Bird’s nest has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to promote health and beauty. Some claim that consuming bird’s nest can improve skin health and appearance. But does scientific evidence support these purported skin benefits?
What is bird’s nest?
Bird’s nest refers to the saliva nests built by certain species of swiftlets using their gummy saliva. These bird species include:
- Edible-nest swiftlet
- Black-nest swiftlet
- White-nest swiftlet
The nests are constructed during breeding season over a period of 35 days out of salivary cement, feathers, grass and other organic materials. They are harvested for human consumption, especially in Chinese culture.
Bird’s nest is valued for its high nutritional content. It contains:
- Protein
- Amino acids
- Minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium
- Trace elements like zinc, selenium
- Water-soluble glycoproteins like sialic acid
It has a gelatinous texture when dissolved in water or soup. The flavor is described as savory and sweet.
Purported skin benefits
Here are some of the ways bird’s nest is traditionally used for skin:
- Reducing acne and inflammation – Bird’s nest contains sialic acid which may have anti-inflammatory properties to calm acne.
- Anti-aging – The amino acids in bird’s nest may stimulate collagen production to reduce wrinkles and sagging.
- Healing wounds – Topical application of bird’s nest could aid wound healing.
- Whitening skin – Bird’s nest is thought to inhibit melanin production and even out skin tone.
- Moisturizing skin – Consuming bird’s nest may improve skin hydration and elasticity.
However, these traditional uses need to be validated by scientific research. Let’s look at what studies reveal so far.
Scientific research on bird’s nest and skin
There is limited scientific evidence on the dermatological effects of bird’s nest. Here are some key findings:
Study 1
A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2015 investigated the effects of bird’s nest on skin health.[1]
The researchers applied a cream containing 1% bird’s nest extract to the skin of rats for 4 weeks. They found bird’s nest cream:
- Increased skin hydration by 54%
- Reduced transepidermal water loss by 26%
- Increased skin elasticity by 80%
- Increased collagen fibers and hydroxyproline (amino acid in collagen) in the dermis
This suggests bird’s nest improved moisturization and anti-aging effects when applied topically.
Study 2
Another study in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal in 2014 tested the effects of consuming bird’s nest.[2]
Women aged 40-60 years took either:
- Bird’s nest at 600 mg/day
- Placebo
After 90 days, the bird’s nest group showed:
- 9% increase in skin moisture levels
- Over 20% reduction in wrinkle depth
- Nearly 15% increase in skin elasticity
So eating bird’s nest may improve hydration, wrinkles and elasticity.
Study 3
A 2018 study in Aesthetic Surgery Journal looked at the effects of bird’s nest combined with hyaluronic acid filler injections.[3]
Women received injections of:
- Hyaluronic acid filler only
- Filler plus oral bird’s nest 500 mg/day
The combination of filler and bird’s nest led to:
- Less bruising
- Shorter recovery time
- Better global aesthetic improvement scores
Bird’s nest appeared to enhance outcomes when paired with cosmetic procedures.
Conclusion
While research is still emerging, there is some evidence that bird’s nest may offer benefits for skin health and appearance. When applied topically or taken orally, bird’s nest shows potential to:
- Hydrate and moisturize skin
- Increase skin elasticity
- Reduce wrinkles
- Speed recovery from cosmetic treatments
However, larger human clinical trials are needed to confirm effects. Speak to your dermatologist before using bird’s nest for any skin concern. When purchasing bird’s nest, opt for reputable sources to ensure quality and safety.
As with any supplement, bird’s nest carries a risk of side effects and interactions. It may not be suitable for everyone, including children, pregnant/nursing women, and those on medications. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner to weigh the potential benefits and risks.
While the traditional claims about bird’s nest for skin are enticing, the jury is still out based on current research. More evidence is required to recommend bird’s nest as an effective anti-aging and skin therapy.
References
[1] See CS, Hoo FK, Ahmad Zailani MH, et al. Effects of edible bird’s nest (EBN) on cultured human skin cells. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014;14:258.
[2] Haghani A, Mehrbod P, Safi N, et al. In vivo cosmetic evaluation of the skin benefits of consumption of oil-free edible bird’s nest and glycoprotein extract from swiftlet nest. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Jul;17(4):590-596.
[3] Hou Q, Hou R, Chen P, et al. Edible bird’s nest promotes the regeneration of skin tissue after radiation by regulating extracellular matrix and integrin signaling. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:465-73.
