I’ll be reaching a milestone birthday this year and it’s starting to bother me. Yes, I know age is relative, but how did I get so old so fast? I’m suddenly more concerned with looking younger than I ever used to be. The wrinkles on my face, or rather the “laugh-lines,” are getting the best of me!
Since I have an amazing supply of supplements and skin care products at my fingertips, I started researching what might work best to slow down my aging skin and pycnogenol kept popping up. I was intrigued by the fact that pycnogenol can be taken both internally and topically. I learned a great deal and now understand why pycnogenol is one of the top “go-to” products for anti-aging.
What is pycnogenol?
Derived from the French maritime pine bark trees known as Pinus pinaster, Pycnogenol is the US registered trademark name. You can get the active ingredients in pycnogenol from other sources, but pycnogenol is best. The forest where the pine trees are grown is protected by the French government and no pesticides or herbicides are used. That was good news, because toxins contribute to inflammation and aging.
Why pycnogenol is good for your skin and your body
- It’s a powerhouse antioxidant and full of proanthocyanidins (a class of flavonoids)
- 50x more potent than vitamin E and 20x more potent than vitamin C
- Reduces and destroys free radicals in your blood stream. Too many free radicals = premature aging!
- It may reduce wrinkling and discoloration of the skin
- Its potent antioxidant properties make it cardio-protective – it supports heart health!
- Improves signs and symptoms of menopausal changes (source)
- May boost glutathione levels
- Supports eye health
- Supports blood sugar regulation and improves endothelial function (Source)
- Strengthens brain and memory function (Source)
If you doubt the science behind pycnogenol, take a look at the lengthy list of studies in the bibliography of an article I found in Drugs.com. And here’s more science from GreenMedInfo.com. Pycnogenol studies show it’s a powerhouse supplement!
How your skin reflects your internal health
Your skin is your largest organ, but the health of your skin is dependent on the health of your whole body. Your organs work in symbiosis. Think of it this way, if your heart and liver aren’t working right and your body is full of inflammation; it will eventually show up on your skin! This could mean brown liver spots, rashes, premature aging, wrinkles, and a host of other problems you don’t want. Thanks, but no thanks.
This is exactly why people choose the amazing health properties of pycnogenol – it can support your skin and your good health inside and out! It supports your skin by promoting:
- Skin elasticity
- Skin hydration
- Helps even skin pigmentation
- Protection from UV damage (Source)
You’ll find an excellent chart on the five mechanisms of aging and the restorative, healthful benefits of pycnogenol in this article from Life Extension. The five mechanisms of aging are: 1) oxidative stress, 2) membrane damage, 3) DNA damage 4) inflammation 5) glycation. Each of these mechanisms alone can wreak havoc with your body, but many of us are dealing with all five at once. If you’re under a lot of stress, that could be you!
Does premature aging concern you like it does me? If so, you might want to give pycnogenol a try. We have products for your skin and supplements you can take internally for an anti-aging double whammy! You can always do both, and there’s no time like the present to start fighting wrinkles and aging!
Do you remember the comedienne Phyllis Diller? I do – here’s one of her gems….
Source: Notable-Quotes
“You know you’re old when someone compliments you on your alligator shoes, and you’re barefoot.”
Hmm…Maybe it’s time I started to take this aging thing a little more serious, what about you?
Has pycnogenol been a help to you? Please comment below!
References and Resources:
More evidence for Pycnogenol endometriosis benefit
Study ‘leaves little doubt’ about Pycnogenoll’s benefits for menopause symptoms
http://examine.com/supplements/Pycnogenol/
http://www.drugs.com/npp/maritime-pine.html#ref19
http://www.singleinfertilefemale.com/2012/05/pycnogenol/
http://www.pycnogenol.com/science/overview/
I am sure it is a wise decision to use pycnogenol and other products that have the ability to either slow the aging process or at least stop the premature aging to set in. Must compliment you Mary for the glow and great skin you have maintained. Is it pycnogenol ? Xo !!!
Mary Bloomer Thanks for sharing such a great post. And a Very Helpful review of this product.
Keep it up.
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