Recent study finds that French maritime bark extract, Pycnogenol, may reduce hyperpigmentation
The study found that supplementation with the French maritime pine bark extract was able to reduce skin discoloration, or hyperpigmentation, following sclerotherapy, which is a minimally invasive produce for managing primary superficial veins, known as spider veins.
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A recently published study1 found that supplementation with a French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol, was able to reduce skin discoloration, or hyperpigmentation, following sclerotherapy, which is a minimally invasive produce for managing primary superficial veins, known as spider veins. The procedure has some cosmetic complications such as skin discoloration.
The study had a total of 161 participants, 84 of which were assigned to take 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol from the day before sclerotherapy for 12 weeks, followed by standard management, while 77 participants received only standard management to serve as control. After 12 weeks, researchers observed that skin discoloration, based on a skin staining score, was significantly lower and less frequent in participants taking Pycnogenol compared to control, and the number of stains per treated vein were also significantly lower for the Pycnogenol group compared to control.
"Spider veins can affect individuals of all ages but are particularly prevalent among women over 50 and those who have recently been pregnant," explained author, physician, and Pycnogenol spokesperson, Fred Pescatore, MD, MPH, CCN in a press release. "While spider veins are generally not a health risk, they often pose a cosmetic concern for many women. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing skin discoloration after sclerotherapy for women's skin health, beauty, and confidence. Pycnogenol not only helps prevent discoloration but also offers a potential enhancement to one’s skincare routine, providing a radiant glow as the summer months approach."
Pescatore adds that "the study's findings indicate a remarkable reduction in skin discoloration among participants who supplemented with Pycnogenol compared to those who received standard management alone. These results open up new possibilities for Pycnogenol in skincare, highlighting its potential to enhance skin health and beauty in a safe, natural way."
Reference
- Cesarone, M.R.; Belcaro, G.; Cox, D.; Scipione, V.; Scipione, C.; Dugall, M.; Cornelli, U.; Hosoi, M.; Feragalli, B.; Hu, S.; Cotollese, R. Pycnogenol® prevents skin hyperpigmentation following sclerotherapy. Minerva Surg. 2024, 79 (2), 161-165. DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5691.23.10035-9
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