Is cornflower water beneficial after a sunburn?

As their name suggests, sunburns occur following overexposure to the sun's UV rays. They are generally characterised by itching and painful redness of the skin, which in some cases can lead to blisters or fever. This is often followed by skin peeling, making it extremely sensitive. These symptoms appear between 8 and 24 hours after sun exposure and result from the initiation of a vasodilation process, partly due to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These are thought to be produced following the release of RNA at the intracellular level by the skin's keratinocytes in response to UV ray exposure. To counteract these negative effects, some people turn to natural ingredients, such as cornflower hydrosol.

To date, there is no study focusing on the effects of cornflower floral water on sunburn.

However, certain properties of the cornflower hydrosol could be relevant for soothing a sunburn.

• The cornflower hydrosol exhibits anti-inflammatory activity.

  The cornflower hydrosol is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that could help to alleviate skin inflammation following a sunburn. Research conducted on mice with oedema indeed showed that the topical application of 800 μg of the ingredient could reduce inflammation by 52%, compared to 72% for indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Even though this study has certain limitations, the first being that it was carried out on rodents, the results allow us to suppose that cornflower hydrosol exerts anti-inflammatory properties that could be beneficial in the event of a sunburn.

  These effects are believed to be linked to the biochemical composition of the cornflower hydrosol, which is rich in flavonoids, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. These molecules play a role in combating inflammation and cause theinhibition of the transcription factor NF-kB and pro-inflammatory compounds, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α).

Even though more evidence is needed, it appears possible that cornflower hydrosol may have a beneficial effect on skin inflammation following sunburn.

• The cornflower hydrosol possesses antioxidant properties.

  Furthermore, the cornflower floral water is said to have antioxidant effects that could limit the oxidative damage generated at the cellular level following exposure to the sun's UV rays. Studies conducted to evaluate its DPPH radical scavenging activity have shown that the antioxidant action of cornflower hydrosol is exerted via two distinct mechanisms. Thanks to the hydroxyl groups present in the chemical structure of its phenolic compounds, the extract can first act as a hydrogen atom donor, thus allowing the neutralisation of free radicals. In addition, it contributes to the trapping of metallic ions derived from iron to form more stable complexes and reduce lipid peroxidation.

While further research is needed, it appears that cornflower floral water could act against oxidative stress, particularly that generated following sun exposure, which increases the risk of carcinomas and melanomas.

Although the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cornflower hydrosol may help soothe the skin after sunburn and limit the effects of oxidative stress, this ingredient will not be sufficient to combat sunburn. Indeed, cornflower floral water does not have moisturising or lipid-replenishing effects, which are essential for promoting the repair of the skin barrier, damaged following sunburn. It is therefore preferable to turn to a after-sun product, a product that is both soothing, moisturising and nourishing.

Note : In the event of a severe sunburn, using cosmetics alone is not sufficient. It is then recommended to consult a healthcare professional who may potentially prescribe dermocorticoids.