Effects of topical DHEA on aging skin: a pilot study

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#adjuvants-immunologic #administration-topical #aged #atrophy #dehydroepiandrosterone

Effects of topical DHEA on aging skin: a pilot study

Nouveau et al., 2008 | Maturitas | Rct

Citation

Nouveau Stéphanie, Bastien Philippe, ... de Lacharriere Olivier. Effects of topical DHEA on aging skin: a pilot study. Maturitas. 2008-Feb-20;59(2):174-81. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2007.12.004

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone involved in physiological aging. When administered by oral route, it has been shown to positively affect skin condition on aged people. The purpose of this pilot study was to observe the in vivo effects on skin aging of topical DHEA (1%). METHODS: The DHEA formulation (1%) or the vehicle was topically applied for 4 months to facial and hand skin, in two groups of 20 post-menopausal women. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated on the basis of clinical and biophysical signs linked to skin aging. RESULTS: We showed that DHEA treatment increased the rate of sebum, which was perceived rather positively by a menopausal population usually affected with a declining sebum level. Topical DHEA tends to improve skin brightness, to counteract papery appearance of skin and epidermal atrophy, a characteristic feature of hormone-related skin aging. Topical DHEA could also act on skin process related to wrinkles, but this result remains to be confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed beneficial effects on skin characteristics that are rarely provided by topical treatments. It raised some interesting clues towards the treatment of skin aging.

Key Findings

We showed that DHEA treatment increased the rate of sebum, which was perceived rather positively by a menopausal population usually affected with a declining sebum level. Topical DHEA tends to improve skin brightness, to counteract papery appearance of skin and epidermal atrophy, a characteristic feature of hormone-related skin aging. Topical DHEA could also act on skin process related to wrinkles, but this result remains to be confirmed.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Administration, Topical
  • Aged
  • Atrophy
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Epidermis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Sebum
  • Skin
  • Skin Aging

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: dhea

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10