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Original Communication
Beauty from within: Oral
administration of a sulfur-containing
supplement methylsulfonylmethane
improves signs of skin ageing
Neelam Muizzuddin
1
and Rodney Benjamin
2
1
Skin Clinical Research Consultants
2
Bergstrom Nutrition
Abstract: Background: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound with known benefits for joint health, sports nutrition,
immune function, and anti-aging formulations and is gaining popularity as a nutritional supplement for the support of hair, skin and nails.
Methods: The study was conducted in two steps; in Part I (pilot study) a panel of 20 participants ingested either 3 g a day of MSM or placebo
capsules for 16 weeks. Visual and subject self assessment of wrinkles and skin texture as the predominant sign of ageing was observed. In
Part II (dose-response study), 63 participants ingested either 1 g or 3 g per day of MSM for 16 weeks. Expert clinical grading, instrumental
measurements and consumer perception was used to evaluate skin conditions like lines and wrinkles. Additionally, instrumentational analysis
was conducted using corneometer and cutometer for investigation of skin hydration, firmness and elasticity. Results: Part I of the study clearly
indicates that oral ingestion of MSM (3 g/d) reduces signs of ageing like facial wrinkles (p< 0.05) and skin roughness (p< 0.05) as compared to
placebo. Detailed analysis in Part II instrumentation assessments showed a significant (p< 0.05) improvement from baseline in the severity of
facial wrinkles, as well as improved skin firmness, elasticity and hydration with MSM. Some of these parameters exhibited a good dose-
response indicating that the higher (3 g/d) of the supplement was more effective than the lower dose of 1 g/d, but generally the lower dose of 1
g/d appeared to be sufficiently effective in reducing the facial signs of ageing. Conclusion: This study indicated that MSM is effective in
reducing visual signs of skin ageing even at a low dose of 1 g/d.
Keywords: MSM; methylsulfonylmethane, wrinkles, skin, ageing, firmness elasticity, hydration
Introduction
Health and a youthful, glowing, healthy appearance is a
common desire of the ageing population and is reflected
in the billions of dollars spent each year on vitamins,
minerals, botanical extracts, and antioxidants in an effort
to maintain a youthful appearance of the skin and pro-
mote overall well-being. The concept of health and well-
ness offers a composite of several specialty categories
with an emphasis on prevention and maintenance rather
than on therapy. This concept of beauty “inside-out”
approach using nutrition and nutraceuticals to support
skin function is gaining popularity [1]. Nutricosmetics
refer to innovative ingestible products that are marketed
specifically for beauty benefits [1]. Products that address
“beauty from within”provide endogenous support to
reduce the effects and manifestations of aging. These prod-
ucts currently include antioxidants like polyphenols, phy-
tonutrients, and vitamins C and E, as well as structural
components like hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronan,
bioactive peptides, oligosaccharides, plant polyphenols,
carotenoids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. [2,3].
Supplementation with these products has shown evi-
dence of changing signs of ageing like dermal wrinkles as
well as protection from UV radiation ageing in several
human trials [2,4].
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural constituent
of the environment available in a variety of foods, including
milk, grains, fruits, and vegetables [5]. It is a normal oxida-
tion product of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and may be part
of the natural global sulfur cycle, so it may provide a source
of sulfur for essential animal methionine [6].
Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral element in the
body derived almost exclusively from proteins. Only two
amino acids; methionine and cystein contains sulfur.
Methionine, cannot be synthesized in the body and
therefore has to be supplied by the diet. On the other hand
cysteine, is synthesized by the human body, but the process
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requires a steady supply of sulfur. MSM represents an
organic form of sulfur [5] which plays an important role in
many body organs and systems. Plants concentrate MSM
available in the soil and from the atmosphere, from where
it becomes available in many foods. It has long been
associated with skin health because of its fundamental role
in physiological processes, including the synthesis of
collagen, hyaluronic acid, and keratohyalin –the most
abundant matrix molecules in the skin [8–10].
Sulfur amino acids contribute substantially to the mainte-
nance and integrity of the cellular systems by influencing
cellular redox state and the capacity to detoxify toxic
compounds, free radicals and reactive oxygen species
[11]. Any dietary excess is readily oxidized to sulfate,
excreted in the urine (or reabsorbed depending on dietary
levels) or stored in the form of glutathione (GSH). There
is evidence that MSM sulfur can be incorporated into the
sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine to
provide a source of dietary sulfur and MSM may affect the
compartmentalization and metabolism of sulfur [6].
