Pycnogenol
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skincare Tools & Do-It-Yourself Skincare

free skin care · Sun Sep 08, 2013 6:19 pm

bellabambiiina wrote:

In general, I think it might be hard to find good studies on supplements because there isn't funding readily available.

Sad but true.

Also, it's not as if the research would widen anyone's pockets, which further explains the lack of funding.

free skin care · Sun Sep 08, 2013 10:49 pm

Here are some additional studies on pycnogelol. I can't personally say that I have seen any skin benefit at all, but it has helped me from an inflammation standpoint.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=Pycnogelol

free skin care · Mon Sep 09, 2013 4:48 am

bethany wrote:

Here are some additional studies on pycnogelol. I can't personally say that I have seen any skin benefit at all, but it has helped me from an inflammation standpoint.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=Pycnogelol

How so? And how did you know that it helped your inflammation?

Also, how long did you take it, and did it lighten your skin at all?

free skin care · Mon Sep 09, 2013 9:08 am

VeronicaM wrote:

bethany wrote:

Here are some additional studies on pycnogelol. I can't personally say that I have seen any skin benefit at all, but it has helped me from an inflammation standpoint.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=Pycnogelol

How so? And how did you know that it helped your inflammation?

Also, how long did you take it, and did it lighten your skin at all?

I discussed this briefly on page 1 of this thread. I had a 4.5 hour surgery on my septum, and even 18 months later the tip of my nose still had residual swelling. If I took the pycnogelol, within about 24 hours the tip of my nose would shrink by about a third. I have been taking it on and off for a couple of years, but I have not seen any lightening of my skin.

free skin care · Tue Sep 10, 2013 7:15 am

For those who are concerned about the side effects of Pycnogenol, you may consider Lutein as a skin supplement. The studies have shown that it improves skin hydration and is effective against UVA rays. I combine it with heliocare, astaxathin and lycopene for internal sun protection.

free skin care · Tue Sep 10, 2013 10:06 am

LondonJamie wrote:

For those who are concerned about the side effects of Pycnogenol, you may consider Lutein as a skin supplement. The studies have shown that it improves skin hydration and is effective against UVA rays. I combine it with heliocare, astaxathin and lycopene for internal sun protection.

If you are eating Lutein rich foods (broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, orange pepper), you might want to think about adding avocado oil or avocado to it, as that enhances absorption:

Quote:

The study suggests that addition of avocado (half or whole fruit, equivalent to 75 or 150g avocado, respectively) enhances carotenoid absorption to an extent similar to that of an equivalent amount of added oil. The absorption of carotenoids from salad was very low when consumed alone. The addition of lipids in form of avocado fruit or oil is suggested to provide a healthy way of helping the body absorb the nutrient.

http://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/nhri/avocado-enhances-absorption-of-powerful-antioxidants/

free skin care · Tue Sep 10, 2013 4:53 pm

AngelaE8654 wrote:

LondonJamie wrote:

For those who are concerned about the side effects of Pycnogenol, you may consider Lutein as a skin supplement. The studies have shown that it improves skin hydration and is effective against UVA rays. I combine it with heliocare, astaxathin and lycopene for internal sun protection.

If you are eating Lutein rich foods (broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, orange pepper), you might want to think about adding avocado oil or avocado to it, as that enhances absorption:

Quote:

The study suggests that addition of avocado (half or whole fruit, equivalent to 75 or 150g avocado, respectively) enhances carotenoid absorption to an extent similar to that of an equivalent amount of added oil. The absorption of carotenoids from salad was very low when consumed alone. The addition of lipids in form of avocado fruit or oil is suggested to provide a healthy way of helping the body absorb the nutrient.

http://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/nhri/avocado-enhances-absorption-of-powerful-antioxidants/

I love avocado and eat it often. Cool

free skin care · Tue Sep 10, 2013 6:16 pm

bellabambiiina wrote:

I love avocado and eat it often. Cool

That's great; I'll bet you've been getting a lot more out of your carotenoids than many folks. Myself, I don't dislike it; it just wasn't something that I ate very often. Now that I know this, I add a smidge of red palm oil and avocado oil to any veggies that I eat. Red Palm Oil is super high in carotenoids.

free skin care · Wed Sep 11, 2013 7:28 am

AngelaE8654 wrote:

bellabambiiina wrote:

I love avocado and eat it often. Cool

That's great; I'll bet you've been getting a lot more out of your carotenoids than many folks. Myself, I don't dislike it; it just wasn't something that I ate very often. Now that I know this, I add a smidge of red palm oil and avocado oil to any veggies that I eat. Red Palm Oil is super high in carotenoids.

