What are the benefits of bamboo extract for the skin?

Originating from the Asian continent, the bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the flora. The extract of this plant has long been used to treat rheumatism and regenerate cartilage. The bamboo sap secreted in the stems is particularly rich in silicon dioxide, a compound essential to the support tissues of our epidermis.

In the realm of skin and hair care, thebamboo extract is typically derived from the species Phyllostachys pubescens. It is listed under the I.N.C.I. name "Phyllostachys Bambusoides Extract". In addition to silica, bamboo extract is rich in flavones, glycosides, phenolic acids, and amino acids. It is renowned for its antioxidant, soothing, and astringent properties.

When applied topically, bamboo extract offers several benefits:

• Limit skin ageing by neutralising free radicals.

  The antioxidant activity of bamboo extract is due to the presence of flavones that combat oxidative stress. To recall, this phenomenon is characterised by an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, also known as free radicals, when cells are faced with stress. The sources of stress are numerous, the main ones being UV exposure, pollution, smoking, a diet too rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules due to their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form a pair of electrons, and thus cause damage to cells, DNA and proteins in the body such as collagen and elastin. They are notably involved in lipid peroxidation, a degradation reaction of the constituents of cell membranes. Ageing is thus accelerated and wrinkles deepen on the skin's surface. The flavones present in bamboo extract donate electrons to free radicals to stabilise them. Therefore, bamboo extract is an excellent ally in preventing skin ageing and combating the appearance and/or accentuation of wrinkles.

• Absorbing sebum to mattify oily skin.

  Bamboo naturally contains porous particles that absorb excess sebum on the skin. This high absorption capacity contributes to reducing skin shine. Therefore, this compound is particularly recommended for combination to oily skin types.

• Alleviate irritations and redness.

  The bamboo extract is the ally of dry and sensitive skin. Moreover, thanks to the presence of silica, it provides a soft touchand silkyfeel to the skin.

Note : Bamboo extract can also be used on hair. Remineralisingandregenerating, itrepairs,tonesand bringsflexibility to thin and damaged hair.

Due to its purifying properties, bamboo extract is often found in products designed for oily skin such as cleansing gels, serums, and creams. Its soothing action also makes it a preferred ingredient for after-sun and post-hair removal/shaving care. To revitalise hair, it is also found in hair masks, lotions, and sprays.

Typology has developed several formulas containing aqueous bamboo extract:

• The purifying cleansing gel :

  Enriched with purifying active ingredients such as zinc PCA, this cleansing gel sanitises the skin, regulates sebum production, and limits the development of blemishes.

• The matifying serum :

  Highly concentrated in azelaic acid, this serum helps to regulate sebum production for a mattified skin appearance.

• The purifying face cream :

  Enriched with sebum-regulating and antibacterial agents such as zinc PCA, this cream purifies the skin and combats skin blemishes.

Note : The aqueous extract of bamboo does not have any contraindications. It can be used by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women as well as children. Only avoid contact with the eyes.

• WANG J. & al. TLC screening for antioxidant activity of extracts from fifteen bamboo species and identification of antioxidant flavone glycosides from leaves of Bambusa. textilis McClure. Molecules (2012).

• TANAKA A. & al. Biological activities and phytochemical profiles of extracts from different parts of bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens). Molecules (2014).