The Role of Cacao Powder in Enhancing Skin Moisture and Reducing Wrinkles: A 12-Week Clinical Trial and In Vitro Study.

Sang Gyu Lee, Ngoc Ha Nguyen, Young In Lee, Inhee Jung, In Ah Kim, Hyunsook Jang, Hoyeon Shin, Ju Hee Lee

Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Skin aging is driven by a combination of internal and external mechanisms, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation being a prominent external factor contributing to photoaging. Photoaging manifests through several signs, including decreased skin hydration, diminished elasticity, coarse wrinkles, and dyspigmentation. Cacao beans, known for their flavonoids and polyphenols, offer potential anti-aging benefits. To explore this, we conducted a study using both in vitro experiments and clinical trials. Our results demonstrated that cacao powder significantly improved skin hydration and moisture retention in both experimental settings. Specifically, in UVB-damaged human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and H

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Research summary

The paper investigates the effects of cacao powder on skin hydration and wrinkle reduction, which are associated with aging. However, it primarily addresses symptoms of skin aging rather than the underlying mechanisms of aging itself. While the findings may contribute to cosmetic applications, they do not significantly advance the understanding of longevity or age-related diseases at a fundamental level. Thus, the impact is limited.

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