Want to know your Pycnogenol Serum from your Pythagoras ­Theorem? Niamh O’Reilly’s got you covered with everything you need to know about this hot new skincare ingredient.

Move over hyaluronic acid, retinol and Vitamin C, there’s a new active skincare ingredient on the block that’s creating a buzz in the beauty world.

It may be a little less well known than the aforementioned others, but with some bonafide science behind it, Pycnogenol could well be on its way to becoming a major player in your regular skincare routine.

First up, let’s address the pronunciation, because we’ve been tempted to call it Pythagoras ever since we clapped eyes on it. It is in fact pronounced ‘pic-no-jen-all.’ While oral Pycnogenol supplements have certainly been around for many years, its use as a topical skincare ingredient is one that has been building, seeing it become a firm favourite among those in the know, for its bevvy of benefits and high skin tolerance.

WHAT IS IT?

Pycnogenol’s less intimidating moniker is marine pine bark extract, or you may see it listed on the ingredients of products as ‘Pinus Pinaster’. Pycnogenol is an antioxidant, which began life as a supplement in the 1960s when a Berlin based laboratory, developed a water soluble flavonoid extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, that had some very interesting properties. It was found to be a powerful antioxidant, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties.

More recently it’s been developed as a topical formulation and is inching its way up the skincare ingredient food chain.

WHY USE IT?

There’s lots of reasons to love Pycnogenol, top among them is that it’s well tolerated by those with sensitive skin, good news for those who find Vitamin C too harsh.

Crucially though it works to improve skin elasticity by helping to reactivate collagen and maintain healthy levels of hyaluronic acid within the skin. It’s also known to be a potent antioxidant that can help neutralise oxidative stress. All of that means it’s ideal for targeting fi ne lines and wrinkles. As a bonus, it’s also been found to increase the potency of Vitamin C, so as well as using it on its own, look for products that combine the two for an extra power punch.

HOW TO USE IT?

Like many active ingredients, it’s often best to use it in the form of a serum before your heavier creams or moisturisers. However, if that’s not your bag, there are several other products which contain Pycnogenol along with a range of complimenting ingredients and this can be a great way to combine the benefits and subtly add it into your existing skincare regime. It’s a well-tolerated ingredient, so it should be suitable for most skin types.

7 To Try

Henua Organics Recharging Moisturizer €109

Skin Inc. French Pine Bark Serum €35.26

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% 15ml €10.40

DERMA E Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Cream €40

Vichy Li­ft activ Supreme 15% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum, €32.45

Trilogy Antioxidant+ Defence Serum €28.76

Niod Survival 30 Serum 30ml €28.20