Consumption of Polyphenols in Coffee and Green Tea Alleviates Skin Photoaging in Healthy Japanese Women

PURPOSE: Hyperpigmentation of the skin can occur at any age depending on etiological factors but its intensity increases during adolescence in Japanese females and gradually develops further in adults. The purpose of this study was to characterize factors that influence skin hyperpigmentation, including age, skin type and dietary polyphenol sources. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of healthy Japanese women aged from 30 to 60 years (n=244) was conducted using food and environmental questionnaires and a VISIA™ facial photoimage analyzer. RESULTS: UV Pigmented Spot (PS) scores correlated negatively with the consumption of total polyphenols (TPs) (R=−0.224, p<0.001) and the rate of hyperpigmented spot development (PS score/age after 18 years of age) was suppressed by the consumption of TPs. This trend was independent of the melanin index and the skin type, which indicates the ability of the skin to tan after sun exposure. Consumption of coffee, the largest source of TPs, suppressed the PS score (p<0.001). Consumption of green tea, the second largest source of TPs, also suppressed the PS score, which was weaker than coffee but was statistically significant (p=0.029). The PS score was suppressed the most in subjects with both a high consumption of coffee and green tea. CONCLUSION: Higher consumption of TPs may be beneficial to alleviate photoaging of the skin, and coffee as well as green tea contribute to suppress skin hyperpigmentation through adding large amounts of TPs in the diet.