French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol®): Uses and Benefits for the Skin
Posted by Ivatherm
French maritime pine has been used throughout history to treat various ailments. Pine bark, needles, resin, and seeds have been processed throughout history to obtain various positive effects on health.
However, it was only in 1940, when scientist Jacques Masquelier learned about the use of tea made from its bark to treat skin lesions and scurvy in North America, that the foundation for scientific research into the benefits of this plant was laid.
Table of Contents
What is French maritime pine extract and how is it obtained?
French maritime pine is a conifer commonly found in all regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea, not just in France. However, the substance patented under the name Pycnogenol® is generally obtained from trees grown in southwestern France.
This extract has proven its beneficial effects in treating conditions such as asthma, as well as improving peripheral blood circulation, thanks to its content of chemical substances that stimulate the functioning of both the circulatory and immune systems.
French maritime pine extract is also recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, as well as its antioxidant effects. Other benefits, not yet confirmed by conclusive studies, refer to cholesterol regulation, as well as improving memory and symptoms associated with conditions such as ADHD.
In the following, however, we will choose to speak strictly about those proven properties and the benefits that French maritime pine extract undeniably has on the skin.
Thus, French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) is a type of pine native to Mediterranean areas and is also known by the names maritime pine, cluster pine, and shore pine. It has thick bark, with a shade that can vary from brown to orange or red.
French maritime pine extract is sold under a variety of names, such as Pycnogenol®, Oligopin, and Flavangenol. For more effective absorption, the substance is often combined with other ingredients such as vitamin C, other plant extracts, cellulose, or glycerin.
French maritime pine extract is obtained by grinding the bark and washing it in hot water. Following this process, solid residues are removed from the liquid extract, which can be used as is or processed once more by freeze-drying and grinding to obtain a finished product in powder form. One kilogram of Pycnogenol® is obtained from 1000 kg of bark.
What active ingredients does French maritime pine extract contain?
Vitamins, polyphenols, and other phytonutrients are abundant in the bark of the French maritime pine. Many of these are also found in other plant sources, such as grape seeds, but due to complex processing procedures, pine extract can prove to be richer in these compounds.
Here are the most important nutrients present and the beneficial effects they can have on health:
Procyanidins – a type of flavonoids with antioxidant properties, often used for their medicinal qualities. Pycnogenol® is standardized to contain at least 75% procyanidins.
Catechins – another antioxidant flavonoid that protects cells against oxidative stress and free radicals.
Phenolic acids – a group of polyphenols with intense antioxidant activity, found in plant-based food sources.
All these compounds make Pycnogenol® an effective dietary supplement with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Pycnogenol® – uses and benefits
Maritime pine extract is available on the market in the form of dietary supplements, cosmetic formulations, and functional beverages. Here are the areas where it is used in health and beauty:
Skincare – protects the dermis against free radicals generated by ultraviolet radiation, stress, and pollutants, and maintains elasticity and optimal hydration levels. In addition, it significantly reduces the appearance of pigmented spots.
Eye health – supports the health of the retinal capillaries, thereby ensuring better vision.
Joint health – supports joint flexibility and mobility, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect.
Heart and circulatory system health – maintains blood flow and blood pressure, supporting normal blood circulation.
Women's health – also thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, it reduces the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, alleviates signs associated with menopause, and fades the manifestations of conditions such as endometriosis.
Cognitive health – improves memory, as well as numerical and spatial vision skills.
Respiratory system health – inhibits mediators that generate inflammation, reduces edema, and supports respiratory function.
Sports recovery – supports optimal muscular system performance, helps with post-workout recovery, and reduces muscle pain.
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Properties of French maritime pine extract for skin health
Pycnogenol® has a series of benefits targeting skin health. The most important of these are:
Alleviation of pigmented spots – thanks to its effect of inhibiting tyrosinase and melanin synthesis, French maritime pine extract proves effective in diminishing the appearance of hyperpigmented skin. Studies have shown that administering 75 mg of Pycnogenol for 30 days leads to a significant reduction in the intensity and size of pigmented spots in melasma.
