• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.487-495
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• 2022

Pycnogenol is used as a dietary supplement based on various medical research studies suggesting health benefits. In recent years, it has also been used in cosmetic products, but the clinical research on its dermatologic effects has been insufficient. This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of pycnogenol topically applied to skin of individuals with acne in their teens and twenties. Cosmetics containing 0.2% pycnogenol were applied to a group of 11 clinical subjects for 6 weeks and their skin conditions were assessed. The group that used cosmetics with pycnogenol showed decrease in P-Acnes, acne causing bacteria, phorphyrin index, a metabolite, and the pigmentation and redness index. This study confirms that pycnogenol extract is effective dermatologically in decreasing acne bacteria and reducing redness and pigmentation of skin affected by acne.