Anti-ageing: The Natural Supplement That Makes Your Skin Smoother And More Elastic

No one enjoys that moment when you look in the mirror and suddenly find that you are looking older.

Here at HSI, we are always searching for new products to help you look and feel half your age. We have recently learned about a new all-natural pill containing a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals and herbs that has been found to produce remarkable results in the prevention and reduction of skin ageing.

The makers of Evelle claim that it slows down the ageing of skin, smoothes out existing wrinkles and fine lines, and prevents new ones from appearing; they are hailing it as a major step forward in skin care. 

A nutrient cocktail that helps restore youth to your skin
Keeping skin young-looking and attractive depends on two key factors: antioxidant defences against skin deterioration, and density of collagen and elastic fibres to give skin elasticity. All of the ingredients in Evelle have a good pedigree in being beneficial to skin health.

Vitamin C is an essential ingredient in the production of collagen and elastin, both vital protein substances in healthy skin and connective tissue.1

Vitamins C and E and carotenoids provide significant antioxidant activity in the skin, giving UV (ultra-violet) protection, antioxidant protection and efficient immune response in the skin.2 Carotenoids are health-giving ingredients found in a number of vegetables. Tomato extract is used in Evelle because it provides a broad range of carotenoids, including lycopene and lutein.3

Traditionally used as a tonic, blueberry has been found to be a potent antioxidant.4

Pycnogenol protects against skin degradation and supports collagen density in the skin.5 It also assists in wound healing and has been shown to reduce UV-induced skin tumours.6, 7

Zinc, a component of enzymes required for DNA replication, gene transcription and RNA and protein synthesis, is vital to healthy skin. Zinc deficiency has been associated with impaired wound healing and roughened skin.8

Biotin (sometimes called vitamin H) is also vital to healthy skin. Deficiency in biotin has been shown to be involved in a number of skin disorders, including dermatitis, skin scaling and alopecia.9
Selenium is an antioxidant and protects skin cells from UV-induced damage.10

The marine cartilage ingredient in Evelle is a standardised fish extract which provides building blocks for collagen production, and carbohydrates that play an important role in skin hydration and preventing skin ageing.11

Horsetail contains silica and zinc, and has been used traditionally to heal wounds to the skin.

Research shows that Evelle helps give a youthful-looking appearance, with smoother and more elastic skin  
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study carried out by the Skin Investigation and Technology Institute, in Hamburg, found that daily doses of the new combination supplement made skin smoother and more elastic, and also prevented the visible signs of skin ageing.12

A total of 62 women, aged 45 to 75, participated in the research project. One half of the participants were given daily doses of Evelle, the other half were given identical-looking tablets containing an inactive substance.

By using highly specialised measuring equipment and photo scans of the skin, the researchers were able to monitor changes in the skin structure and elasticity.

The investigation site used for measuring any changes was the inner left forearm chosen because it is more protected from outside factors affecting the skin, such as sunlight and cosmetic products. The women taking part were asked to refrain from using any other skin care products during the period of the trial.

Skin elasticity was recorded before the start of the trial and then again six weeks later. Skin roughness was evaluated before the trial began and again at the end of 12 weeks. A total of 58 women completed the trial 29 in the Evelle group and 29 in the placebo group.

At the beginning of the trial, the skin elasticity of the two groups was found to be comparable with no statistically significant difference. After six weeks, the skin elasticity in the group taking Evelle was 9 per cent higher than that in the placebo group.

Similarly, at the outset, the roughness of the skin of the two groups was found to be indistinguishable, with no statistically significant difference. After 12 weeks, the skin roughness in the placebo group had actually increased, while the roughness of skin in the Evelle group remained the same. The skin roughness in the placebo group had increased by 6 per cent. This increase was unexpected, but the researchers deduced that it may well have been due to environmental factors: during the course of the 12 weeks of the trial, the climate changed from mild winter to hot spring, so there was an increase in exposure to sunlight.

The two findings together showing the increased elasticity and the lower skin roughness in the Evelle group suggest that this supplement has significant nutritional benefits for the skin.

What to take for best results
The recommended dose is two tablets per day with plenty of water. While there are no known side-effects or contraindications, Evelle should not be used by pregnant women or children under the age of one year unless directed by a physician or nurse.

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2. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73: 853-64
3. Exp Biol Med 2002;227: 845-51
4. J Agric Food Chem 1998;46: 2686-93
5. J Appl Cosmetol 2002;20: 241-6
6. Phytother Res 2004;18(7): 579-8
7. Phytother Res 2002;16: 567-71
8. Int J Dermatol 2002;41: 606-11
9. Semin Dermatol 1991;10: 296-302
10. Clin Exp Dermatol 2000;25: 631-6
11. J Dermatol Treat 2001;12: 47-51
12. J Dermatol Treat 2004;15: 222-226