Anthocyanin-Containing Rose Petal Extract for Photoaging Improvement: A 12-Week Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Cosmeceuticals
• Nutraceuticals and Phytochemistry

Background:

• Skin photoaging involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix degradation.
• Polyphenol-rich botanicals, like Rosa chinensis petals, show preclinical antioxidant and collagen-supportive benefits.
• Clinical evidence for these botanical extracts in managing photoaging is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a standardized Rosa chinensis petal extract (RPE) for managing skin photoaging.
• To assess RPE's impact on structural and functional skin parameters in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 100 healthy adults (aged 25-65).
• Participants consumed 300 mg of RPE or placebo daily.
• Skin parameters including wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, and barrier function were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12.

Main Results:

• RPE supplementation significantly improved wrinkle indices, skin roughness, elasticity, dermal density, and reduced sagging compared to placebo.
• RPE enhanced skin hydration, reduced transepidermal water loss, and decreased desquamation, indicating improved barrier and renewal functions.
• Significant improvements in skin brightness (L*) were also observed with RPE, with high compliance and no serious adverse events.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first clinical evidence for the efficacy of anthocyanin-containing RPE in improving photoaged skin.
• Standardized RPE is a safe, plant-based nutraceutical that offers systemic oral benefits for skin health and photoaging management.