Beautiful Skin with Pycnogenol

"Pycnogenol: French Maritime Pine Bark Extract for Beautiful and Healthy Skin"

Pycnogenol, an extract from French maritime pine bark, is rich in various benefits. It originates from southwestern France, where the trees are typically used for making furniture. Later, the French government campaigned to increase the cultivation of maritime pine trees, which then spread to many countries across Europe.

Pycnogenol is an antioxidant found in the bark of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). It consists of several bioflavonoid compounds such as proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and catechins. Besides being a high-quality antioxidant, Pycnogenol is notable for its effectiveness in skincare. The recommended daily intake ranges from 30 to 200 milligrams.

When compared to other pine bark extracts, Pycnogenol has a higher bioavailability, allowing for more efficient absorption into the body.

Benefits of Pycnogenol for Skincare:

• Pycnogenol enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Vitamin C helps the body absorb collagen better, while Vitamin E helps moisturize the skin and reduce wrinkles.
• Pycnogenol contains Oligomeric Proanthocyanin Complexes (OPC) that help reduce wrinkles and dark spots by decreasing the reaction that causes excessive skin pigmentation when exposed to sunlight.
• Pycnogenol helps reduce varicose veins. According to a 2006 study by Belcaro et al., Pycnogenol increases blood flow, resulting in better nutrient and oxygen delivery to skin cells and improved waste removal.

Interesting Research on Pycnogenol:

• Pycnogenol significantly stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity.

According to a 2012 study by Marini and colleagues, involving 20 participants, it was found that skin elasticity increased by 25% after 6 weeks of taking Pycnogenol supplements. 

A 2012 study by Marini and colleagues reported that Pycnogenol helps the body stimulate the production of Hyaluronic acid by up to 44%. This results in increased skin hydration when Pycnogenol is consumed for a period of 12 weeks.

References

• Marini A, Grether-Beck S, Jaenicke T, Weber M, Burki C, Formann P, Brenden H, Schönlau F, Krutmann J. Pycnogenol's effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 25: 86-92, 2012.

• Susanne Grether-Beck Alessandra Marini Thomas Jaenicke Jean Krutmann. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol ® ) Effects on Human Skin: Clinical and Molecular Evidence. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2016;29:13–17.