Pycnogenol Nourishes Skin and Reduces Pigmentation

18 Nov 2015 --- A newly published review in Skin Pharmacology on Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, examines existing research and introduces new data to reveal exactly how the super antioxidant is effective for beauty and skin care.

Newly disclosed data reveals Pycnogenol was found to inhibit UVA induced upregulation of pigmentation markers by a 50-75% decrease which further supports its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation such as melasma. The extract was also found to increase gene expression of loricrin by 2.5 fold, a protein which plays a major role in contributing to the improvement in skin barrier function and therefore sustains skin hydration.

Pycnogenol has been found in research to downregulate the expression of genes in human skin which are critically involved in melanin synthesis.

The authors conclude the compelling data builds on previous research showing that Pycnogenol supplementation stimulates hyaluronic acid and new collagen production in human skin.
 
Decades of research has made this botanical extract sought after in oral and topical beauty products worldwide. Its benefits are thought to be mainly due to its antioxidant properties, which help combat the free radicals created during sun exposure and other environmental factors.