Photoprotective effects and protection of the skin's natural barrier, thanks to antioxidant properties – because it contains 60% procyanidins (a type of flavonoid), maritime pine extract protects the skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation and maintains the integrity of the skin's protective barrier, as well as the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix.
It also promotes skin hydration and stimulates its elasticity by stimulating the endogenous production of hyaluronic acid and collagen, maintaining the integrity of the fibers of these compounds naturally present in the skin.
Besides these benefits, taking Pycnogenol® supplements has been associated with a series of other beneficial effects, such as reducing anxiety, increasing attention, enhancing satisfaction, as well as diminishing symptoms of fatigue and pain, and improving the functioning of the digestive system, specifically combating constipation.
Other possible benefits of French maritime pine extract, currently under study, aim at slowing aging, effective wound healing, stopping bone density loss associated with aging, alleviating symptoms of cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and ADHD, as well as combating erectile dysfunction.
Pycnogenol + Vitamin C 500 mg – your ally for healthy skin
Ivatherm has launched a new product meant to support skin health. The dietary supplement Pycnogenol® Vitamin C 500mg is now available on our website and in selected pharmacies. Equip yourself with a box containing 14 sachets and enjoy the full benefits of this super-potent ingredient. Each sachet contains 4g of powder for easy administration without adverse effects. The recommended dosage is 1-2 sachets per day, dissolved in 150 ml of cold water each.
Enjoy the natural pear aroma and don't worry about caloric intake – Pycnogenol Vitamin C 500 mg is sweetened with steviol glycosides from Stevia, so you get all the benefits of pine extract without the adverse effects of refined sugar.
Fight pigmented spots with the unbeatable Pycnogenol + Ivawhite duo. If reducing pigmented spots is on your list of priorities regarding skin health, we recommend pairing the administration of Pycnogenol + Vitamin C 500 mg with dermocosmetic products from the Ivawhite range.
Here is what a complete and effective care routine against melasma looks like:
Pycnogenol + Vitamin C 500 mg – for fighting oxidative stress, reducing pigmented spots, and improving the skin's luminous appearance.
Administering supplements containing French maritime pine extract
Oral administration of Pycnogenol® is safe at daily doses of 50 mg to 450 mg for periods that can extend up to a year. In general, Pycnogenol® is well tolerated.
There are no studies regarding the administration of Pycnogenol® in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Regarding topical application, Pycnogenol® can be safely applied as a cream for 7 consecutive days or used in powder form dissolved in water for up to 6 weeks.
If you want to benefit from the antioxidant properties of Pycnogenol® as a dietary supplement, discover Pycnogenol® Vitamin C 500mg from Ivatherm – formulated with French maritime pine bark extract and vitamin C, for sustained antioxidant protection.
Maritime pine extract is a natural dietary supplement rich in healthy polyphenols, such as procyanidins, catechins, and phenolic acids. These plant compounds have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, with Pycnogenol® thus having huge therapeutic potential. As with any other dietary supplement, we recommend validating its use with your doctor for complete peace of mind.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol®): Uses and Benefits for the Skin
French maritime pine has been used throughout history to treat various ailments. Pine bark, needles, resin, and seeds have been processed throughout history to obtain various positive effects on health.
However, it was only in 1940, when scientist Jacques Masquelier learned about the use of tea made from its bark to treat skin lesions and scurvy in North America, that the foundation for scientific research into the benefits of this plant was laid.
Table of Contents
What is French maritime pine extract and how is it obtained?
French maritime pine is a conifer commonly found in all regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea, not just in France. However, the substance patented under the name Pycnogenol® is generally obtained from trees grown in southwestern France.
This extract has proven its beneficial effects in treating conditions such as asthma, as well as improving peripheral blood circulation, thanks to its content of chemical substances that stimulate the functioning of both the circulatory and immune systems.
French maritime pine extract is also recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, as well as its antioxidant effects. Other benefits, not yet confirmed by conclusive studies, refer to cholesterol regulation, as well as improving memory and symptoms associated with conditions such as ADHD.