MSM is known to be a beneficial nutrient and a therapeu-
tic substance for the treatment of acne, arthritis, muscle
pain, weak nails, dry or rough skin, and other ailments.
In addition, a variety of health-specific outcome mea-
sures have been demonstrated to improve with MSM
supplementation, including inflammation, joint/muscle
pain, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity [12–16].
It has become a popular dietary supplement as an anti-
oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. When administered
orally it is rapidly absorbed, well distributed, and efficiently
excreted from the body [5,17]. Oral supplementation with
MSM has been shown to influence skin on a genetic level,
by regulating a select number of genes responsible for
inflammation, skin barrier, and moisturization, as well as
those genes involved in the structural integrity of the
skin which are associated with the aging process [18].
MSM is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) approved sub-
stance. It is well-tolerated by most individuals at dosages of
up to four grams daily, with few known and mild side effects
[16] and has been reported to be non-toxic [5,19].
Hormonal imbalance, inflammation, smoking, exposure
to UV radiation, and environmental stressors contribute to
the aging of the skin by production of reactive oxygen spe-
cies (ROS) that can potentially damage cell membranes,
proteins, and DNA. Free radicals are composed of oxygen
molecules with an unpaired electron and are induced by
several exogenous and endogenous factors, including UV
exposure, pollution, stress, smoking and normal metabolic
processes. Studies show that free radicals induce alter-
ations in gene expression pathways, which in turn
contribute to the degradation of collagen and the accumu-
lation of elastin emblematic of photo-aged skin [20,21].
MSM supports the body’s natural antioxidant pathways
through increased levels of glutathione, superoxide dismu-
tase, and catalase [22].
This overload of oxidative stress and a production of free
radicals can eventually break down connective tissues and
collagen, and release chemicals that lead to cellular and
molecular events that are evident as signs of aging, such
as the formation of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dyspigmen-
tation, inflammation, immunosuppression, photoaging,
photocarcinogenesis, and sagging skin. Nutricosmetics pro-
vide nutritional antioxidant supplementation to support
endogenous antioxidant enzymes that may help to inter-
nally regulate oxidative stress and help to achieve a health-
ier skin appearance from the inside out. [1] Among the
ingredients used in nutricosmetics, antioxidants represent
the most crucial. The best-known antioxidants are carote-
noids (beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and
astaxanthin) and polyphenols (anthocyanidins, catechins,
flavonoids, tannins, and procyanidins) [2].
Inflammation is a known contributor to the degradation
of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid; thus, reducing
inflammation is another integral approach to preventing
wrinkle formation. Anti-oxidants and free radical scav-
engers protect the skin via reducing skin inflammation by
directly acting on cytokine and growth factor receptors in
dermal cells and keratinocytes [23–27]. Interventions that
suppress, prevent, or alter the dynamics of chronic inflam-
mation hold great promise for treating or preventing multi-
ple age-related pathologies.
The anti-inflammatory properties of MSM have great
potential in supporting skin health by reduction of damage
through inflammatory cascades. Studies have indicated
that MSM can reduce the production of interleukin (IL)-1,
IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO),
prostaglandin E2(PGE2), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB
[28–31]. Since MSM can inhibit NF-κB transcriptional activ-
ity, it reduces the expression of enzymes and cytokines
involved in ROS production. Downregulation of COX-2
and iNOS reduces the amount of superoxide radical
(O2) and nitric oxide (NO), respectively [29].
Previous studies have clearly indicated that 16 weeks of
oral administration of 3g/d MSM is highly effective in
reducing fines lines and wrinkles and improvement of the
appearance and condition of the skin [18]. This study was
designed to determine if it was effective at a lower dose
and the most efficacious dosage of this nutrient in improv-
ing skin quality.
Methods
The study was conducted in two steps, Part I and then
Part II.
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Part I: Pilot study
Oral product #1OptiMSM 1g: 1g hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules with 1000 mg of 100%
Methylsulfonylmethane. The participants consumed three
1000 mg capsules a day. Oral Product #2Placebo: HPMC
capsules with 875 mg rice flour; (filled to volume to resem-
ble MSM capsules).
A total of 20 participants completed the study, 11 using
OptiMSM and 9using Placebo. The participants were
instructed to take 3g of capsules in the morning with or
without food.
