Pycnogenol has been trending on social media and is considered a powerful antioxidant that is 20 times more effective than Vitamin C. Mirror Choice reporter Tiffany Lo tested Pycnogenol for its skin whitening and anti-aging effects.
With summer fast approaching and the promise of much-needed sunshine, we’re hearing a lot about sunscreen and preventative skin care. But skin experts are saying we should also be upping our antioxidant intake for reasons like preventing dark spots.
Meet Pycnogenol (hard to spell and pronounce, just pronounce it Pycnogenol), a natural plant extract derived from the bark of French pine trees along the southwestern coast of France. While Vitamin C-based beauty products are known for brightening the complexion, boosting collagen, and fading dark spots and pigmentation, studies show that Pycnogenol is 20 times more effective than Vitamin C.
Although it’s been around for years, Pycnogenol has recently become popular in the skincare market, with brands such as The Ordinary, Vichy and Ren Clean Skincare adding the ingredient to their products. The Ordinary’s Pycnogenol 5% (£10.90) is a powerful serum that targets dull skin and protects against visible damage caused by environmental factors.
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Pycnogenol’s antioxidant properties help fight blemishes (or dark spots) while improving skin elasticity, regenerating collagen, and increasing hydration. “Wrinkles occur as the skin ages and loses hydration and elasticity,” says Hollywood physician Dr. Fred Pescatore, who works with A-list stars like Sarah Jessica Parker and Renee Zellweger.
“Certain antioxidants have been shown to help combat the effects of aging and can be added to your daily routine in the form of natural supplements. I encourage my patients to take Pycnogenol supplements year-round, as it helps greatly with skin hydration, improving skin elasticity, and strengthening the skin’s barrier function.”
‘Recent studies have specifically looked at the effectiveness of Pycnogenol during seasonal changes.’ Pycnogenol supplements, which improve hydration to promote wound healing and boost skin vitality, are available to buy from Holland and Barrett for £25.99.
I recently introduced The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% into my skincare routine, applying a few drops of the crimson serum to the forehead and cheeks of a cleansed and dry face. Don’t worry that the crimson color will stain your skin – it didn’t in my case, and in fact it was quickly absorbed into my skin before I applied a thicker face cream.
Because it has photosensitizing properties, I preferred to use it at night before going to bed to test how my combination skin would react overnight, while the active ingredients worked to protect elastic tissue proteins and regenerate collagen for a smoother, more youthful appearance during your beauty sleep.
It’s not a one-time miracle, but I woke up feeling less oily and more hydrated in my T-zone. After a week of use, I noticed a natural pearlescent glow on my face without the need for an illuminator or highlighter. The texture on my face has faded, and when I applied foundation, I could see the difference because it sat closer to my skin instead of floating on the surface.
Maritime Pink Bark extract contains a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and phenolic acids that provide a wide range of natural health benefits backed by over 40 years of research by Swiss pharmaceutical company Horphag Research.
Sebastian Bornet, vice president of global sales and marketing at Horphag Research, told the Mirror: “Pycnogenol helps the body produce collagen and keeps it from getting to other areas of the body where it hasn’t been absorbed. It also increases enzymes and hyaluronic acid in the body by 44%.”
“Our recent study also showed that Pycnogenol may be effective in promoting hair growth, as 63 menopausal women experienced a 30% increase in hair density after two months of taking the supplement.”
Pycnogenol can be used alongside vitamin C to help enhance the skin-lightening effects: Vichy’s Liftactiv Supreme Vitamin C Serum (£42.50) contains 15% vitamin C, pycnogenol and pure hyaluronic acid, and is said to boost antioxidant defences, correct fine lines and brighten skin tone in 10 days.
Ren Clean Skincare incorporates Pycnogenol into their age spot treatment, available to buy in Boots, and Maritime Pink Bark Extract in their Clearcalm Non-Dry Spot Treatment (£16) helps repair the skin’s barrier whilst reducing the appearance of age spots.
