Skin aging: Wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and collagen degradation are not only 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.

Important note for critical reading: Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of French maritime pine bark extract produced by Horphag. A significant portion of the cited studies on this extract, including the 2012 skin study and the framing of "aging mechanisms," were funded or supported by the manufacturer. This does not invalidate the findings, but they should be viewed with caution: the magnitude of effects is generally moderate, and some evidence is based on small studies or animal experiments.

Animal study (SAMP8 mice): The researchers used a unique research model, SAMP8 mice with accelerated aging rates.
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 vulnerabilities. It is important to remember that these are findings from animals only, which do not necessarily prove an identical effect in humans.

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 (in SAMP8 mice):

Immune system: Mice in the Pycnogenol® group showed 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 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.

Again, we emphasize: all the findings above (immune, blood cells, tumors, behavior) are results from a study in mice only, and it must be examined whether they apply to humans.

Dealing with aging: Studies show that Pycnogenol®, a natural plant extract from the French maritime pine tree, may act both externally and internally to support slowing the aging process, although the magnitude of effect in humans is moderate.

Human study: The effect of Pycnogenol supplement on skin health and facial rejuvenation in postmenopausal women.

Study method:

Study population: 20 healthy postmenopausal women. This is a small sample, so the results should be seen as a preliminary indication and not definitive proof.

Study duration: 12 weeks.

Intervention: The women received a Pycnogenol supplement.

Parameters:

Non-invasive assessment:
- Corneometry (skin moisture measurement)
- Cutometry (skin elasticity measurement)
- Visioscan (skin texture and appearance analysis)
- Ultrasound (skin thickness assessment)
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.
Cognitive function: Preliminary and mixed evidence suggests that Pycnogenol® may contribute to improved learning and memory, but this has not yet been conclusively proven.
Internal anti-aging: According to a framework proposed by the manufacturer, Pycnogenol® addresses five main aging mechanisms:
oxidative stress,
membrane damage,
DNA damage,
inflammation,
and glycation.