Original Article
Andres Aguirre
Abstract
Alterations in the stratum corneum and therefore in the skin barrier function are produced by diverse causes. The changes in the stratum corneum imply increases in water loss, reduction of the protective effect of the skin and also modifications in its mechanical functions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Ovoderm®, a dietary supplement consisting of eggshell membrane, to improve the skin condition of people with an altered barrier function. Sixteen volunteers with a decreased skin barrier function were randomised to daily intake 300mg of Ovoderm® or 300mg of placebo during 60 days. Transepidermal waterloss (Tewameter®), firmness (Cutometer® R0), elasticity (Cutometer® R6) and fatigue (Cutometer® R9) of the skin were measured. At the end of the study there was a significant 43% of decline in the transepidermal waterloss in the volunteers intaking Ovoderm® that was not observed in the placebo group. Participants started the study with normal-affected skin and finished it with healthy-very healthy skin values. A similar tendency was observed in the skin elasticity that was increased by 13% in Ovoderm® group while the control group showed a decrease of 11%. The skin firmness improved significantly by 66% and the fatigue declined by 36% in Ovoderm® group while no significant changes were measured in the placebo group. These results showed that oral supplementation with Ovoderm® restores the skin barrier function in people with cutaneous alterations. Ovoderm® re-establishes the transepidermal waterloss values to those observed in people with healthy skin and it increases the functionality of the skin as evidenced by the improvements in firmness and elasticity and by the decrease in fatigue. Ovoderm® is an effective treatment that could prevent and manage more effectively the alteration of the skin barrier function restoring the skins’ health and its biomechanical properties