Pycnogenol is widely used in topical and oral applications for various dermatological indications, a nd provides a variety of health benefits for skin health. Some of these are outlined below, excerpted from a complete report, complete with scientific studies backing these claims, below.
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Some highlights about Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is widely used in topical and oral applications for various dermatological indications. A unique combination of pharmacological functions of Pycnogenol provides an unmatched variety of health benefits for skin health.
Pycnogenol binds and protects collagen and elastin
Pycnogenol has a high affinity to proteins rich in the amino acid hydroxyl-proline. These are predominantly the matrix proteins in the skin, collagen and elastin. When Pycnogenol is added to collagen or elastin, a high amount remains tightly bound. In consequence, Pycnogenol also tightly binds to the skin. To other proteins such as albumins Pycnogenol has little affinity [Grimm et al., 2004]. Further experiments showed that Pycnogenol as well as its metabolites, developing after oral consumption in humans, protects collagen and elastin from enzymatic degradation. These enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), influence the equilibrium between collagen degradation and renewal. The inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of Pycnogenol® metabolites were lower than that of a known MMP-inhibitor Captopril. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study with 62 women a complex formulation with Pycnogenol as lead active ingredient was shown to significantly increase skin elasticity after 6 weeks oral treatment by 9% as compared to placebo [Segger et
al., 2004]. In addition to Pycnogenol this complex formulation bears various natural antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Continuous intake of Pycnogenol as formulated
into Evelle for 12 weeks was shown to improve skin smoothness significantly by 6% as compared to placebo.
Pycnogenol enhances blood micro-circulation in the skin
Pycnogenol enhances generation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) which is the key mediator facilitating arterial relaxation and consequently allows for optimal blood flow [Fitzpatrick et al., 1998]. Oral Pycnogenol supplementation was found to increase blood perfusion of the skin and oxygen partial pressure increased and, conversely, carbon dioxide concentration decreased [Belcaro et al., 2005]. This study
demonstrated an improved healing of wounds (ulcers) in individuals with microcirculatory disorders. An improved blood perfusion of the skin warrants
optimal supply with all important nutrients as well as better hydration to support skin vitality.
Pycnogenol supports skin health best when applied topically in addition to oral uptake. Each delivery form has unique advantages. Both delivery forms in combination provide optimal supply with nutrients from within and warrant highest efficacy particularly for photo-protection and improved skin elasticity.
PYCNOGENOL IN TOPICAL SKIN CARE. Pycnogenol represents a very potent cosmeceutical which offers a broad range of clinically substantiated health
benefits for the skin:
• Antioxidant potency
• Increased skin elasticity
• Anti-inflammatory activity
• Improved skin microcirculation
• Anti-photoaging and sun-protection
• Lowered skin pigmentation
Source: Pycnogenol News Release
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