You may not think that magnolia bark, from the beautiful magnolia shrub would produce substances that may be beneficial to skin. Yet, an extract from magnolia bark has been found to contain substances that may just deliver.
Magnolia bark from M. officinalis has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. The aromatic bark contains magnolol and honokiol, two compounds that may have demonstrated anti-anxiety and anti-angiogenic properities. In addition, they may have the ability to reduce allergic and asthmatic reactions. Dental research indicates that magnolia bark extract may inhibit bacterial plaque formation.
Inflammation plays an important role in skin aging. Both magnolol and honokiol have anti-inflammatory activity, which can slow the aging process. For skin, this means minimizing chronic inflammation that can lead to free radicals, which contribute to wrinkling and sagging skin. Studies have shown that these compounds may also help facial skin redness and improve skin hydration, which may be especially beneficial in the crow’s feet area.
