German researchers have found that the antioxidant plant extract Pycnogenol shows promise as a natural anti-aging supplement.
Researchers at the Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Dusseldorf, Germany, had 20 female participants, between the ages of 55 to 68, take 75 milligrams of Pycnogenol each day for 12 weeks.
Their skins’ hydration, elasticity and fatigue were assessed at the start of the trial, at six weeks and at 12 weeks. According to results published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, Pycnogenol enhanced the skin in several ways:
Skin elasticity improved by 25%
Skin hydration improved by 8%
Skin smoothness increased by 6%
Wrinkles were reduced by 3%
Hyaluronic acid production increased by 44%
The supplement also improved skin fatigue. Those with dry skin before the study began saw the most noticeable results.
“To date, Pycnogenol is the only natural supplement that stimulates hyaluronic acid production in human skin,” said lead researcher Dr. Jean Krutmann. “And, we are encouraged by the molecular evidence confirmed in this study that shows nutritional supplementation with Pycnogenol benefits human skin.”
Pycnogenol, which comes from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, has also been used to treat allergies and asthma and for the prevention of stroke, heart disease and varicose veins. Previous studies have shown that the supplement may protect collagen, increase blood flow to the skin and protect the skin against UV damage.
The authors concluded that Pycnogenol supplementation may be useful to counteract the clinical signs of skin aging.
For those who are looking for more than a natural supplement to fight aging, hyaluronic acid fillers and chemical peels are two of the non-surgical procedures available to improve the skin’s appearance. To learn more about non-invasive cosmetic treatments, contact Rosen Cosmetic Surgery.