This was a 4month, double blinded (the participants and
evaluators were unaware of the identity of the samples), in
use study. Measurements were obtained before treatment
and after 8and 16 weeks of use. At each time point the
following measurements were obtained:
–Expert Visual grading using a 1–10 cm scale where 1was
none and 10 was extreme for the appearance of lines/
wrinkles (crows feet), texture/smoothness (visual),
–Subject self assessment via questionnaire with approval
rating scale of: 1-strongly agree, 2- agree, 3neither
agree nor disagree, 4disagree and 5strongly disagree.
The numbers were expected to come down with
improvement.
The participants were instructed to refrain from using any
facial treatments and procedures such as Botox
Ò
and fillers
during the study period. They continued using their favorite
facial products and color-cosmetics but were instructed not
to change products during the course of the study. Partici-
pants who used nutritional supplementation regularly
(within the last 2weeks) were excluded. The participants
were not participating in any other clinical studies involving
the face.
The participants were all females between ages of 35 to 59
years old Fitzpatrick Skin Type I-IV with lines and wrinkles
in crows feet region and significant loss of facial skin firm-
ness and elasticity.
The participants were healthy with no acute or chronic
disease or medical condition, including dermatological
problems, which could put them at risk in the opinion of
the Principal Investigator or compromise study outcomes.
They exhibited the ability to read, understand and sign an
informed consent form (including HIPAA and State
requirements). They were willing and able to co-operate
and follow all study directions, attend study visits as sched-
uled and willing to accept the restrictions of the study.
Participants with a history of allergic reactions, skin sen-
sitization and/or known allergies to cosmetic ingredients,
toiletries, sunscreens, etc. as well as those who were
immunocompromised, on Hormone Replacement Therapy
or oral contraception for less than three months before the
screening visit were excluded as were pregnant and
lactating women. Employees of testing lab or other testing
firms/ laboratories, cosmetic or raw goods manufacturers
or suppliers were not included in the subject panel.
The study was conducted in accordance with FDA GCP
regulations and ICH guidelines in as much as they apply
to cosmetic research. The study was overseen by Allendale
Institutional Review Board to ensure the protection of the
rights, safety, and well-being of participants.
Part II: dose-response study
After a thorough study of data from Part I a more compre-
hensive study was designed to determine if a lower
concentration of MSM was effective in improving skin.
The same subject instructions as well as inclusion and
exclusion criteria were employed in this part of the study.
The test product was used as follows:
Group A: Oral Product #1(OptiMSM
Ò
)-3g HPMC
capsules with 1000 mg of 100% Methylsulfonylmethane.
The participants consumed three 1000 mg capsules a day.
Group B: Oral Product #2(OptiMSM
Ò
)-1g HPMC
capsules with 1000 mg of 100% Methylsulfonylmethane.
The participants consumed one 1000 mg capsule a day.
A total of 63 participants completed the study. The panel
was divided into two groups of 31–32 each. Group A received
3grams a day (g/d) of the test material and Group B
consumed 1gram a day. The participants were instructed
to take the capsules in the morning with or without food.
This was a 4month, in use study. Measurements were
obtained before treatment and every month for the course
of the study. At each time point the following measurements
were obtained:
–Expert Visual grading using a 1–10 cm scale where
1was none and 10 was extreme for the appearance
of lines/wrinkles (crows feet), texture/smoothness
(visual), radiance/luminosity, firmness and elasticity
(tactile) at Weeks 4,8,12 and 16.
–Skin elasticity using a Cutometer (Courage and
Khazaka, Cologne, Germany).
–Skin moisturization using a Corneometer (Courage and
Khazaka, Cologne, Germany).
–Photographs were obtained using a 2D Clarity pro
(BrighTex Bio-Photonics, San Jose California, USA) fol-
lowed by analysis of wrinkles in the crows feet area.
Data for the 8-week time point is missing due to instru-
ment malfunction.
–Subject self assessment via questionnaire.
The study was overseen by Allendale Institutional
Review Board to ensure the protection of the rights, safety
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and well-being of participants (Part I-IRSI 3778BN0114 and
Part II-IRSI 4194BN0118).
Statistics
Data was normalized so all measurements started at the
same baseline using “if”formula. Students t test was used
as a statistical indicator of significance. T test was con-
ducted for all time points vs baseline (before use). Microsoft
excel datasheet statistical software was used for all statisti-
cal analysis including data distribution (summary statistics)
and equality of variance.
Results
Part I: Pilot study
Figure 1illustrates the average effect of oral treatment of
MSM on facial lines and wrinkles. Visual grading of facial
lines and wrinkles by an expert clearly shows a significant
reduction with use of the oral supplement (Figure 1A).
