Dietary edible bird's nest improves skin hydration by upregulating EGFR-AQP5 pathway

During the skin ageing process, hydration capacity decline significantly, leading to dryness and impaired barrier function. Hydration is crucial for maintaining the integrity and normal physiological functions of the skin barrier. Preliminary research indicates that oral consumption of edible bird's nest (EBN) holds potential for enhancing skin hydration levels and moisture retention capacity, though its specific molecular mechanisms remain under investigation. This study evaluated the effects of daily EBN consumption on skin hydration in adults and mice, through a population trial and a randomized controlled animal study. After 90 days, compared to the control group, EBN significantly improved stratum corneum hydration, elasticity, and luster in human subjects. In the 8-month mouse model, oral administration of EBN effectively suppressed transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and enhanced skin moisture content, accompanied by a significant increase in skin hydroxyproline and hyaluronic acid levels. Mechanistically, EBN was found to increase skin hydration by activating the EGFR signaling pathway, which subsequently upregulated the expression of Aquaporin 5 (AQP5). These findings indicate that EBN maintains skin hydration through structural and molecular regulation, supporting its potential as a functional food for skin health.