In the following, however, we will choose to speak strictly about those proven properties and the benefits that French maritime pine extract undeniably has on the skin.
Thus, French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) is a type of pine native to Mediterranean areas and is also known by the names maritime pine, cluster pine, and shore pine. It has thick bark, with a shade that can vary from brown to orange or red.
French maritime pine extract is sold under a variety of names, such as Pycnogenol®, Oligopin, and Flavangenol. For more effective absorption, the substance is often combined with other ingredients such as vitamin C, other plant extracts, cellulose, or glycerin.
French maritime pine extract is obtained by grinding the bark and washing it in hot water. Following this process, solid residues are removed from the liquid extract, which can be used as is or processed once more by freeze-drying and grinding to obtain a finished product in powder form. One kilogram of Pycnogenol® is obtained from 1000 kg of bark.
What active ingredients does French maritime pine extract contain?
Vitamins, polyphenols, and other phytonutrients are abundant in the bark of the French maritime pine. Many of these are also found in other plant sources, such as grape seeds, but due to complex processing procedures, pine extract can prove to be richer in these compounds.
Here are the most important nutrients present and the beneficial effects they can have on health:
All these compounds make Pycnogenol® an effective dietary supplement with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Pycnogenol® – uses and benefits
Maritime pine extract is available on the market in the form of dietary supplements, cosmetic formulations, and functional beverages. Here are the areas where it is used in health and beauty:
Properties of French maritime pine extract for skin health
Pycnogenol® has a series of benefits targeting skin health. The most important of these are:
Besides these benefits, taking Pycnogenol® supplements has been associated with a series of other beneficial effects, such as reducing anxiety, increasing attention, enhancing satisfaction, as well as diminishing symptoms of fatigue and pain, and improving the functioning of the digestive system, specifically combating constipation.
Other possible benefits of French maritime pine extract, currently under study, aim at slowing aging, effective wound healing, stopping bone density loss associated with aging, alleviating symptoms of cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and ADHD, as well as combating erectile dysfunction.
Pycnogenol + Vitamin C 500 mg – your ally for healthy skin
Ivatherm has launched a new product meant to support skin health. The dietary supplement Pycnogenol® Vitamin C 500mg is now available on our website and in selected pharmacies. Equip yourself with a box containing 14 sachets and enjoy the full benefits of this super-potent ingredient. Each sachet contains 4g of powder for easy administration without adverse effects. The recommended dosage is 1-2 sachets per day, dissolved in 150 ml of cold water each.
Enjoy the natural pear aroma and don't worry about caloric intake – Pycnogenol Vitamin C 500 mg is sweetened with steviol glycosides from Stevia, so you get all the benefits of pine extract without the adverse effects of refined sugar.
Fight pigmented spots with the unbeatable Pycnogenol + Ivawhite duo. If reducing pigmented spots is on your list of priorities regarding skin health, we recommend pairing the administration of Pycnogenol + Vitamin C 500 mg with dermocosmetic products from the Ivawhite range.
Here is what a complete and effective care routine against melasma looks like:
Administering supplements containing French maritime pine extract
Oral administration of Pycnogenol® is safe at daily doses of 50 mg to 450 mg for periods that can extend up to a year. In general, Pycnogenol® is well tolerated.
There are no studies regarding the administration of Pycnogenol® in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Regarding topical application, Pycnogenol® can be safely applied as a cream for 7 consecutive days or used in powder form dissolved in water for up to 6 weeks.
If you want to benefit from the antioxidant properties of Pycnogenol® as a dietary supplement, discover Pycnogenol® Vitamin C 500mg from Ivatherm – formulated with French maritime pine bark extract and vitamin C, for sustained antioxidant protection.
Maritime pine extract is a natural dietary supplement rich in healthy polyphenols, such as procyanidins, catechins, and phenolic acids. These plant compounds have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, with Pycnogenol® thus having huge therapeutic potential. As with any other dietary supplement, we recommend validating its use with your doctor for complete peace of mind.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.