Morse & Clough 2006 – Meta-analysis of 26 Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials – Efamol EPO for Atopic Eczema.
There was a statistically significant improvement in skin moisture, moisture loss, firmness, elasticity, fatigue and smoothness. There was no improvement in any of these parameters following treatment with placebo.
Population studied: 40 healthy males and females
Dosage & Duration: 3 x 500mg Efamol EPO capsules twice per day (or placebo) for 12 weeks
Measures used: The skin on the forearm of all volunteers was assessed at the start of the trial and following treatment, for skin moisture, redness, trans epidermal water loss which is the rate at which water escapes from the body through the skin, smoothness and biomechanical properties including elasticity, firmness and fatigue.
Research has shown that elasticity, firmness, and fatigue strength of the skin each play a role in the speed of development, and also the size, depth, and length of skin wrinkles, such that wrinkles are more likely to develop if the skin is less elastic, less firm, or has a lower fatigue strength.
Results: 18% improvement in moisture relative to baseline. 7 % improvement in skin elasticity. 18% improvement in skin smoothness. 12% improvement in skin fatigue
Muggli, R. (2005). Systemic evening primrose oil improves the biophysical skin parameters of healthy adults. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 27(4), 243–249. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1467-2494.2005.00274.X
