Abstract
BACKGROUND: Salacca zalacca (snake fruit) is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, organic acids, and vitamin C. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of body massage oil containing snake fruit extract, in conjunction with traditional Thai massage (TTM), on skin quality in healthy individuals. METHODS: Seventy-one participants aged 18-35 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) control group (n = 23) receiving TTM without oil; (2) Treatment-1 group (n = 23) receiving TTM with pure coconut oil; and (3) Treatment-2 group (n = 25) receiving TTM with snake fruit extract-infused oil. All participants received 60-min massages once weekly for 12 weeks. Skin parameters including elasticity, moisture, melanin, and oiliness were assessed at the neck, back, arm, and leg regions. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, skin elasticity significantly improved at all assessed regions in all groups (p < 0.001), with no significant between-group differences. Skin melanin levels significantly decreased at the back and leg regions across all groups (p < 0.05), with no between-group differences observed. Skin moisture significantly increased at the leg region only in the Treatment-2 group (p = 0.003). Skin oiliness significantly increased at all measured regions in both oil-based groups (Treatment-1 and Treatment-2) (p < 0.05) and was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05), except at the back region in the Treatment-2 group. CONCLUSION: Massage oil containing snake fruit extract demonstrated specific benefits in enhancing skin oiliness and localized moisture. However, it did not confer overall superiority over conventional coconut oil, while improvements in elasticity and melanin appeared to be primarily attributable to the massage technique itself. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06227260.