Effects of food supplements and a topical solution containing nanosilicon on skin hydration, barrier function, and elasticity.

Background: Silicon is an abundant element in the human body and plays an important role in the skin, taking part in the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. The use of nanotechnology methods, which processes materials at an atomic and molecular scale, has allowed the development of nanosilicons.

Aims: The study evaluates the effectiveness of a food supplement and a topical solution containing nanosilicon in improving skin hydration and elasticity.

Methods: A total of 30 female subjects were randomized to receive the placebo (n = 15) and the active compound (n = 15). All enrolled subjects took the food supplement twice a day for 20 days and then once a day for the next 20 days, and they also had to apply the nanosilicon solution on the right forearm four times a day. Evaluation of several parameters was performed after 20 and 40 days through the use of non-invasive instrumental methods (Corneometer CM 825, Cutometer MPA 580, Visioscan VC, Tewameter TM 200).

Results: Both treatment groups showed a statistically significant improvement in barrier function and in skin hydration on the right forearm after 20 days; increase in skin elasticity was observed only in the group taking the active compound.

Conclusions: The study showed that the administration of a food supplement and a topical solution, both containing nanosilicon, improves hydration, elasticity, and skin barrier function.