# Topically Applied Molecular Hydrogen Normalizes Skin Parameters Associated with Oxidative Stress: A Pilot Study.
> 水素富化水の局所塗布が酸化ストレス関連皮膚パラメータに与える影響：パイロット臨床研究


## Abstract

This pilot clinical study enrolled 15 healthy adults who received topical applications of hydrogen-rich water over a four-week period. Skin parameters including porphyrin levels, pigmentation irregularity, pore visibility, wrinkle severity, and estimated biological skin age were quantitatively measured before and one week after the final application. A statistically significant decrease in pore visibility was observed, with the effect most pronounced in younger participants. Porphyrin levels showed a downward trend that did not reach statistical significance. Improvements in pigmentation, wrinkle severity, and biological skin age were also recorded. No adverse events were reported throughout the study period. The authors acknowledge limitations including the absence of a control group and a short follow-up window, and call for larger, controlled investigations incorporating molecular biomarker analyses to clarify the mechanisms underlying these observations.

### Mechanism

Molecular hydrogen is proposed to exert selective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing oxidative stress and modulating inflammatory pathways, thereby supporting skin barrier integrity and improving measurable skin parameters.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Debkowska N, Niczyporuk M, Surazynski A, Wolosik K
- **Journal**: Antioxidants (Basel)
- **Year**: 2025 (2025-06-14)
- **PMID**: [40563361](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40563361/)
- **DOI**: [10.3390/antiox14060729](https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14060729)
- **PMC**: [PMC12189295](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189295/)
- **Study type**: human case report
- **Delivery route**: topical application
- **Effect reported**: positive

## Delivery context

Topical applications have localized-effect reports, but systemic hydrogen intake is most efficient via inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

Topical applications have localized-effect reports, but systemic hydrogen intake is most efficient via inhalation. Inhalation carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 40563361. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/40563361
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [40563361](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40563361/)