SOY & SKIN HEALTH
Soy research and human health resources
An intriguing body of evidence suggests soybean isoflavones help to reduce wrinkles and improve other skin parameters. A new study adds to this evidence. In this 6-month randomized controlled trial, postmenopausal women were randomized to receive either 30 grams/day soy protein containing 50 mg isoflavones or 30 grams/day casein, the main protein in cow’s milk. Relative to women in the casein group, women in the soy group experienced a statistically significant reduction in wrinkle severity and pigment intensity and an increase in skin hydration. The amount of isoflavones study participants consumed is found in just two servings of soy foods, such as 2 cups of soymilk or 1 cup of tofu. Although the study design does not allow the effects to be attributed to one specific soybean component, existing evidence points directly to isoflavones. Soybeans are a uniquely rich source of these naturally occurring compounds. These results when combined with the existing literature make a strong case for the dermatological benefits of isoflavones.
