Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/942738
www.ascpskincare.com 65 Many components of calendula are powerful antioxidants, which can help prevent free radical damage to the cells of the skin. Calendula is also useful for preventing and treating skin damage caused not only from UV radiation but also by radiotherapy used in cancer treatments. Studies have shown that calendula can increase collagen production, decrease melanin, stimulate skin tightness, and more. Researchers studied the effects of a calendula-containing cream on skin using human volunteers. Using a cutometer, a device that measures the mechanical deformation of the skin via suction, researchers found that a calendula-containing cream improved skin firmness and viscoelasticity. Skin hydration was also improved over controls that did not use the calendula cream.1 Calendula extracts have also been shown to stimulate regeneration and epithelialization of wounds and promote healing.2 One study using a calendula- containing cream on human volunteers showed that melanin content in the skin decreased compared to a control group over an eight-week period, indicating that calendula-containing creams may be useful in treating hyperpigmentation. The authors suggested that the decrease in melanin may be linked to the flavonoids in calendula having tyrosinase-inhibiting activity.3 Tyrosinase is an enzyme involved in the production of melanin. Maintaining healthy collagen is important in antiaging treatments. Calendula extracts have been shown to help skin collagen by protecting against oxidative damage to skin caused by UVB light and by reducing modifications of collagen fibrils caused by UVB light.4 The shape of collagen fibrils is important in maintaining the integrity of the skin's dermis. In another study, calendula extract was able to inhibit human matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. MMP is an enzyme that breaks down collagen fibers; inhibiting this enzyme allows for increased collagen.5 The chemical makeup of plants is much more complex than synthetic ingredients and provides benefits that include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.