Skin-lightening and anti-ageing effect of a food supplement containing Pinus pinaster extract

Abstract

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine Pinus pinaster (FMPBE) have been studied for a long time and demonstrated various phytopharmaceutical applications. The objectives of this study were to assess the cutaneous lightening and anti-ageing effects of FMPBE after 56 days of consumption, in healthy Asian women. The cosmetic efficacy of the product was assessed through various biometrological evaluations. This randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled and cross-over study evidenced the safety and efficacy of the 100 mg FMPBE supplementation from 28 days of intake: in comparison to placebo, the skin on pigmentary spots became significantly lighter and less red, skin on the face was more firm and its surface was less wrinkled. After 56 days of consumption, the skin was additionally significantly more elastic and the yellow constituent of the skin decreased on the normal skin.Taken together, these results proved that FMPBE supplementation can be considered as an innovative approach to skin whitening and anti-ageing treatments. It represents an interesting alternative to topical products and supports the skin from the inside out.

Evaluation of the systemic toxicity and mutagenicity of OLIGOPIN®, procyanidolic oligomers (OPC) extracted from French Maritime Pine Bark extract

“…The human safety of Oligopin® has been evaluated in several clinical trials. In one study, 100 mg of Oligopin® was administered orally for 56 days to thirty-four female human subjects with a mean age of 60 ± 1 years [ 22 ]. Oral exposure to Oligopin® was well tolerated, with no declared adverse effects after 56 days of daily intake.…”

The role of systemic treatments for skin lightening

“…A recent French study used 50 mg procyanidin daily for 56 days and measured results using a spectrophotometer. Treatment resulted in significant lightening and a decreased b* (blue‐to‐yellow spectrum) parameter of the skin compared to placebo . Combining procyanidin (24 mg) with β‐carotene (6 mg), ascorbic acid (60 mg), and D‐α‐tocopherol acetate (15 IU) in an oral pill taken twice daily, along with proper sun protection, 56 Filipino women, aged 18 to 60 years old with epidermal melasma, were followed for 8 weeks.…”