Gluten Supplementation Reduces Wrinkle Formation

Three recently published papers demonstrated that diets supplemented with at least 55 grams of gluten per day both prevented facial wrinkles from developing and decreased the depth of existing facial wrinkles. The studies from the prestigious Hartford Institute of Dermatology and Neurosurgery were first reported in the December 2023 issue of the New England Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

“We were not surprised with the results.” said lead researcher Dr. Carl Rain. “We had noticed that individuals on long term gluten free diets developed facial wrinkles at an accelerated rate compared to those on diets that contained gluten.  It did not seem to matter what condition their skin was in – light, dark, tanned, pale, so we decided to take a closer look. The studies we just released were conducted over a ten year period. Although we were not shocked that gluten decreased and prevented wrinkles, the surprise was how incredibly effective gluten supplements acted to decrease and in some cases partially reverse existing wrinkles.”

Gluten appears to exert its anti-wrinkle properties by improving dermal elasticity and encouraging the movement of fat to the deep layers of the skin that typically dry out as we age. The loss of fat in the deep layers is a major cause of wrinkling. By facilitating the movement of fat to the deep layers of the skin, the skin becomes more supple and existing wrinkles begin to dissipate in most individuals. “It is difficult to believe that gluten, much maligned in so many diet fads, provides a potentially sound approach to a healthier and less wrinkly skin.  And unless you have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant, it appears to be relatively safe. The only side effects documented were some initial bloating and diarrhea that occurred in 33% of study patients. Those symptoms dissipated in a few days,” stated Dr. Rain.

Dosage validation studies are ongoing and will need to be completed before the medical community will make any dietary recommendations. Meanwhile, sales of over-the-counter gluten supplements have sky rocketed as unofficial results of this research were leaked onto various social media platforms.

Dr. Dee Furrow, another researcher from the Hartford Institute, cautioned those interested in increasing their daily gluten intake to first speak with their physician.