Abstract / Summary
Background: Age-related deterioration of skin biomechanical properties is characterized by reduced elasticity, increased viscoelasticity, and the appearance of fine lines. Plant-derived bioactive compounds have attracted considerable interest as topical anti-ageing agents due to their antioxidant and skin-protective properties. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a topical formulation containing 2% (w/w) Olea europaea (Olive) Callus Culture Lysate (OLEA cream), alone or combined with 2% (w/w) Polyphenolic Complex (Propyl Gallate, Gallyl Glucoside, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside), on skin elasticity, viscoelasticity, and skin surface fine lines in healthy volunteers using non-invasive biophysical measurements. Methods: Volunteers were randomly allocated to receive Placebo cream, OLEA cream (2% w/w), or OLEA cream + Polyphenolic complex cream (2% w/w + 2% w/w). Skin biomechanical properties were assessed at baseline, Day 30, and Day 60 using a Cutometer. The R2 (overall elasticity), R6 (viscoelasticity), and SEw (skin surface fine-line) indices were evaluated. Changes over time and between treatment groups were analyzed using repeated-measures statistical models, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Both active formulations produced significant improvements in selected skin biomechanical and surface parameters compared with baseline and Placebo. Skin elasticity (R2) significantly improved after 30 days of treatment and remained improved at Day 60 in both active groups. A significant reduction in viscoelasticity (R6) was observed, particularly in the OLEA + Polyphenolic complex cream group, while percentage-change analysis demonstrated greater improvement with both active formulations than with placebo at Day 60. The skin surface fine-line index (SEw) was also significantly reduced following treatment with both active formulations compared with baseline and Placebo. No statistically significant differences were observed between OLEA cream and OLEA + Polyphenolic complex cream for any of the evaluated parameters. Conclusions: Topical application of OLEA cream (2% w/w), alone or in combination with Polyphenolic complex (2% w/w), improved selected biomechanical properties of the skin and reduced the appearance of fine lines over 60 days. The absence of significant differences between the two active formulations suggests that, under the conditions of this study, the addition of Polyphenolic complex did not provide a measurable additional benefit.