I thought it was a pretty well known fact that the fat soluble nutrients are better absorbed in the body when taken with some fat. That includes lycopene and even curcumin I think (in turmeric). The Indian method of heating spices like turmeric in oil in cooking seems to have some benefit.

I love avocados, and I usually buy them at a warehouse club like Sam's or BJ's (member at both) in a 5 pack for about $5 or so. I eat them alongside sandwiches or in salads.

free skin care · Wed Sep 11, 2013 7:30 am

BTW I just got some pycnogenol, but a pretty low dose capsule (30 mg). Took the first one yesterday,

free skin care · Tue Sep 17, 2013 11:51 am

AngelaE8654 wrote:

I've used that product and it's pretty good. Swanson Health Products has a Pycnogenol Cream too, which I've also used. Here is one of the reviews:

AngelaE8654,

I'm glad to hear that you liked the pycnogenol toner.

If you don't mind me asking, exactly why did you like it so much? Precisely how did it affect your skin (ie--moisture, texture, discoloration, firmness, etc)?

And how does this compare to other toners that you've used? What other toners would you say are as good or better than it?

free skin care · Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:08 am

VeronicaM wrote:

AngelaE8654 wrote:

I've used that product and it's pretty good. Swanson Health Products has a Pycnogenol Cream too, which I've also used. Here is one of the reviews:

AngelaE8654,

I'm glad to hear that you liked the pycnogenol toner.

If you don't mind me asking, exactly why did you like it so much? Precisely how did it affect your skin (ie--moisture, texture, discoloration, firmness, etc)?

And how does this compare to other toners that you've used? What other toners would you say are as good or better than it?

There was no discoloration in my skin when using the toner. I liked it because my skin felt "clean" and clear after use. My all time FAVORITE toner, however, is the UNT Prodige Pro-Youth Tonic Plant Stem Cell Rejuvenating Toner. This is because it contains:

They further encapsulate genistein in liposome to ensure that maximum benefits of the PRODIGE ensemble are delivered to the targeted skin layers.

http://www.amazon.com/UNT-Prodige-Pro-Youth-Tonic-Rejuvenating/dp/B005N6WUAY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1H3VQIIH4S4OM&coliid=IHR8FIDHB4Z0C

This type of a formulation has been proven to thicken skin:

Quote:

Study on the Efficacy of Liposomal Genistein in an Anti-Aging Formulation:

A cream containing 90 mg/kg genistein, encapsulated into lecithin liposomes, was tested in a study with 20 women between age 55 and 64. The product was applied twice daily on the inner side of the forearm.

The same cream without genistein served as a control. Several skin parameters were measured after 2 and 3 months of product application, including skin thickness by ultrasonic measurement, skin firmness by cutometry, skin roughness by a digital micromirror device and skin hydration by corneometry. All skin parameters were determined 8 to 12 hours after the last product application.

After 3 months, skin thickness in subjects using the genistein cream had increased by 11 %. In comparison, skin thickness in subjects using the
control cream did not change significantly (Figure 4).

http://www.mibellebiochemistry.com/pdfs/Use_of_Soy_Isoflavones_for_Stimulation_of_Skin_Collagen_Synthesis_CosmeticsDesign_February_2008.pdf

free skin care · Wed Sep 18, 2013 8:34 am

Angela,

The UNT toner also looks interesting.

Btw, if anyone is curious, here's the complete ingredient list for the UNT toner:

Water, Niacinamide, 2-Methyl-1,3-Propanediol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Algae Extract, Honey Extract, Glycosyl Trehalose, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylates Crosspolymer, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture, Xanthan Gum, Phospholipids, Phenoxyethanol, Alpinia Galanga Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Baicalin, Lecithin, Soya Isoflavones, Polysorbate 80, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Phytosphingosine, Phytosphingosine HCL, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Perfume.

free skin care · Thu Sep 19, 2013 7:46 am

I also substituted it for reversatol in my supplement arsenal.
I know a lot of my friends also take it for jet lag as well.
My skin does look better or holds its hydration better, when I take it.
It is not a cheap substitute so I alternate it on and off.
Supplements can be controversial anyway as far as medical/scientific and testimonials go and there is so much information out there to support an argument on either side.
I do what works best for me and I know my own body. This is one that I like and is on my keeper list.
I wouldn't mind trying the toner as well. I use the Russell Organics Willowbark Toner, which is awesome. Now if only they incorporate this into it!

free skin care · Thu Sep 19, 2013 8:42 am

I should also add that it is supposed to be good for rosacea and menopause but I don't take it in the full dosage, I just add the minimum.
Also, I take the standardized Pine Bark now which is basically:

"Pine bark extract is made from the bark of the maritime pine tree (Pinus pinaster), which contains naturally occurring chemicals called proanthocyanidins. The maritime pine is native to the western Mediterranean, with a range extending over Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Morocco. Pine bark extract is commonly sold under the brand name Pycnogenol. Pycnogenol is also the name of a group of compounds that contain proanthocyanidins taken from a number of natural sources, such as grape seeds (see Grapes) and other plants. In addition to the Pycnogenol brand, there are several other pine bark extract supplements available, which may use different types of pine bark and have different formulations."

