The Science of Milk Thistle Extract in Skin Care

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a rising star in skin care, and not just because it’s pretty. This botanical beauty has a variety of skin benefits to offer, including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. While this ingredient is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, milk thistle is most often included in formulations with other ingredients, so make sure any milk thistle product you are using is right for your Baumann Skin Type.

Milk thistle is a great skin care ingredient for anti-aging and soothing inflammation.

It can offer added protection against sun damage and oxidative stress.

Don’t use it if you are allergic to other plants in the same family, like ragweed, daisies, or marigolds.

What Is Silybum Marianum?

Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. It is native to Mediterranean countries but is now found throughout the world. Historically, milk thistle has been used for its medicinal properties, primarily for liver health. The seeds and leaves contain a group of compounds called silymarin, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them excellent additions to many skin care products.

What Is Silymarin?

Silymarin is a group of flavonoids extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle plant. The main active compounds in silymarin are silybin, silydianin, and silychristin. Silybin, also known as silibinin, is the most potent and well-researched of these compounds. Together, these flavonoids provide powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying effects.

How Is Silybum marianum Used in Skin Care?

Milk thistle is primarily used in skin care for its silymarin content, which is known to provide several benefits. Here are the common ways milk thistle is incorporated into skin care:

Antioxidant protection. Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals. Free radicals can cause premature aging by damaging skin cells and breaking down collagen if left unneutralized.

Anti-inflammatory properties. Silymarin’s anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce redness and swelling, making it beneficial for conditions like acne and rosacea.

UV protection. Some studies suggest that milk thistle can help to protect the skin from UV damage, which can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. However, this ingredient should not be used as your sole method of sun protection – though it may offer extra protection against sun damage.

Benefits of Milk Thistle in Skin Care

Silybum marianum can provide your skin with a number of benefits. Most notably:

Anti-aging. The antioxidant properties of milk thistle can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by protecting the skin from oxidative stress.

Acne treatment. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, milk thistle can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne. It also helps to regulate oil production, which can help to prevent future breakouts.

Hyperpigmentation reduction. Milk thistle can help to lighten dark spots and improve hyperpigmentation. Its compounds inhibit the production of excess melanin, which causes dark spots.

Skin soothing. For those with sensitive skin, milk thistle’s soothing anti-inflammatory properties can help to calm irritation and redness.

What is Milk Thistle Made of?

Milk thistle, scientifically known as Silybum marianum, has more going for it than a “silly” name. It is a flowering plant that’s made of several interesting compounds with skin care uses. The main active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans that includes silibinin, silychristin, and silydianin. Silymarin is prized in many products for its strong antioxidant properties, which help protect skin cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.

Silibinin, the most potent component of silymarin, is especially notable for its ability to promote collagen synthesis. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in soothing irritated skin and reducing redness. This versatile ingredient also contains fatty acids and vitamin E, both of which contribute to its versatile effects. These components make milk thistle a valuable ingredient in skincare products able to protect, repair, and calm the skin.

Which Products Contain Silybum marianum?

Many skin care products include Silybum marianum for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Here are a few of my favorites:

Milk Thistle Side Effects

Milk thistle is generally safe with minimal side effects when applied topically. Safety organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have graded it as safe for use in skin care. However, if you are allergic to plants in the same family as milk thistle, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums, avoid using milk thistle in skin care.

The only reason not to use this ingredient would be if the product formulation wrong for your skin type.

Bottom Line: Is Silybum marianum Right For Your Skin?

Milk thistle can be a valuable addition to your skin care routine, particularly if you’re looking for natural, plant-based ingredients with proven benefits. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help to protect and soothe the skin, reduce signs of aging, and combat acne and hyperpigmentation. However, it is essential to choose products that are well-formulated and to be mindful of potential allergies. For personalized advice, learn your Baumann Skin Type by taking the quiz at Skintypesolutions.com to see if milk thistle is a good fit for your specific skin type.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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