The goal of this clinical trial is to study the effects of DracoBelleTM Nu in different skin parameters associated with age. Volunteers will be asked to take either placebo of DracoBelleTM Nu capsules once a day by oral intake for a total period of 12 weeks. Several age-associated skin parameters (skin elasticity, firmness, fatigue, wrinkles, roughness, skin density, hydration, pigmentation and barrier effect) will be measured before the treatment and 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the first oral intake. Data of the placebo and DracoBelleTM Nu group will be analyzed to evaluate the effect of the product DracoBelleTM Nu in the selected age-associated skin parameters.

Skin aging refers to the natural process of changes that occur in the skin as individuals get older. It is a complex biological process influenced by both intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) factors. The signs of skin aging include wrinkles, loss of elasticity and firmness, loss of skin density, reduced skin hydration, altered skin barrier effect and alterations in skin pigmentation. Recent studies show that the consumption of nutraceuticals may improve different parameters associated with skin aging. Recently, it has been shown that daily food supplementation with 200 mg of Moldavian dragonhead dry extract (DracoBelleTM Nu) improved the skin hydration, elasticity and increased skin density. In this placebo-controlled study, the investigators aim to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with DracoBelleTM Nu in different skin parameters associated with age.

The products will be provided in capsules containing placebo or 200 mg of DracoBelleTM Nu. 50 volunteers will ingest the placebo and 50 volunteers will ingest the product DracoBelleTM Nu by oral intake once a day (one capsule a day, preferably in the morning) for 12 weeks. Different parameters will be measured before treatment (D0) and at week 4, week 8, and week 12 after the first oral intake. The parameters that will be measured are related to the skin health and skin aging and will be determined as follows:

• The skin elasticity, firmness and fatigue will be measured by the Cutometer in the face skin area.
• Wrinkles (area, length, depth and volume) and roughness of the skin will be measured by the technology Bio3D-MS in the crows-feet and cheek areas.
• The skin density will be measured to determine the thickness of the epidermis and dermis by echography analysis with the UltraScan Echograph in the face skin area.
• Skin hydration will be measured with the Corneometer in the face skin area.
• The skin barrier effect will be measured by quantifying the transepidermal water loss with the Tewameter in the cheek.
• The alterations of the skin pigmentation (area and number of dark spots, and contrast of the dark spots compared to the skin) will be measured with the technology Bio3D-MS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy female volunteers.
• Between 35-60 years old (both included).
• With noticeable wrinkles.
• Subjects with absence of any infectious disease within the 4 weeks previous to the study.
• Informed of the purpose and the protocol of the study and signed a written informed-consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of any diseases such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), gastrointestinal disorder, endocrinological disorder, immunological disorder, metabolic disease.
• Consume more than the recommended alcohol guidelines i.e. >21 alcohol units/week for males and >14 units/week for females (europa.eu).
• Current smoking habit or history of smoking within the past 1 year.
• History of depression, schizophrenia, alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental illness.
• Current or previous intake of contraceptives, female hormones, obesity drugs, absorption inhibitors, antidepressants, or appetite suppressants.
• History of asthma or autoimmune disease Use of oral hormone therapies ie. cortisone or steroids in the 6 months prior to initiation of the study.
• Abnormal liver function or abnormal renal function.
• Blood pressure >140/90 mmHg or hypertension with intake of a diuretic.
• Any condition judged by the investigator to be unsuitable for participation in the study.
• Subjects refrain from the intake of other oral supplements, including antioxidants, dietary supplements, etc.
• Subjects do not alter their mode of contraception 6 weeks prior and during the study.
• Subjects refrain from any intense or invasive cosmetic treatment, alone or by a beautician, such as intense masks, peelings, and other treatments.
• Subjects are free to follow their usual routine of day and night care products.