#Skinhealth

A new analysis of nearly 34,000 U.S. veterans suggests that taking nicotinamide, a widely available form of Vitamin B3, is linked to a meaningful reduction in non-melanoma skin cancers among people who have already had skin cancer. The biggest benefit was seen in those who started the supplement after their first cancer diagnosis. Participants who took 500 mg of nicotinamide twice daily for at least one month experienced about a 14% overall reduction in future skin cancers, with a striking 54% risk drop among those who began after their initial cancer. The cancers most affected were basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common non-melanoma forms. Importantly, the study did not assess melanoma.

A recent magazine feature asked a provocative question: should you take vitamins for better skin? While fashion and beauty outlets often promise dramatic improvements from pills, the latest science suggests a more nuanced story. For most people, the strongest skin benefits come from proven skincare techniques and a balanced diet, rather than relying on high-dose vitamin supplements alone. The implications are especially relevant for Thai readers who live in a sun-rich climate and navigate a bustling market of wellness products. In short, vitamin pills can play a role in addressing true deficiencies, but they are not a miracle cure for clear, youthful skin.

A wave of scientific research is reshaping Thailand’s multi-billion-baht beauty market by questioning the supremacy of animal-based collagen. New vegan alternatives may offer comparable skin benefits, while addressing ethical and cultural concerns. As Thai wellness communities increasingly embrace plant-based lifestyles, these findings matter for consumers seeking ethical, effective options that merge traditional wisdom with modern science.

Historically, Thai beauty enthusiasts have favored collagen supplements sourced from animals such as bovine bones and tendons or fish. These products have been widely marketed through social media, beauty retailers, and rural pharmacies with promises to boost skin elasticity and slow visible aging. Yet Bangkok’s growing vegan scene and temple food events reflect a shifting mindset toward plant-based living, prompting researchers to explore whether vegan collagen-building products can match animal-derived results.

A new Japanese study suggests vitamin C can counter age-related thinning of the skin by activating key “youth genes,” offering promising implications for healthy aging and skin resilience in Thailand. Published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the research indicates vitamin C acts beyond its antioxidant role, influencing gene activity to strengthen the skin’s inner layers. This marks a molecular step toward longer-lasting skin health for Thai readers who value practical, science-backed options.

A groundbreaking Japanese study has revealed that vitamin C can help reverse age-related thinning of the skin by activating so-called “youth genes,” offering hope to many Thais concerned about healthy aging and skin rejuvenation. This research, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology on April 20, 2025, demonstrates for the first time that vitamin C works at the genetic level to promote thicker, healthier skin in ways that extend beyond its antioxidant reputation and traditional beauty claims (sciencedaily.com).

Thailand’s lush landscapes have long nurtured a rich heritage of healing plants, each with stories passed down through generations. Among these is the remarkable Rhinacanthus nasutus, known locally as “Ya Nang Chang” or the “Serpent Plant.” Far from being a mere botanical curiosity, this shrub, easily recognized by its slender white flowers and dark green leaves, is at the heart of centuries-old remedies for skin ailments and inflammation. Today, as scientists dig deeper into its secrets, Rhinacanthus nasutus is revealing a trove of bioactive compounds that bring ancient wisdom and modern validation into exciting alignment.

Thailand’s green landscapes cradle a long history of healing. A standout is Rhinacanthus nasutus, known locally as Ya Nang Chang or the Serpent Plant. Its slender white flowers and dark leaves signal a lineage of remedies for skin conditions and inflammation. Scientists are now identifying rhinacanthins—bioactive compounds—that validate much of the plant’s traditional uses and point to future medical potential.

For many Thai households, Ya Nang Chang is a staple in home care kits. Leaves or roots are pounded into a soothing paste for ringworm and eczema, a testament to generations of resourcefulness. In Thai traditional medicine, the plant appears in official texts describing its role in “wind diseases”—a traditional concept linked to inflammation and infection.

Honey has become a popular natural option for cleansing the face, promoted for its moisturizing, healing, and brightening effects. In Thailand, raw and manuka honey are widely discussed in beauty blogs and clinical conversations for their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. But do the science and local experiences align, and what should Thai consumers consider before making honey part of their daily routine?

