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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2025 Feb-May;31(2-5):e70171.
doi: 10.1111/srt.70171.

Non-Invasive Imaging for the Evaluation of a New Oral Supplement in Skin Aging: A Case-Controlled Study

Simone Michelini  1 , Maria Elisabetta Greco  1 , Giordano Vespasiani  1 , Federica Trovato  1   2 , Camilla Chello  1 , Noah Musolff  1 , Carmen Cantisani  1 , Giovanni Pellacani  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Non-Invasive Imaging for the Evaluation of a New Oral Supplement in Skin Aging: A Case-Controlled Study

Simone Michelini et al. Skin Res Technol. 2025 Feb-May.

Abstract

Background: Skin aging represents a para-physiological process related to metabolic imbalances, inflammation, proliferative responses, and oxidative stress. Ending the cycle of inflammation, and oxidative stress represents a way to slow the effects of aging.

Study objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the benefits of supplements with an herbal mixture based on Venerinase and B-group vitamins, Zinc, and Magnesium in preventing/reducing photoaging by means of objective quantitative analysis of visual skin features obtained by VISIA 2D and stroma and vascular characteristics measured by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted in 40 participants. They were randomized 1:1 to receive the supplement (Giovina) or placebo. Assessments were conducted at Baseline (T0), after 2 months (T1), and after 4 months (T2). The primary endpoint was to obtain a significant improvement in facial photo/chrono-aging in the treatment arm, as assessed through the evaluation of the Griffith scale. Secondary endpoints were to assess significant changes in skin aging objective features (VISIA) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) parameters.

Results: The treated group showed a significant reduction in the mean Griffith scale score from 4.5 at baseline to 3.76 at T2 (4 months) (p = 0.001). A significant decrease in red areas and a borderline significant reduction in the number of wrinkles have been shown by skin aging objective feature calculation on VISIA 2D photographs. OCT analysis showed a borderline significant reduction in collagen density.

Conclusions: The decrease in vascular pattern and collagen density suggests an anti-inflammatory effect with a potential stromal remodeling in the treated group. This seems to be correlated to the reduction in wrinkles and facial redness.

Keywords: antioxidant; collagen; food supplement; inflammatory aging; skin aging; wrinkle.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors certify that there is no conflict of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
VISIA system 2D photographs show a significant reduction in the treatment group for the extent of erythema at T2 (B–D) compared with T0 (A–C) in two different patients. The significant reduction in parameters related to erythema may be attributed to the anti‐inflammatory action of the active ingredients in the treatment group.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Visible significant improvement in Visia 2D images on aging score according to the Griffith scale at T0 (A) and T2 (B). Visia software shows objective reduction of visible wrinkles (green lines).
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
OCT image shows a mild reduction in collagen density in the treated subjects (A) compared to controls (B). Vascular parameters show no significant variation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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