The placebo group also appears to show a slight improve-
ment, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Subject self assessment (Figure 1B) indicates that on
average the participants noticed a significant reduction in
their facial lines and wrinkles after using the MSM product,
but a very slight change by the participants who used the
placebo.
Figure 1C showing the expert grading of skin texture indi-
cates a steady and significant reduction in skin roughness
with product use of MSM as well as placebo (p < 0.001).
However, subject approval (Figure 1D) clearly indicates that
the participants on MSM noticed a much more significant
(p < 0.05) improvement in skin texture as compared to
the group on placebo.
Part II: Dose-response study
Figure 2demonstrates the average effect of oral treatment
of MSM on facial lines and wrinkles. Visual grading of facial
lines and wrinkles by an expert, shows that lines and wrin-
kles reduced with use of the oral supplement and the decline
continued over the course of the study (Figure 2A). The
higher concentration of the supplement was consistently
more effective having statistically significant reduction in
lines and wrinkles after 16 weeks of use. Subject self assess-
ment (Figure 2B indicates that twelve participants on 3g/d
of MSM agreed that their lines and wrinkles improved after
4weeks of use and by 16 weeks nineteen participants out of
31 approved. The participants on the lower concentration of
the supplement also agreed that their lines and wrinkles
reduced with product use with 13/32 approvals at the
Figure 1. Study part I: facial lines and wrinkles and facial skin texture. Error bars represent standard error of mean. A: there was a clear and
consistent reduction in facial lines and wrinkles after MSM use (n = 11) and only a slight change with the placebo (n = 9). Statistical significance
*ispvalue of < 0.05 and ** is < 0.001. B: Subject self assessment of wrinkles. C: Visual grading of skin texture with use of MSM and placebo.
D: subject approval of skin texture.
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4week time point that increased to twenty out of 32 after 16
weeks of use.
Image analysis of photographs in Figure 2C clearly
indicate a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in
skin wrinkle width after 12–16 weeks of using the high
concentration of 3g/d of the oral MSM supplement.
However, the lower concentration of the product appeared
to exert an even higher effect (p < 0.001). An example of the
wrinkle reduction of 1g/d of the oral supplement is clearly
observable in the photograph (Figure 2D).
Figure 3A showing the expert grading of skin texture
clearly indicates a steady and significant reduction in skin
roughness with product use (p < 0.001). Both doses of the
supplement appeared to be equally effective. Subject
approval (Figure 3B) appears to correlate with the visual
grading of skin texture. Out of 31 participants on the high
dose of 3g/d, twenty-two showed approval as early as after
4weeks of use. The group on the lower concentration
also showed a high subject approval with twenty-two
participants out of 32 in agreement that their skin texture
improved as early as after 4weeks of use.
Facial skin Radiance and Luminosity (Figure 4A and B)
also significantly improved (p < 0.05) after 4weeks of use
and continued to improve for both groups for the course
of the study with a highly significant improvement after
16 weeks of use (p < 0.001). Out of 31 participants on the
3gram supplement, fourteen agreed on an improvement
after 4weeks which increased to twenty-two after 16 weeks.
Out of 32 participants that used 1g/d of the supplement,
seventeen agreed on an improvement after 4weeks and
twenty-six after 16 weeks.
Skin firmness and elasticity as measured with expert
grading, instrumental measurement and subject self
assessment is reported in Figure 5. Skin firmness clearly
improved after product use (Figure 5A). Both doses of the
product appeared to be equally effective, initially, however
at the 16-week time point the lower concentration of
the supplement appeared to be slightly more effective
(p < 0.001) as compared to the higher concentration of
3g/d (p < 0.05). Cutometer measurement of R0(Uf) looks
at the maximum amplitude of distended skin and repre-
sents the passive behavior of the skin to force (firmness).
Figure 5B clearly exhibits no significant change in this
parameter with product use. Nevertheless, subject self
assessment (Figure 5C) indicates that twenty-one partici-
pants out of 31 agreed that their facial skin was firmer with
the higher dose of the supplement as early as after 4weeks
of use. Fourteen participants on 1g/d of MSM noticed an
improvement in skin firmness after 4weeks of use and this
increased to twenty after 16 weeks of use.
Figure 2. Study part II: facial lines and wrinkles. Error bars represent standard error of mean. A: visual grading of facial lines and wrinkles.
