We’ve all read that green tea, red wine (in small amounts), thyme, and soybeans are considered good for the skin. But, why so? Well, all of these contain flavonoids – a group of over 4000 chemicals with a similar molecular structure. These compounds help protect plants from environmental stress and damage from UV rays. But, how do flavonoids help in skin care? The following article answers what are flavonoids, how their antioxidant properties help promote skin health, and some common flavonoids uses in skin care.
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Did You Know?
Green tea is rich in flavonoids and has the highest content among all teas. A cup of green tea (100 ml) contains 133 mg of flavonoids, making it one of the best teas containing antioxidants.
What are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids are a type of polyphenols that are naturally found in plants and play various roles like – fighting infections, aiding reproduction, protecting against sun damage from UV rays, and handling environmental stress. For cosmetic benefits, these plant chemicals are extracted and used in topical solutions to boost antioxidants content for skin. You can easily find cosmetic products formulated with flavonoids that help neutralize the negative effects of environmental free radicals.
So, to answer what are flavonoids in simple terms, these are naturally-occurring plant compounds that offer anti-aging, skin brightening, and damage reversal benefits.
Significant Benefits of Flavonoids for Skin
Flavonoids are rich in antioxidants that hold multiple skincare properties and have a wide range of benefits for keeping skin healthy and nourished. Some common flavonoids benefits are: –
Prevents Sun Damage
Sun damage is caused by two types of UV rays – UV-A and UV-B. Approximately 95% of the sun’s radiation reaching Earth consists of UV-A rays. Although UV-B concentration is lower, they penetrate the skin more deeply and cause considerable damage.
Flavonoids’ benefits to plants include the safe absorption of UV rays, preventing any damage to the surrounding plant cells. Hence, it is clear that they play an important role in protecting cells from sun damage and can plausibly offer the same benefits when applied to the skin.
Promotes Skin Overall Health
Studies found that green tea (rich in flavonoids) consumption reduced skin redness (erythematous) and sunburn after controlled exposure to UV rays. Some other flavonoids benefits observed in this study are – improved skin elasticity, moisture retention, reduction in skin wrinkles, and increased blood flow.
Theoretically, flavonoids benefits can be replicated via topical application of creams and products containing green tea extracts. A few published studies examined subjects exposed to controlled UV rays after the application of topical creams with green tea extracts. And, they have reported observing the photo-protective effect. However, these studies examined very few subjects and should be conducted on a larger scale.
Flavonoids Uses in Food
Some common foods that are high in the content of such polyphenols and can offer flavonoids benefits include: –
- Green tea –
Rich in flavonoids, green tea is available in the form of a drink, capsules, and creams. All of these offer flavonoids uses and benefits quite easily. - Chocolates –
Dark chocolates are rich in this polyphenol and can help protect the skin from sun damage. However, researchers need to conduct more quality studies before we jump to any conclusion. - Soy extracts –
Soybeans are rich in a flavonoid that functions similarly to estrogen. Generally, a decrease in estrogen levels can boost aging. Hence, soy extracts may offer antioxidants that could be beneficial for skin in many ways.
Expert Suggestions
- Include green tea in your diet to take advantage of flavonoids benefits.
- Ensure your green tea consumption is not above the daily consumption limit.
- Apply SPF during the day to further reduce the effects of UV rays and sun damage.
- Always consult your dermatologist before adding any new products to your skin care regimen.
Conclusion
While evidence suggests green tea consumption and extracts can help protect against sun damage, more evidence is necessary. However, the advantages of flavonoids for skin are quite clear. Hence, you can try out products containing flavonoids and check whether that works for you or not. Ensure checking in with your dermatologist before including any new product in your routine.
References:-
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/flavonoids
https://www.lorealparisusa.com/ingredient-library/flavonoid
https://harleystreetemporium.com/flavonoids-can-help-skin/#:~:text=Finally%2C%20flavonoids%20may%20play%20a,brought%20about%20by%20UV%20light.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19492999/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19624431/
