Abstract
ObjectiveAlmonds are a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants, and their supplementation is known to significantly modulate serum lipids. The effects of almond on the skin's lipid barrier and the appearance of wrinkles have not yet been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of almond consumption on facial sebum production and wrinkles.MethodsThis was a prospective, investigator‐blinded, randomized controlled trial in which subjects consumed 20% of their daily energy consumption in either almonds or a calorie‐matched snack for 16 weeks. This study was completed at the UC Davis Dermatology clinic. Participants were a volunteer sample of generally healthy postmenopausal females with Fitzpatrick skin types 1 and 2. A facial photograph and image analysis system was used to obtain standardized photographs and information on wrinkle width and severity at 0, 8, and 16 weeks. Measurements of transepidermal water loss and sebum production were also completed at 0, 8, and 16 weeks.ResultsFifty healthy postmenopausal females were recruited, 31 participants were enrolled, and 28 completed the study. Under photographic analysis, the almond group had significantly decreased wrinkle severity and width compared with the control group at 16 weeks (p < .02). Changes in skin barrier function were nonsignificant, measured by the transepidermal water loss (p = .65) between the almond and control groups relative to baseline after 16 weeks. No adverse effects were reported.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that daily almond consumption may reduce wrinkle severity in postmenopausal females to potentially have natural antiaging benefits.
Highlights
Skin wrinkling results over time from intrinsic aging processes and external environmental stressors that accumulate over a lifetime (Zouboulis & Makrantonaki, 2012)
Our study demonstrates that daily almond consumption may reduce wrinkle severity in postmenopausal females to potentially have natural antiaging benefits
No significant differences were detected in Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in the almond group versus control group relative to baseline at 8 (p = .82) and 16 weeks (p = 0.65); see Figure 2b
Summary
Skin wrinkling results over time from intrinsic aging processes (e.g., menopausal status) and external environmental stressors (e.g., sun exposure, cigarette smoking, and obesity) that accumulate over a lifetime (Zouboulis & Makrantonaki, 2012). The modulation of serum lipid profiles by almond supplementation has been studied in detail. Their effects on the skin's lipid barrier function are under studied, alteration of the skin barrier can improve several skin features including wrinkles (Lademann et al, 2016; Yoon et al, 2016). The sebaceous glands, housed within the dermis, are in close contact to systemic blood circulation. These glands directly communicate with the skin surface through their rich secretion of lipids (including fatty acids, ceramides, and alpha‐ tocopherol) to augment the barrier and provide antioxidant properties (Ekanayake‐Mudiyanselage, Kraemer, & Thiele, 2004). The goal of this study was to understand how regular dietary intake of almonds affects facial wrinkle development
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