Pine Bark Extract - A Natural Support for Healthy Skin Aging
When it comes to nutritional therapy and skin health, we’re always looking for therapeutic options to enhance a healthy diet, and in recent years pine bark extract has become a popular choice.
ANWIN There are many evidence-based reasons to add pine bark extract to your skincare routine.
Pine bark extract is rich in healthy polyphenols like procyanidins, catechins, and phenolic acids found to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pine bark extract provides many benefits to the skin, including reducing the visible signs of ageing.
Helps Increase Hyaluronic and Collagen Production
In 2012 a small study on postmenopausal women found that supplementing with pine bark extract increased hyaluronic acid and collagen production, supporting healthy skin ageing. It also helped maintain skin elasticity and moisture retention, and women who started the study with dry skin found the most significant benefits[1]. As skin dryness is a common problem as women get older, using pine bark extract is an excellent option to counteract some of the challenges faced by ageing skin.
Protects Against Environmental Induced Skin Damage
A recent peer-reviewed, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study shows that daily supplementation with Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract helps to protect skin from urban environmental skin damage. It helps protect the skin from free radicals caused by UV, stress, and pollution, helping to maintain its elasticity, hydration, and skin barrier function. It may also help reduce UV-induced pigmentation and protect against seasonal changes in the skin [2].
Overall its benefits seem to be well exerted when it comes to environmental challenges to the skin.
Reduces Free Radicals Creation
A 2017 review looking closely at the benefits of pine bark extract on skin ageing again found its ability to reduce free radical damage associated with skin damage. It also seems to help with cell regeneration and cell turnover, further exerting its anti-ageing benefits.
Other benefits noted in the review included [3]:
A decrease in skin thickness
A reduction in wrinkles from UVB rays
A reduction in dry and rough skin
Improvements in the visible signs of ageing
Protection from UV-induced skin damage
A decrease in skin redness
A decrease in melasma areas
A reduction in skin discolouration
Protection against photoaging
Reduces the Visible Signs of Aging
Pine bark extract is now a popular choice to help support the visible signs of ageing, whether used as a supplement or topically. One study showed how readily pine bark extract could penetrate the skin, making it highly effective with topical application. Several of its constituents, such as phenolic acids, were detectable within 30 minutes of application [4].
Pine bark extract has an affinity for specific proteins responsible for keeping the skin healthy and youthful. These are predominately the matrix proteins found in the skin, collagen, and elastin. Pine bark extract can bind to these proteins, protect against collagen and elastin degradation, and support cell turnover, making this a great anti-ageing nutrient [5].
If you would like to know more about nutritional therapy and how pine bark extract and other nutrients can benefit your skin, please contact me here or drop me an email at hello@powersnutritionclinic.com.
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