Topical and oral MSM have been used in skin products that reduce inflammation and the signs of aging, and that promote wound healing. There may be improvement in rosacea with both oral and topical MSM, and one study found that combining silymarin with MSM in a cream could improve redness, hydration, and itching in people with rosacea.[1][2] Another study found that an oral dose of 1 to 3 grams daily could improve the signs of skin aging.[3] A study done on mice showed that MSM could protect the skin against sun damage.[4] Evidence is limited for the role of MSM products in wound healing, but it is possible that the anti-inflammatory effects could play a role in the healing process. One study found that combining MSM with silk amino acids could improve wound healing.[5]
While these studies show some positive effects, there is a lack of large clinical trials to support claims that MSM could be used to treat any specific skin condition or as an antiaging product.
References
- ^Berardesca E, Cameli N, Cavallotti C, Levy JL, Piérard GE, de Paoli Ambrosi GCombined effects of silymarin and methylsulfonylmethane in the management of rosacea: clinical and instrumental evaluation.J Cosmet Dermatol.(2008 Mar)
- ^Segarra-Newnham, M. et alOverview of the Pharmacologic Options for RosaceaJPT.(2009-11-01)
- ^Muizzuddin N, Benjamin RBeauty from within: Oral administration of a sulfur-containing supplement methylsulfonylmethane improves signs of skin ageing.Int J Vitam Nutr Res.(2022 Jul)
- ^Chu SG, Chang YJ, Ryu JY, Lee JS, Choi KY, Chung HY, Cho BC, Yang JDEffects of Methylsulfonylmethane on UVB-induced Skin Damage: An Experimental Study in a Mouse Model.In Vivo.(2022 Nov-Dec)
- ^Jeong, H. et alEffect of a Silk Sericin and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Blends on Inflammatory Response and Wound HealingApplied Sciences.(2022-12-26)