Borage

BORAGE, A SKIN-ENRICHING PLANT

Borago officinalis, from its scientific name, is an annual plant common in Europe.
The seeds of this plant are used to extract antioxidant and anti-ageing molecules...

FATTY ACIDS IN LARGE QUANTITIES:

Borage naturally contains a large quantity of fatty acids. These include gamma linolenic acid and linoleic acid (Omega 6), as well as vitamins A, B and C.
These fatty acids are essential, i.e. they are not produced by the body; however, they play an important role in the proper development of cells.

THE ROLE OF FATTY ACIDS ON OUR SKIN :

We often hear that fatty acids are good for our bodies and our health, and it's true; but they are particularly beneficial for your skin. In particular, these molecules help to :

• strengthen the skin barrier
• maintain a good level of skin hydration,
• combat inflammation
• help healing,
• help combat free radicals.

The skin barrier is made up of the hydrolipidic film (the skin's protective film) and the stratum corneum (made up mainly of dead cells). The purpose of the hydrolipidic film (water + lipids) is to protect the skin but also to keep it hydrated. As a result of exposure to external aggressors such as pollution or overly harsh soaps, this film becomes limited and deficient.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF A REDUCTION IN THIS HYDROLIPIDIC FILM ?

If the hydrolipidic film is reduced or if its action is deficient, the skin becomes dehydrated, scaly (loss of cells) and rough. This is particularly noticeable on facial skin, which is thinner than on other parts of the body, so there can be a more intense loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation spots.

THE ROLE OF BORAGE AND ITS INGREDIENTS :

Vitamins :

Borage contains vitamins A, B and C. These play just as important a role as fatty acids in keeping our skin healthy.

Vitamin A regenerates cells and gives the skin extra resistance to microbes.

Vitamin B is important because it is a precursor in the synthesis of fatty acids (e.g. gamma linolenic acid).

Vitamin C is a good antioxidant molecule that acts on pigmentation spots.

Omega :

The large quantities of omega 6 contained in borage seeds play an important role in maintaining the hydrolipidic film. These omegas protect us from external aggressions (pollution, make-up, etc.) but also act as anti-ageing agents by maintaining a good level of hydration and combating the free radicals often involved in cell ageing.

Omega 6 also has an effect on skin structure, as it is involved in collagen production, along with other factors.

COLLAGEN, AN IRON STRUCTURE-BUILDER 

Collagen is a group of proteins in fibrillar form. Its role is to bind tissues in the extracellular matrix in order to provide mechanical resistance to stretching.

These proteins are produced by fibroblasts, cells found in connective tissue that are often referred to as support cells. We all age, and to date we do not know all the scientific mechanisms involved. However, these degradations vary depending on the subject. 

Diagram :

Importance of collagen for our skin.

BORAGE, AN UNDENIABLE ASSET:

In conclusion, thanks to its fatty acids and vitamins, borage helps to combat free radicals and acts at different levels, such as reducing cellular inflammation. It also helps to strengthen the skin barrier by moisturising the skin and slowing down the ageing process.

Scientific study :
In vivo and ex vivo evaluation of cosmetic properties of seedcakes.
J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2015 Apr;17(2):109-15. doi: 10.3109/14764172.2014.988726. Epub 2014
Dec 22.
Ratz-Łyko A1, Arct J, Pytkowska K, Majewski S.