(NaturalPath) A recent study examined the effects of supplementation of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as a way to improve skin health. Their preliminary preclinical in vitro study took a 2.5 percent MSM solution to study the effects on 92 different gene markers related to skin function and health. Twenty female participants participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. The experimental group received three grams of MSM per day, over a 16-week period, while the control group received placebo. Expert grading, instrumentation, and participant assessment were used to determine skin health at weeks 8 and 16.
Results showed that MSM supplementation regulated the genomic expression of aspects responsible for the aging process. These genomes affected are responsible for moisturization of skin, extracellular matrix production and skin integrity, as well as control of inflammation. MSM was also shown to visually improve the appearance of the skin. Total count of wrinkles, length, severity, tone, texture, and firmness of the skin were all improved using an objective grading scale.
MSM appears to be beneficial for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. It has been shown to alter genomic expression, and it is possible that this is the cause of improved visual results in skin. Further research will need to confirm this relationship and consider other aspects of treatment such as dose and time needed to observe improvements.
http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2015-11/effects-oral-supplementation-methylsulfonylmethane-skin-health-and-wrinkle-reduction
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.