Journal of

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Acupuncture is an ancient medical procedure that is commonly used. It has been used in China for over two thousand years. Acupuncture has gained increasing interest from the public as well as health professionals for a wide range of disorders. This method works through regulation of qi current (life energy in body). Acupuncture has been introduced recently in dermatology for rejuvenation and treatment of facial wrinkles and improving muscle tone and elasticity. Acupuncture is used for treatment of many medical conditions including skin disorders. Tiny, sterile, needles are inserted along meridian lines and acupuncture points to increase blood circulation. Cosmetic acupuncture is a totally natural and holistic anti-ageing treatment that aims to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Different mechanisms have been proposed for cosmetic acupuncture, including increasing muscle elasticity, and restoring muscle tone. There have been also evidence of increase in skin moisture and lipid.
 In this method, body points and local facial points are used and usually 10-12 sessions of facial acupunctures are recommended. With the increasing popularity of complementary therapies in the community, acupuncture is also considered as a new therapeutic approach.

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Background and Aim: Oral hydrolyzed collagen is one of the newest and most popular systemic supplementations for skin rejuvenation. However, there are limited information in case of Middle Eastern consumers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of an oral collagen supplement for improvement of skin elasticity, hydration and roughness.
 

Methods: It was a 12-week, before-after clinical study, conducted on 20 participants (18 women and two men) aged 44.15±5.36 years with skin type III-IV. Skin elasticity parameters (R0, R2, R5 and R7), skin hydration and friction, as well as the thickness and echo density of the dermis, were measured after six and 12 weeks daily intake of the study product, as well as four weeks after stopping its use (week 16). Participants’ satisfaction was assessed on the basis of their answers to the standard questionnaire, and tolerability of the product was assessed by monitoring the adverse effects.
 

Results: A significant improvement was detected in R2, R5 and skin friction at week 12 (P<0.041, P<0.012 and P<0.01, respectively). At week 16, the values remained at an increased level, which indicates the stability of the results. The increase of dermis density in week 16 was also significant (P=0.03). Moderate overall satisfaction was reported with the treatment, and a few gastrointestinal complications were reported.
 

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that oral collagen peptides could significantly improve the skin elasticity, roughness, and dermis echo density, and they also proved to be safe and well-tolerated.