#SkinHealth

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.

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?

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.

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.

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 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.