Scutellaria baicalensis (or Baikal skullcap) is a species of flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is cultivated in Siberia, Mongolia, the Russian Far East, China and Korea and is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. Several chemical compounds have been isolated from the root, including baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, norwogonin, oroxylin A and β-sitosterol.
Baicalin, a type of flavonoid, is now a featured ingredient in recently reformulated Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Melt-in Crème (now called Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Comfort Cream). Flavonoids are compounds synthesized by plants, which modulate cell-signalling pathways and have antioxidant activity. Baicalin is used primarily in dietary supplements and has a variety of health-supporting properties – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as its relaxing, calming and sleep-promoting effects. Baicalin’s antioxidant benefits has led to its use in skin care, where it’s been shown to protect human skin fibroblasts from ultraviolet A radiation-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis (cell death).
Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-allergen properties have made baicalin useful in treating allergic rhinitis, eczema and psoriasis. It has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of tyrosinase activity, preventing the formation of melanin and making it effective in skin lightening. However, baicalin’s most relevant actions are prevention of UV damage and control of atopic dermatitis.
We love the addition of baicalin to new Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Comfort Cream. Along with highly effective Mexoplex sun filtering technology, it adds another level of (antioxidant) protection against UV rays. This can only be a good thing.
