Pycnogenol Cream Skin Benefits, Reviews and Uses

Pycnogenol creams are used to maintain skin elasticity, fight aging and generally improve cosmetic appearance.

Pycnogenol is the brand name of an extract which is derived from the bark of French maritime pine trees (Pinus pinaster).

Pycnogenol and Pine Bark Extract are natural anti-oxidants that can protect the body from damage caused by free radicals as well as certain harmful enzymes.

According to the manufacturer, Horphag Research, “Pycnogenol® protects elastic tissue proteins and stimulates genesis of new collagen and hyaluronic acid in human skin”

Oral use of this supplement can also improve circulation to the skin, which supports cell health and nutrient delivery. Pycnogenol skin benefits can also help to ameliorate certain dermatological conditions and to reduce hyper-pigmentation (brown spots).

Topical application of Pycnogenol creams is also used to treat diabetic microangiopathy, venous leg ulcerations and hemorrhoids.

Pycnogenol

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Heart Health

Longevity

Skin Health

How It Works:

• Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
• Supports healthy blood sugar & heart
• Aids in collagen integrity for skin health

Dosage:

Between 50 - 360 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Pycnogenol Cream Benefits for Skin

Healthy skin appearance is a marker for general health and can also improve quality of life.

Many of the ingredients found in skin creams and moisturizers are purported to improve skin elasticity, hydration, detoxification and cell health. However, many of these products have not been validated in clinical research studies.

Pycnogenol has been clinically studied for its effects on skin health and has been found to improve elasticity, collagen synthesis, water retention, wound healing and complexion.

In one study, Pycnogenol cream and oral supplements were used to improve various molecular markers of the skin. The treatment group consisted of 20 healthy postmenopausal women. Skin condition was assessed before, during and after the treatment period.

Assessment protocols involved non-invasive corneometry, visioscan, cytometry and ultrasound. Additionally, biopsies were taken for analyzing gene expressions associated with the homeostasis of extracellular matrices. This study lasted twelve weeks.

Results showed that all treatment group subjects tolerated the Pycnogenol cream and oral supplements very well. Both hydration and elasticity markers were improved significantly in all subjects, but particularly in those who demonstrated dehydration at the onset of the study.

Physiologic skin improvements were associated with a sharp increase in HAS1 (hyaluronic acid synthase-1) mRNA expression. Finally, a significant increase in collagen de novo synthesis was noted.

The conclusion of the study found that Pycnogenol cream and oral supplements strongly improve elasticity and hydration markers. Supplementation seems to effectively counteract the clinical markers of skin aging. Pycnogenol skin benefits continue to be researched.

Pycnogenol Skin Benefits for Psoriasis

In a separate 12-week study, two groups of individuals with psoriasis between the ages of 30 and 45 were studied. One group received standard psoriasis management and the other received standard management plus pycnogenol.

The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) was used as a standard for the experiment. At inclusion, the PSAI score was 10.

Free radical concentrations in plasma samples were measured. Also patients-reported input, using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), was noted. Pycnogenol was administered thrice daily.

Results showed decreases in severity of psoriasis in all body areas. Severity scores were based on induration, erythema and desquamation markers; all of which improved strongly.

All body areas experienced increases in hydration with pycnogenol creams. Skin moisture improved in both groups, but more so in the treatment group. Those given pycnogenol performed better for every parameter when compared to the standard management-only group.

Also, pycnogenol use resulted in a 32% decrease in treatment time, a decrease in consumption of other pharmaceuticals, decreased oxidative stress and a 36.4% decrease in treatment cost when compared to standard management-only markers. Pycnogenol cream administration improves the majority of clinical markers associated with psoriasis.

Additional Uses for Pycnogenol Products

Pycnogenol has been implicated for medicinal use in the treatment of a number of health conditions. It has been researched for its effects on cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arthritic disorders and more.

In one clinical review, the effects of taking Pine Bark Extracts for reducing oxidative stress were analyzed. The purpose was to determine the safety and efficacy of Pine Bark Extract for treating various chronic disorders.

Only controlled and randomized studies of children and/or adults with chronic diseases were considered. In all, 791 subjects from 15 separate trials were assessed.

The assessment considered data from the following trials:

• Two asthma studies with a total of 86 subjects;
• One study of 61 subjects with ADHD;
• Two studies on chronic venous insufficiency with a total of 60 subjects;
• Four studies on type 2 diabetes with a total of 201 subjects;
• One study on ED with 21 subjects;
• Two hypertension studies with a total of 69 subjects;
• Three studies on osteoporosis with a total of 293 subjects

Pycnogenol oral supplements were found to have a significant effect on oxidative stress markers. This suggests that the use of oral supplements may effectively complement the use of topical creams for reducing signs of oxidative damage on the skin

Conclusions

Using Pycnogenol creams and/or oral supplements may help to improve various dermatological health markers and to diminish the effects of oxidative stress.

This ingredient derived from Pine Bark Extract has been found to improve collagen synthesis, which can help to restore skin elasticity and protect a youthful, smooth appearance. It may improve skin “glow” by reducing over-pigmentation and protect the skin from damage caused by sunburn.

Pycnogenol cream is effective for fighting signs of aging and for supporting skin cell health.

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