Do apples help with skin aging?

Apples play an important role in maintaining human health. However, with the rapid development of plant extract technology today, we cannot help but ask: can the health magic of apples also extend to one of our most concerned areas - skin anti-aging?

Skin aging is a complex biological process driven by both endogenous factors (such as genetics and hormonal changes) and exogenous factors (such as ultraviolet radiation and environmental pollution). Its core pathological manifestations include oxidative stress damage, collagen loss and degradation, and impaired skin barrier function. Research has shown that apples are rich in a variety of bioactive ingredients, which act as a synergistic "active force" that can precisely intervene in the skin aging process from multiple targets.

Apple polyphenols are the most important antioxidant compounds in apples, and they are particularly abundant in the peel. It is not a single compound, but a polyphenol family including chlorogenic acid, catechins, epicatechins, quercetin glycosides, etc. Its anti-aging mechanism is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Powerful free radical scavenging ability: Free radicals are the "culprits" that cause cell damage and aging. Apple polyphenols can neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) by providing electrons, effectively clearing free radicals and reducing the damage of oxidative stress to skin cells. Multiple studies have confirmed that apple polyphenols reduce the production of free radicals by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase and catalase.
• The protection and promotion of collagen: The loss and degradation of collagen are the direct causes of wrinkles and sagging on the skin. On the one hand, studies have suggested that apple polyphenols may protect existing collagen and elastin structures by maintaining collagen synthesis and inhibiting elastase activity. On the other hand, polyphenols in immature apples can inhibit the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, while promoting the production of type I procollagen (precursor of collagen), thereby maintaining the youthful structure of the skin in both "open source" and "throttling" aspects.

Apples also contain abundant vitamin C. As a classic antioxidant and skincare ingredient, the mechanism of action of vitamin C in anti-aging of the skin has been widely confirmed. Vitamin C is a key cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase, both of which are crucial in the formation of stable triple helix structures in collagen molecules. A lack of vitamin C will directly hinder collagen synthesis. Therefore, the vitamin C provided by apples provides necessary biochemical support for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.

In recent years, plant stem cell and extracellular vesicle technology have opened up new frontiers for anti-aging research.

Apple stem cell extract: Multiple studies have shown that skincare products containing apple stem cell extract have a biological regenerative effect on signs of skin aging. A cream containing apple stem cell extract and ascorbic acid can significantly reduce the signs of aging visible on the face. The underlying mechanism may be related to the epigenetic factors and metabolites rich in stem cell extracts, which can protect human skin stem cells and delay their aging.

The strength of theoretical mechanisms ultimately requires validation through clinical applications. Fortunately, clinical research evidence on the improvement of skin aging by apple extract is becoming increasingly abundant.

Systematic review studies have shown that apple derivatives have shown positive effects in improving skin aging, both topically and orally, manifested as increasing skin moisture, enhancing elasticity, increasing skin density, and reducing wrinkles.

• External efficacy verification: A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study found that the use of a skincare cream containing wild apple fruit extract significantly improved the skin's electrical capacity (an indicator of stratum corneum barrier function and hydration), indicating that the product's moisturizing and barrier repair functions were confirmed. 
• Oral supplementation effect: Clinical data show that after four consecutive weeks of supplementing with apple extract, subjects' skin moisture content increased by 13.4% and fine lines were also improved. This indicates that the efficacy of apple extract can be achieved through oral administration and external cultivation. 
• Cell-level validation: Research has delved deeper into the cell level and found that apple extract can optimize the metabolism of aging fibroblasts, restore their cellular function, which fundamentally explains the source of its anti-aging properties. In addition, apple extract can effectively reduce cell damage and DNA damage caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, demonstrating excellent photoprotective potential.

For more details about apple polyphenols, connect with Serrisha from APPCHEM. (Email: cwj@appchem.cn; +86-138-0919-0407)

Reference

[1]Cosmetic Trends in Dermatology: A Systematic Review of Topical Apple Derivatives in Treating Dermatologic Conditions. SHANGYI FU et al. [2023-10-02]

[2]Quantifying Flesh Browning, Polyphenoloxidase, Total Phenolic Content, and Vitamin C in Select Apple Varieties and Progeny. Andrea Elaine et al.

[2010-08]

[3]G. Giomaro, A. Karioti et al. "Polyphenols profile and antioxidant activity of skin and pulp of a rare apple from Marche region (Italy)." Chemistry Central Journal (2014). [2014-07-10]

[4]Administration of Apple Polyphenol Supplements for Skin Conditions in Healthy Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Toshihiko Shoji et al. [2020-03-27]

[5]Maria Vandorou, Christos Plakidis et al. "A Review on Apple Pomace Bioactives for Natural Functional Food and Cosmetic Products with Therapeutic Health-Promoting Properties." International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024). [2024-10-01]