New research published in Phytomedicine Plus has shown that daily supplementation with Pycnogenol, a French maritime pine bark extract, reduces cellulite severity.
Cellulite is a very common skin condition, most prevalent in women, linked to dermal structure and vascular changes beneath the skin.
The research found that women who took Pycnogenol experienced measurable improvements in cellulite after 60 and 90 days.
In addition, the study found that oral intake of the pine bark extract decreased upper thigh circumference, reduced skin roughness and improved skin smoothness.
Sixty women aged 25-45 years were evaluated during the course of three months, with cellulite status and response measured at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks.
Thirty women took 150 mg of Pycnogenol a day (50 mg in the morning and 100 mg in the evening), whilst 30 women took a placebo.
Key findings include
Decrease in cellulite severity
After 2 months of supplementation, researchers observed a 12.2% reduction in cellulite severity.
By the end of the 12-week trial, participants in the Pycnogenol group had experienced a 13.6% total reduction.
The decrease in cellulite severity was not significant in the placebo group but was significantly reduced in the Pycnogenol group.
Reduction in upper thigh circumference
Participants taking Pycnogenol saw a reduction of 2.07 cm after 3 months.
This was significantly greater than the 0.9 cm reduction in the placebo group.
Decrease in skin roughness
Skin roughness of the outer thigh decreased by 32% in the Pycnogenol group after 3 months.
The placebo group showed only a 6% reduction overall.
Increase in skin smoothness
Participants in the Pycnogenol group experienced an 11.19% improvement in skin smoothness after 3 months.
The placebo group only showed a 6.82% improvement overall.
"Cellulite is incredibly common — impacting up to 90% of women — and while often seen as frustrating, it doesn't have to undermine confidence," said author Dr Fred Pescatore.
"Women today are looking for natural, effective ways to support skin health."
"Pycnogenol is a clinically backed ingredient with multiple skin benefits, including its ability to visibly improve cellulite. That's exciting for anyone looking to simplify their beauty routine and feel better in their own skin."
In addition to this new cellulite research, Pycnogenol's skin and beauty benefits have been well documented in more than 25 published clinical studies.
These demonstrate its ability to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis within the skin's extracellular matrix, improving skin elasticity and hydration.