Dermal Effects of Oral Administration of GABA in Humans

Abstract

We investigated the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on facial skin conditions in humans. A placebo-controlled, double-blind 8-week study of GABA (100 mg/day) was conducted on 36 women with dry skin, fatigue and sleep disorder. After 8 weeks, skin elasticity of the cheek was significantly higher in the GABA group than in the placebo group. Although improvement in sleep quality was observed in both groups, there was no significant difference between groups. These results suggest that ingestion of GABA increases skin elasticity.