B: subject self assessment and C: image analysis of photographs. D: Photographic example of a subject on the lower concentration of 1 g/d of the
supplement clearly shows a softening of the crows feet area.
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Expert grading of skin elasticity also indicated that both
doses of the product were equally effective, initially, while
the lower concentration of the supplement was slightly
more effective (Figure 5D). Instrumental measurement of
R5(Ur/Ue) is net elasticity which is elastic portion of the
suction part versus the elastic portion of the relaxation part
(Figure 5E). This parameter clearly improved with product
use for both groups. Subject self assessment of skin elastic-
ity (Figure 5F) indicated that seventeen participants out of
31 agreed that their facial skin was more elastic with the
higher dose of the supplement as early as after 4weeks of
use and this increased to twenty-one after 16 weeks of
use. Sixteen participants on 1g/d of MSM noticed an
improvement in skin elasticity after 4weeks of use and this
increased to twenty-one after 16 weeks of use.
Skin hydration was measured with a Corneometer as well
as self-assessed by the participants (Figure 6). Figure 6A
clearly exhibits that the 3g/d dose of MSM increased skin
hydration (p < 0.05) within 4weeks after which it increased
some more after 8weeks (p < 0.001) and then plateaued for
the course of the study. The lower dose of 1g/d MSM was
slightly slower to hydrate skin, but the improvement
continued for 12 weeks after which it plateaued. Subject self
assessment (Figure 5B) indicates that twenty-two out of 31
participants agreed that the 3g/d dose of MSM improved
their skin hydration within 4weeks of use, and this
increased to twenty-six after 16 weeks of use. Twenty three
out of 32 participants agreed that 1g/d treatment was
effective in hydrating their skin and this increased to
twenty-six after 16 weeks of use.
Discussion
Youthful appearance is a serious desire of the ageing popu-
lation. The passage of time is reflected in the appearance of
facial lines and wrinkles; by a slackening of tissue; a loss of
skin elasticity; a dry/leathery appearance; uneven skin
Figure 3. Study part II: n = 32 for 1 g MSM and n = 31 for 3 g MSM daily dose. A: Skin texture. Error bars represent standard error of mean.
B: Subject self assessment. Most participants observed an improvement in skin texture with use.
Figure 4. Study part II. n = 32 for 1 g MSM and n = 31 for 3 g MSM daily dose. A: Visual grading of facial Radiance and Luminosity. Error bars
represent standard error of mean. Both treatments appeared to be equally effective. B: Subject self assessment. Most participants observed an
improvement in skin radiance with use.
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pigmentation and a general dullness. At the histological
level, skin damage from photoaging is shown in tangled,
thickened, abnormal elastic fibers and decreased collagen.
The aging process also results in thinning and deterioration
of the skin. There is a reduction in cells and in blood supply,
and a flattening in the junction between the dermis and
epidermis [32–34].
Treatments designed to prolong or promote youthful
appearance include various nutraceuticals and dietary
supplements. Oral treatments that address all the chal-
lenges of ageing skin skin can be unsuccessful due to their
constituents being broken down by acid and enzymes in
the gut; nevertheless several studies have shown positive
effects of anti-oxidants [35], vitamins [36] and even
Figure 5. Study part II: n = 32 for 1 g MSM and n = 31 for 3 g MSM daily dose. Error bars represent standard error of mean. A: Visual grading
of facial skin firmness and elasticity. B: Cutometer measurements. C: Subject self assessment. D: subject grading of facial skin elasticity.
E: Cutometer measurements. F: Subject self assessment.
Figure 6. Study part II. n = 32 for 1 g MSM and n = 31 for 3 g MSM daily dose. Error bars represent standard error of mean. A: Visual grading of
skin moisturization. B: Subject self assessment.
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hydrolyzed collagen [37,38] which is absorbed in the gut
and then delivered to skin and joints through the blood
stream. The current study demonstrated the effect of
MSM on visible signs of skin ageing. Since facial wrinkles
and rough texture are the most significant signs of chrono-
logical as well as actinic ageing, the pilot study addressed
these signs to determine if oral use of MSM could change
them versus placebo pills. Results of part I of this study
are consistent with reports of significant improvement in
skin appearance and condition after MSM treatment [18].
Part II further demonstrated that oral supplementation
with MSM resulted in significant improvements in skin’s
appearance and condition as evaluated by expert grading,
instrumental measures, and participant self assessment.
