The effectiveness of Oral Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) on total antioxidant status, Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and sebum concentration in photo aging skin

Introduction: Aging is a progressive process of decrease in organs functions and capacity, including the skin. Photoaging is extrinsic aging mainly occur due to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Methods: This study is a clinical trial research design with one group pre-post test. All subjects who were exposed to UV for approximately 3-4 hours. All subjects signed an informed consent and were interviewed accordingly. Photoaging was diagnosed clinically by three dermatologists according to Glogau type II classification such as dynamic wrinkles, palpable keratosis, visible lentigo senilis, and smiley line. SOD 250 IU was given to all subjects twice daily for 60 days. Laboratory examinations such as TAS, TEWL, and sebum concentration were done pre and post-intervention. Results: A total of 25 subjects, Fitzpatrick skin type 4 were included in this study. There were 14 males and 11 females with 20 subjects age 30-40 years old and 5 subjects age 25-29 years old. Fourteen (56%) out of 18 subjects from low TAS group have normal TAS post-treatment with SOD. McNemar test showed a significant increase in TAS value pre and post-treatment with SOD (p<0.05). TEWL measurement on cheek showed 9 out of 10 subjects from the strained group have normal TEWL post-treatment, while all 3 subjects from the critical group have normal TEWL value. Measurement on the forehead showed 7 subjects from the strained group have a normal TEWL. Sebumeter on the forehead showed 17 subjects from dry skin group 14 (56%) subjects have normal skin, 1 (4%) subject becomes oily, and 2 subjects remains dry post-treatment with SOD for 60 days. All subjects with dry skin on U zone become normal skin post-treatment. Conclusion: SOD significantly increased TAS value, decreased TEWL, and improvement of skin dryness post-treatment with SOD for 60 days.