizes. AlCl₃ deposits on skin were almost restricted inside the microrelief lines and as annular deposits at their crossings where acrosyringia are opening. After daily AlCl₃ applications, deposits extended on the CSSS plateaus. At rest in absence of sweating, TEWL was decreased following AlCl₃ applications. During physical exercise, the TEWL increase was limited on the AlCl₃ areas. CSSS appeared unreactive to AlCl₃ at the corneoxenometry bioassay. Conclusion: The similar aspect of AlCl₃ deposits on human SC and on glass slides suggested a physical property of AlCl₃. Repetitive applications of AlCl₃ increased both the deposit area and the barrier function.     

Protective effects of fermented honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) extract (HU-018) against skin aging: a randomized,double-blinded,placebo-controlled study

Background: Oxidative stress and photodamage resulting from ultraviolet radiation exposure play key roles in skin aging. Fermented Cyclopia intermedia, which is used to brew honeybush tea, exerts antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase activity. Objectives: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fermented honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) extract (HU-018) for skin rejuvenation. Methods: 120 Korean subjects with crow’s feet wrinkles were randomized to receive either low-dose extract (400 mg/day), high-dose extract (800 mg/day), or placebo (negative control, only dextran) for 12 weeks. Wrinkles were evaluated using JANUS^® and PRIMO pico^®. Skin elasticity, hydration and transepidermal water loss were measured. Results: Global skin wrinkle grade was significantly improved in both low-dose and high-dose groups compared to placebo group, as well as for skin hydration and elasticity. Both the low- and high-dose groups showed significantly decreased TEWL compared to the placebo group. There were no adverse effects during the entire study period. Conclusion: Our data indicate that HU-018 is effective for improving skin wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration. Therefore, daily supplementation with fermented honeybush could be helpful for protecting against skin aging.