Skin aging: Wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and collagen degradation are not just signs of time passing on our faces, but also an expression of internal aging.
Factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and glycation cause damage to both the skin and the entire body.

Researchers sought to investigate the effect of a unique plant extract called Pycnogenol® on aging processes, focusing on the immune system and overall health.

The researchers used a unique research model: mice with accelerated aging.
These mice, which age significantly faster than normal mice, develop characteristic signs of aging such as decreased immune function, impaired blood cell production, and cognitive deficits.

Study groups:

Control group: This group received a normal diet without Pycnogenol® supplementation.
Pycnogenol® group: This group received a diet enriched with Pycnogenol® for several months.

Measured parameters:

Immune system function: The ability of mice to respond to infections and tumors was tested.
Blood cell production: The quantity of white blood cells and red blood cells produced by the bone marrow was tested.
Aging signs: Biological markers related to aging, such as inflammation levels and antioxidant activity, were tested.
Behavior: The activity and age markers of the mice were examined.

Main results:

Immune system: Mice in the Pycnogenol® group showed a significant improvement in response to infections and tumors.
This response was expressed by a decrease in the amount of bacteria in the blood, inhibition of tumor growth, and an improvement in the mice's ability to fight diseases.
Blood cell production: A significant increase in the production of white blood cells and red blood cells was observed among the Pycnogenol® group mice.
This improvement indicates strengthening of the bone marrow and its normal function.
Aging signs: Inflammation levels decreased significantly among the Pycnogenol® group mice, and antioxidant activity increased.
These findings indicate a slowing of aging processes at the cellular level.
Behavior: Mice in the Pycnogenol® group exhibited higher activity levels and less pronounced age markers compared to the control group.

Dealing with aging: Studies show that Pycnogenol®, a natural plant extract from the French maritime pine tree, works both externally and internally to slow the aging process.

Another study investigated the effect of Pycnogenol supplementation on skin health and facial rejuvenation in postmenopausal women.

Study method:

Study population: 20 healthy postmenopausal women.

Study duration: 12 weeks.

Intervention: The women received Pycnogenol supplementation.

Parameters:

Non-invasive assessment:
- Corneometry (measuring skin moisture)
- Cutometry (measuring skin elasticity)
- Visioscan (analyzing skin texture and appearance)
- Ultrasound (assessing skin thickness)
Biopsies and PCR:
- Analysis of gene expression related to the extracellular matrix (ECM)
- ECM is responsible for supporting skin structure and elasticity

Main results:

Pycnogenol was well tolerated: No significant side effects were reported.

Significant improvement in skin health:

Increase in skin moisture
Improvement in skin elasticity
These effects were most pronounced in women with dry skin before the start of the study.

Changes at the gene level:

Increase in mRNA expression of hyaluronic acid synthase-1 (HAS-1) - an enzyme involved in the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, an essential component of the ECM
Increase in expression of genes related to new collagen synthesis

Benefits of Pycnogenol®:

Wrinkle prevention: Pycnogenol® promotes the production of collagen and elastin, the guardians of skin elasticity and vitality, and protects them from breakdown.
Protection against UV damage: Pycnogenol® blocks the harmful effects of UV rays, which cause inflammation and protein loss, thereby preventing wrinkles and other imperfections.
Vascular health: Pycnogenol® increases the production of nitric oxide, dilates blood vessels, and improves blood flow, providing essential oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
Blood pressure normalization: Pycnogenol® helps regulate normal blood pressure, contributing to vascular health and better blood flow.
Immune system health: Pycnogenol® strengthens the immune system and protects against infections and diseases.
Improved cognitive function: Pycnogenol® contributes to improved learning and memory.
Internal anti-aging: Pycnogenol® addresses five of the main aging mechanisms:
Oxidative stress,
Membrane damage,
DNA damage,
Inflammation,
Glycation.