Topical Antioxidants: Pycnogenol

Research has shown that proanthocyanidins, such as are found in Pycnogenol, promote tissue elasticity, help heal injuries, reduce swelling and edema, restore collagen and are major free radical scavengers.



The proanthocyandins possess up to 50 times more antioxidant activity than Vitamins C and E, beta carotene or selenium as measured by in vitro tests of the compounds. However there is also evidence that topical Pycnogenol is bioavailable (at least on mouse skin).



In a study conducted at the University of Sydney and reported in the Feb. 2004 Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, hairless mice were exposed to UV radiation. When the mice were treated with topical Pycnogenol before exposure, inflammation and sunburn were significantly reduced.



The study used concentrations from 0.05% to 0.2% to determine that the benefit is dose-dependent. The higher the concentration, the more protection the mice received.



Topical Pycnogenol can be found in Derma e Pycnogenol Moisturizing Crème.



Tags: antioxidants, Pycnogenol, pycnogenol cream