A mixture of plant extracts to fight acne
Part (1) of this series describes how nobelitin, an ingredient found in citrus fruits, reduces the amount of oil that is produced by the sebaceous glands surrounding the hair follicles. Less oil means fewer acne breakouts and better looking skin! This post describes an alternative treatment to improve oily skin. This treatment involves a mixture of three plant extracts, which we’ll call SKS:
COMPOSITION OF SKS
- Sesame seed (Sesamum indicum)
- Kernel oil (Argania spinosa)
- Saw Palmetto Fruit (Seranoa serrulata)
How the study was done
A clinical trial with this mixture in an oil-free base was described in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2007 (Ref 1). Test subjects applied SKS in an oil-free base onto their face twice a day for a period of 4 weeks. After that they were asked to score how much they thought their skin had improved. In addition to this subjective assessment, the scientists also actually measured the reduction of oil produced with a sebumeter and with sebum collection foils.
SKS significantly improves oily skin
SKS was generally very well tolerated and 95% of the test subjects felt that their oily skin condition had improved significantly.
The table below details the results:
| Very Good | Good | Satisfactory | |
| Reduces skin oiliness | 45% | 50% | 5% |
| Refreshes skin | 40% | 60% | 0% |
| Softens skin | 45% | 55% | 0% |
| Overall efficacy | 45% | 50% | 5% |
The quantitative measurements correlated well with the subjective opinions and also demonstrated that the amount of oil on the forehead and cheeks was reduced by 20% and that the area covered by oily spots had been significantly reduced by 42% as compared to four weeks earlier.
How does SKS work?
As far as mechanism is concerned, it is thought that the SKS treatment interferes with the function of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase that is found predominantly in the sebaceous glands. Usually, this enzyme activates androgen hormones and changes them into more potent versions. These, in turn cause the sebaceous glands to secrete larger amounts of oil. By interfering with this enzyme, SKS reduces the production of sebum (oil). Less oil means healthier looking skin and less acne!
References
(1) Dobrev, H. (2007)
Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 6: 113-118 [Medline Link]
For further reading
How to reduce oily skin and prevent acne. Part (1)
How to reduce oily skin and prevent acne. Part (3)
Posts on Nobiletin
More information on our Anti-Shine Cream
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