Effects of Blue Rose Extract Powder Intake on Skin Characteristics in Middle-Aged and Older Japanese Women—Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial

In this study, we aimed at evaluating the effect of improving skin conditions on petal-derived blue rose extract (BRE) powder intake in middle-aged and older women in Japan. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled parallel study in 48 healthy Japanese women aged 40-50 y who were aware of dry skin. We divided the participants equally into two groups (i.e., 24-24 in the test and control groups, respectively). The participants consumed 100 mg either the placebo or BRE powder daily for 4 wk. We performed skin measurements before-and-after 4 wk of continuous intake. Upon 4 wk after continuous intake, the BRE group displayed improved skin quality compared with the control group. The primary outcome was stratum corneum water content, which significantly improved in the BRE group. The secondary outcomes, melanin index, stains, wrinkles, and rough texture showed improvements between the groups as well. Visual perception, roughness of texture, and wrinkles were improved between the groups. Finally, transparency yielded better scores within the groups. This study presents the results of the first functional test targeting BRE, unraveling various effect of improving skin condition and highlighting the potential of taking BRE in skin care.