This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study evaluated among 65 healthy women (20-39 years) the effects of daily supplementation with either 300 or 600 mg of apple polyphenol during 12 weeks on facial skin conditions and pigmentation induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

Results showed that continuous administration of apple polyphenols for 12 weeks significantly prevented UV irradiation induced skin pigmentation (erythema value, melanin value, L value), although a dose-dependent relationship was not clearly observed. In contrast, no significant differences were detected between the groups with regard to water content and trans-epidermal water loss.

In conclusion, apple polyphenols, alleviate UV irradiation induced skin pigmentation, without modified skin hydration, after 12 weeks of oral supplementation in healthy women.

Shoji T, Masumoto S, Moriichi N, Ohtake Y, Kanda T. Administration of Apple Polyphenol Supplements for Skin Conditions in Healthy Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2020;12(4):E1071. Published 2020 Apr 13. doi:10.3390/nu12041071