How This Tree Could Keep Your Skin Young

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A new study has uncovered health news from an unlikely source of natural remedies. The poplar tree. Bud extract from this type of tree has been found to possibly fight skin aging. A new study has uncovered health news from an unlikely source of natural remedies. The poplar tree. Bud extract from this type of tree has been found to possibly fight skin aging.

Antioxidants are popular anti-aging ingredients in a litany of skin creams and ointments available in pharmacies. Now, scientists are reporting a new source of these healthful substances, namely the leaf buds of poplar trees. This health news appears in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.”

There is actually a long history of using poplar buds to treat various health problems, such as colds, sinusitis, sunburn, and arthritis. A substance found in beehives that is made from poplar buds (called “propolis”) also appears to have similar disease-fighting benefits. Bee propolis can now be found all over the world in the natural health departments of stores. Its effects seem to  be due to poplar bud compounds, but very little is known about these substances.

So, into the fray stepped the new study. It attempted to determine if poplar buds are a good source of antioxidants for skin creams by testing an extract from the buds.

They discovered poplar bed extract to have “moderate” antioxidant activity. On cells in a laboratory setting, the herbal cure demonstrated anti-aging effects. The researchers say that poplar bud has ingredients that suggest potential anti-aging properties.

In the skin, collagen and elastin provide firmness and elasticity. As you age, the skin loses collagen and elastin content, gradually making it weaker, drier and looser. At the same time, fat beneath the skin starts to disappear, causing sagging and wrinkles.

While this is often simply the natural course of aging, there are known risk factors you may be able to take control of. They include damage from the sun, cigarette smoking, and the use of abrasive chemicals. Sun damage in particular can cause fine wrinkles, rough skin, spotting, and even skin cancer.

The core natural treatments for aging skin are alpha-hydroxy acids and antioxidants. As of yet, the evidence is very inconclusive and there are side effects associated with the acids, which are the most effective method.