Evaluation of Anti-Wrinkle Effects of DuOligo, Composed of Lactulose and Galactooligosaccharides

Currently, alternatives to prebiotics for skin treatment are receiving much interest. However, little is known about the efficacy of topically applied prebiotics in skin anti-aging. This study was conducted to observe the anti-aging effects of DuOligo, which is composed of lactulose and galactooligosaccharides (GOS). We investigated wrinkle-related parameters by quantitative and qualitative skin evaluation in healthy women who consumed DuOligo for 8 weeks. The double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study included subjects who were divided into two groups (Placebo: dextrin 4.5 g/d, n=14, 51.50 y vs. DuOligo: DuOligo 4.5 g/d, n=14, 52.65 y). The DuOligo group showed a reduction in mean wrinkle length and depth measured via quantitative skin evaluation after 8 weeks, whereas the Placebo group showed slight increases in these parameters (P<0.001). The wrinkle severity rating scale in the DuOligo group was decreased after 8 weeks, but it increased in the Placebo group (Placebo group: 0.14 vs. DuOligo group: −0.86, P<0.001). The global aesthetic improvement scale for the DuOligo group was significantly higher than that for the Placebo group at week 8 (P<0.001). In conclusion, our findings suggest that oral consumption of DuOligo is beneficial to the skin, and present the possibility of new nutritional strategies for wrinkle care.