I have taken both and noticed no difference other than the price. I do sometimes take grape seed extract, so maybe that is why.

free skin care · Thu Sep 19, 2013 9:15 am

AnnieR wrote:

I wouldn't mind trying the toner as well. I use the Russell Organics Willowbark Toner, which is awesome. Now if only they incorporate this into it!

Annie,

Have you thought of adding pycnogenol (aka pine bark extract) to your current toner?
Do you think that might work?

If you do decide to do it, please keep us updated. Smile

free skin care · Thu Sep 19, 2013 12:25 pm

I guess just by opening up a capsule? Mmmmm... might have to try that. I have new shipment coming in next week since I just ran out. This was a good reminder! I will check it out and get back to you.

free skin care · Thu Sep 19, 2013 12:54 pm

AnnieR wrote:

I guess just by opening up a capsule? Mmmmm... might have to try that. I have new shipment coming in next week since I just ran out. This was a good reminder! I will check it out and get back to you.

Will it really penetrate that way?

free skin care · Thu Sep 19, 2013 12:58 pm

bethany wrote:

AnnieR wrote:

I guess just by opening up a capsule? Mmmmm... might have to try that. I have new shipment coming in next week since I just ran out. This was a good reminder! I will check it out and get back to you.

Will it really penetrate that way?

as long as the capsules does not contain any irritants and one dissolves the content properly, it should be fine, however for better penetration it should be mixed in an emulsion as water/toner ll evaporate quickly....

free skin care · Thu Sep 19, 2013 1:20 pm

I'm going to try the pycnogenol toner. I've heard a lot of good things about it.

I'll let you all know how it goes.

free skin care · Fri Sep 20, 2013 8:10 am

Do you think there are any more benefits from using the supplement topically than internally?
Or what about both?

Fri Sep 20, 2013 8:31 am

adding these related posts from http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=49536

VeronicaM wrote:

Just saw this liquid pycnogenol supplement.

Thought that it might interest others:

http://www.evitamins.com/liquid-pyc-pycnogenol-the-nutrition-farm-4278

Marie-Andrée wrote:

Pycnogenol is very water-soluble. The brand that you gave a link to contains sorbitol as a sweetener and sodium benzoate.
I would get the supplement in capsule form. It's easy to open up the capsule and add it to anything. It would be cheaper too.
I buy the Healthy Origins brand at iherb. It's 100 mg.

VeronicaM wrote:

That's good to know.

free skin care · Fri Sep 20, 2013 9:21 am

I can honestly say that I think Pycnogenol is the only internal supplement that helped with my melasma. I had/have it pretty badly (got it right at peri meno when my hormones went whacko) and after about 6 months of taking the Pycnogenol (I use Source Naturals - was using the one with GrapeSeed Extract, but now just use the plain Pycn. (75 mg).) I started to see positive changes. Like it's barely noticeable on my right cheek. Left is more stubborn but it has broken up in so many spots and I had this huge solid patch. I have been using it for almost two years now... I gotta say, it's one of my favorite supplements. No averse side effects for me, thankfully. Post menopause, my skin looks pretty decent considering I have no estrogen! Laughing

free skin care · Fri Sep 20, 2013 9:36 am

Mariav wrote:

I can honestly say that I think Pycnogenol is the only internal supplement that helped with my melasma. I had/have it pretty badly (got it right at peri meno when my hormones went whacko) and after about 6 months of taking the Pycnogenol (I use Source Naturals - was using the one with GrapeSeed Extract, but now just use the plain Pycn. (75 mg).) I started to see positive changes. Like it's barely noticeable on my right cheek. Left is more stubborn but it has broken up in so many spots and I had this huge solid patch. I have been using it for almost two years now... I gotta say, it's one of my favorite supplements. No averse side effects for me, thankfully. Post menopause, my skin looks pretty decent considering I have no estrogen! Laughing

I posted this on another thread, but Dr. Thornfeldt of Epionce recommends 300mg of Pycnogenol a day to help with pigmentation.

Mariav - I am glad you have seen so much improvement with it. I need to be more diligent about taking mine.

free skin care · Fri Sep 20, 2013 1:21 pm

EmerginC products contain pine bark extract, which I believe (but am not entirely sure) is nearly identical to pycnogenol.

Here's one of their moisturizers which, to me, looks like a solid product:

http://www.skinstore.com/p-15737-emerginc-scientific-organics-phytocell-cream.aspx

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.