This study indicated that the lower dose of 1g/d appeared
to be sufficient in reducing the facial signs of ageing.
Although the exact mechanism of action is not well
understood, studies have indicated that MSM could be
involved in altering gene expression of key genes that affect
moisturization and barrier function, extracellular matrix
production, and inflammation control [18]. Inflammation,
oxidation, and gene expression in skin cells are highly inter-
connected, and it has been demonstrated that MSM has a
positive effect on all three [31,39]. Human aging is charac-
terized by a chronic, low-grade inflammation, and this
phenomenon has been termed as “inflammaging”, thus
management of low-level inflammation can help reduce
the signs of ageing and it is possible that the reduction of
signs of ageing in this study was partially due to the anti-
inflammatory effect of this supplement. MSM has become
a popular dietary supplement as an anti-oxidant and anti-
inflammatory agent. It is known to inhibit activation of
pro-inflammatory mediators through downregulation of
NF-κB and decreasing the expression of TNF-α, and IL-6
[29,40] as well as selective inhibition of NLRP3inflamma-
some activation [41]. The anti-ageing effect of MSM could
be due to its anti-inflammatory action.
MSM is also known for its effect on modulation of oxida-
tive stress and antioxidant defense [22,42,43]. Hormonal
imbalance, inflammation, smoking, exposure to UV radia-
tion, and environmental stressors contribute to the aging
of the skin by production of ROS that can potentially dam-
age cell membranes, proteins, and DNA [5,7,17,44,45].
The process of aging is most often associated with its
visible effects on the skin. The skin mirrors the aging
process both physiologically and socially [46]. Endogenous
factors like genetics, inflammation, hormone levels, and
lack of proper nutrition as well as exogenous factors like
increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, environ-
mental pollutants, and ROS play a significant part in
enhancing the visible signs of ageing [47] including
wrinkles, mottled pigmentation and loss of firmness and
elasticity [48]. These perceptible symptoms can be easily
determined through visual examination. Subject self-
perception, and via the use of laboratory instruments. The
strength of the present study was the assessment of skin
health utilizing all three permutations. Expert grading
indicated improvements in several markers, especially for
the presence of crows feet. Participant self assessment
questionnaires indicated overall satisfaction with skin
health in both groups. Instrumentation assessments
showed a significant improvement from baseline in the
severity of facial wrinkles, as well as improved skin firm-
ness, elasticity and hydration. Some of these parameters
exhibited a good dose response indicating that the higher
(3g/d) of the supplement was more effective than the lower
dose of 1g/d, but generally the lower dose of 1g/d appeared
to be sufficiently effective in reducing the facial signs of
ageing.
The studies reported were well designed to observe the
effect of MSM supplementation on skin using a three
aspects of assessment i.e. instrumental measurements,
expert grading as well as subject self assessment. This multi
prong approach imparted strength and validity to the data
presented in this manuscript. Although this study exhibited
a good indication of the effect of MSM on reducing signs of
ageing, the results do not explain the mechanism of action.
Additional controlled studies are warranted to further
validate efficacy and hypothesized mechanisms of action.
Based on the confines and conditions of this study
oral supplementation with MSM resulted in significant
improvements in skin’s appearance and condition as
evaluated by expert grading, instrumental measures, and
participant self assessment. The results of this study
suggest that MSM taken orally may be beneficial for skin
health and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, at a dose
as low as 1grams a day.
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History
Received October 11, 2019
Accepted January 20, 2020
Published online February 21, 2020
Acknowledgement
The authors thank Robert Frumento and Francis Friscia from
International Research Services, Inc, for their expertise and
guidance regarding the clinical work presented in this manuscript.
Conflict of interest
Mr. Benjamin reports personal fees from Bergstrom Nutrition –
Study Sponsor, outside the submitted work. In addition, Benjamin
has a patent, US Patent No. 8,217,085 and its foreign counter-
parts licensed to Biogenic Innovations, a patent, US Patent No.
8,546,373 licensed to Biogenic Innovations, and a patent, US
Patent 8,841,100 and its foreign counterparts licensed to Biogenic
Innovations. Ms Muizzuddin reports personal fees from Bergstrom
Nutrition, for assisting in the drafting of this manuscript.
Ethical approval
The study was approved by IRB.
ORCID
Rodney L. Benjamin
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7190-6788
Rodney L. Benjamin
Bergstrom Nutrition
1000 West 8th Street
Vancouver, Washington 98660
USA
rbenjamin@bergstromnutrition.com
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