Honey has deep roots in traditional healing, including traditional Thai medicine, where it is valued for skin care and wound healing. The global wellness movement has amplified interest in natural ingredients, making honey a staple in DIY masks and store-bought products. While Western dermatology and Asian skincare traditions reference honey’s benefits, Thai consumers rightly ask whether honey lives up to the hype and if it suits all skin types.

In the quest for natural skin care, honey has emerged as a popular household remedy, touted as a gentle facial cleanser that promises to moisturize, heal, and brighten skin. From beauty blogs to dermatologist offices in Thailand, raw and manuka honey are praised for their antibacterial and antioxidant powers. But are these claims backed by science, and are there risks consumers should weigh before adopting honey as part of their daily facial routine?

A fresh wave of research into collagen supplements has sparked considerable debate, questioning the true benefits these products offer for skin and joint health. With Thais increasingly turning to collagen powders, capsules, and drinks promising firmer skin and pain-free movement, the latest evidence raises important questions about whether these popular supplements deliver on their bold claims—or if they’re just another fleeting consumer trend.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, forming a crucial structure for our skin, bones, and joints. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to wrinkles, loose skin, and joint discomfort—ailments that many Thai people, especially those over 40, are eager to combat. It’s common to see collagen products on pharmacy shelves across Thailand, from Bangkok malls to local markets. But does popping a collagen capsule or sipping a strawberry-flavored collagen drink actually slow the aging process or ease joint pain?

A wave of new studies is fueling debates over whether collagen supplements truly benefit skin and joints—especially as more Thai consumers reach for powders, capsules, and drinks promising firmer skin and easier movement. The latest science invites careful scrutiny of bold claims and whether these products live up to expectations or simply ride a global trend.

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, forming key support for skin, bones, and joints. As people age, collagen production naturally declines, contributing to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint discomfort. In Thailand, collagen products are widely available—from Bangkok malls to local markets—yet many wonder if taking a capsule or drinking a collagen beverage actually slows aging or eases pain.

Thai consumers have been swept up in the growing craze for collagen supplements, drawn by alluring promises of firmer skin, thicker hair, and pain-free joints. But with social media influencers, celebrities, and supplement brands all fueling the trend, how much of the hype is actually backed by solid scientific evidence? Recent international research and expert commentary provide a clearer picture of what collagen supplements can—and can’t—do for your health, with important implications for Thai readers considering adding collagen to their daily routines.

Thai consumers are embracing collagen supplements with promises of firmer skin, thicker hair, and relief from joint pain. With influencers, celebrities, and brands fueling the trend, what does the science actually say? Experts and recent research offer a clearer view for Thai readers considering collagen as part of daily wellness.

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, forming the scaffolding that keeps skin elastic and joints strong. As we age, natural collagen production declines, contributing to wrinkles and stiffness. This has driven a booming market for collagen powders, capsules, and drinks—now widely available in Bangkok’s pharmacies and online marketplaces. Yet the abundance of options makes it essential to distinguish marketing from evidence-based science.

Vitamin D holds a vital role in our overall health, impacting everything from bone density to immune system efficiency. However, a significant portion of the global population, nearly 41%, continues to experience vitamin D insufficiency, which can lead to various health challenges. While sunlight naturally stimulates vitamin D production in the skin, experts are increasingly advocating for dietary supplementation as a safer and more reliable method to maintain optimal levels of this essential nutrient.

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Yet about 41% of people worldwide struggle with insufficient levels, a situation that raises health concerns. While sun exposure naturally sparks vitamin D production in the skin, many experts now advocate dietary supplements as a safer, more consistent way to maintain optimal levels, especially in modern urban settings.

For Thai readers, understanding vitamin D’s role is crucial. The nutrient acts as both a vitamin and a preprohormone that becomes an active hormone in the body. It supports thyroid function, gut microbiome balance, and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones. It also influences mood and skin health. However, relying solely on sun exposure can be unreliable and risky. Excessive UV exposure increases the likelihood of skin damage and skin cancer, especially in tropical climates where sun intensity varies.

Chùm hèt thét, scientifically Cassia alata L., is a familiar sight in Thai villages and along rural roads. Its bright yellow, candle-like flowers accompany a long-standing home remedy for skin conditions and constipation. Today, it sits at the intersection of traditional wisdom and evidence-based medicine, offering Thai readers a clear example of how culture and science can guide health decisions.

