Ingredients supplier Maypro recently announced positive findings in a clinical trial which examined the ingredient Juvecol in its ability to support healthy skin. The ingredient, which is a natural proteoglycan sourced from salmon (sPG), has been evidenced in prior research to induce the production of collagen, hyaluronan (a substance found in soft connective tissues), and to enhance the proliferation of skin cells. It is a patented extract developed and produced by Ichimaru Pharcos, a Japanese manufacturer of novel nutraceutical and cosmeceutical ingredients, for which Maypro is the exclusive agent in the U.S.
 
To investigate any skin-moisturizing effect of oral supplementation with Juvecol sPG, researchers designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 56 healthy male and female participants who experienced dry skin at the baseline of the study, which was attributed to office air conditioning. The treatment group received 5 mg of the sPG supplement per day for six weeks.
 
The authors of the study found that daily supplementation with Juvecol exerted skin moisturizing effects, with noted improvements in measured skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
 
Dry air in an air-condition room is shown to negatively impact skin barrier function, and this is further compounded by exposure to UV light and environmental stresses. According to the authors of the study, the previously-evidenced capacity of sPG to promote the proliferation of keratinocytes (skin cells) and dermal fibroblasts, and the production of type I collagen and hyaluronic acid, were able to significantly improve skin health throughout exposure to the added stressor of air conditioning. Oral intake of sPG has also been correlated with improved markers of skin sagging and elasticity, as well as wrinkle reduction, the authors of the study said. A different study on application also found that sPG improved skin moisturization, skin roughness, and pigmentation.
 
“This new research further strengthens the scientific substantiation of Juvecol, adding to the body of strong efficacy data for skin and joint health,” Denis Alimonti, director of Maypro’s Proprietary Branded Ingredient Department, said. “Given the ever-increasing problem of air-conditioning-caused skin drying, these findings could not have come at a better time. We’re pleased that we are able to offer this award-winning and clinically-validated skin-health ingredient.”