Recent research suggests that plant extracts in topical skincare products may have a promising effect on certain aspects of skin aging, though the results are not consistent across all measures. Findings published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology indicate varying effectiveness, particularly in areas such as skin elasticity and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
The study, a comprehensive review and meta-analysis, aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of topical botanical products for reducing signs of skin aging. The research team examined data from 4 major databases, analyzing studies published between January 2000 and December 2024. A total of 3453 randomized controlled trials were identified, with 8 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for the review. These studies involved 396 participants across 7 countries, primarily women aged 15 to 65 years, and focused on the impact of plant extracts on aging-related skin conditions.
Study Design and Bias Assessment
The researchers conducted a rigorous analysis, using a random-effects model to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) to evaluate the overall effectiveness of plant-based products. Risk of bias was assessed, with 75% of studies reporting adequate randomization, while a few studies displayed high or unclear risk due to methodological inconsistencies. Allocation concealment was reported in 38% of the studies, and while 75% claimed double-blinding, only 25% had low-risk outcome assessment blinding. Attrition bias was generally low, and reporting bias was absent. However, several studies showed potential conflicts of interest and a lack of environmental detail, which could influence results.
Effects on Skin Elasticity and Hydration
One of the main findings from the review was the significant improvement in skin elasticity associated with the use of plant extracts. In four studies involving 377 participants, plant extracts improved skin elasticity compared to a placebo (SMD, 1.10; P =.01). However, the effect was less pronounced in studies with durations under 8 weeks, and high variability was noted in the results (I² = 83-97%). This variability decreased in studies where participants used plant-based products for 8 weeks or longer (I² = 45%).
Hydration also showed improvement in 3 studies with 238 individuals. A significant increase in skin hydration was noted with the use of plant products (SMD, 0.57; P =.03), although the effects were not as clear-cut when the duration exceeded or fell below 8 weeks. Variability in the results was attributed to differences in placebo formulations and the types of plant extracts used.
Melanin Reduction and Erythema
Plant extracts were found to significantly reduce melanin levels in the skin (SMD, -0.67; P <.00001) in 3 studies involving 207 individuals. Additionally, erythema (skin redness) was significantly reduced (SMD, -1.17; P =.04) in two studies with 105 participants. However, both of these effects were accompanied by high heterogeneity (I² = 84%) due to the variability of the extracts used.
No Significant Impact on TEWL
In contrast, the review found no significant effect of plant extracts on transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a key measure of skin hydration and barrier function. Two studies with 142 participants showed no change in TEWL when plant extracts were compared with a placebo (SMD, 0.05; P =.83).
Safety Profile
Safety data from the studies revealed no reported adverse events in 6 out of the 8 studies included in the review. The remaining two studies did not specify safety information, highlighting a potential gap in the reporting of adverse effects.
Study Limitations and Future Directions
The researchers acknowledged several limitations in the study, including the small number of trials and the small sample sizes in some studies. Additionally, the influence of participants’ diet and lifestyle factors on the results could not be ruled out. The complexity of plant extract compositions and their mechanisms of action was also noted but was not addressed in the review.
In conclusion, while the study points to potential benefits of plant-based skincare products for skin aging, further research is needed to confirm these effects and clarify the mechanisms behind them. The researchers hope that as interest in skin aging grows, more studies will be conducted to provide stronger evidence supporting the role of plant extracts in skincare.
“We hope that as attention to skin aging continues to grow, more trials will be conducted, and more data will emerge to support the beneficial effects of plants and plant extracts on markers associated with skin aging,” the authors stated.
Related topics