In Thailand, Cassia alata is part of everyday healing. It appears on the Thai Household Herbal Drug List and the List of National Herbal Drugs for its laxative and antifungal properties. Beyond Thailand, communities have long used the plant for generations. The Tikuna people of the Amazon rely on it for digestive health, while communities in Africa apply its leaves topically for fungal infections. Traditional methods include chewing, boiling, or pounding leaves into a paste for topical use, explaining why the plant is widely cited in folk medicine.

Few herbal medicines echo across as many generations and regions as chùm hèt thét (ชุมเห็ดเทศ), known to scientists as Cassia alata L. or Senna alata. Recognized in Thai as ขุมเห็ดเทศ, and by names such as chùm hèt yài, lúp mạn lûang, chî khàak, màak kà-líng thét, and sôm hèt, this striking “candle bush” is both common roadside greenery and a staple of traditional household pharmacies. Its yellow, candle-like flowers catch the eye, but it is the fresh and dried leaves—harvested in villages throughout the Kingdom—that have solidified its central role in herbal practice. Today, chùm hèt thét’s journey from ancient remedy for skin diseases and constipation to evidence-based pharmaceutical candidate reveals a fascinating intersection of culture, folk wisdom, and modern science—one vital to Thai readers seeking a bridge between old and new approaches to health.

In Thai forests and markets, krissana—known worldwide as Aquilaria crassna—has long symbolized healing, spirituality, and national heritage. Its prized resin, fragrant agarwood or oud, elevates incense, perfumery, and ritual practices across Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic traditions. Today, laboratories and clinical researchers are re-examining these claims, balancing age-old beliefs with evidence-based science. The story is one of tradition harmonizing with modern discovery, where aroma meets pharmacology.

Aquilaria crassna belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family. Native to many Thai regions and parts of Southeast Asia, the tree’s heartwood produces resin only after fungal infection. Krissana resin has long been central to incense, ceremonial rites, and royal pharmacopoeia. In Thai culture, krissana also appears in temples, traditional markets, and as part of rural healing wisdom.

กระแจะ, also known as พญายา, ขะแจะ, or ตุมตัง, is a tree whose bark, stem, and wood have long been central to Southeast Asian healing traditions. In Thailand, the name กระแจะ evokes centuries of folk wisdom, aesthetic rituals, and everyday remedies. Today, researchers are spotlighting its phytochemicals for beauty, health, and disease prevention, linking heritage with modern science for Thai readers.

Thai healers have long used the pale, aromatic wood of กระแจะ to treat skin conditions, fevers, and inflammation. Thai herbal texts and university summaries note that the inner wood and heartwood are often combined with other traditional herbs or used alone in topical and oral preparations. These preparations have served as deodorants, remedies for skin irritation, and even components in historical court formulations where fragrance and healing intersect.

In Thailand’s forests and herbal markets, the mystical power of krissana—internationally known as Aquilaria crassna—has echoed through centuries of folk healing, spiritual ritual, and cultural lore. Often identified by its evocative aroma and precious resin, this revered wood transcends mere material value, becoming a symbol of spiritual potency, healing, and Thai identity. But, in a modern era where evidence-based medicine prevails, krissana now faces the scrutiny of laboratories and clinical research, challenging ancient beliefs with the lens of science. What emerges is a poignant story at the crossroads of tradition and discovery: a fragrant journey of ancient healing, contemporary pharmacology, and rediscovered wisdom.

Known by many names across the region—กระแจะ, พญายา, ขะแจะ, ตุมตัง, and others—Hesperethusa crenulata is a tree whose bark, stem, and wood have long been treasured in traditional Southeast Asian medicine. In Thailand, the engraved word “กระแจะ” conjures centuries of healing practices, folk wisdom, and even romance, as this herbal ingredient not only soothes physical ailments but is often mentioned in the poetry and cultural traditions of the central plains, the north, and northeast. Today, กระแจะ’s ancient legacy is finding new life as research teams shine the spotlight on its potent phytochemicals and their promising applications for beauty, health, and disease prevention.