Note: The following page may contain affiliate links. To read our full disclaimer, click here.
Skin rejuvenation becomes the name of the game as we get older.
We don’t want to lose the youthful glow and smooth complexion.
You know it, and marketers know it too.
No doubt you’ve seen commercials for any number of products claiming to deliver that desired complexion, probably in every commercial break.
But what are these products made of? And are our best options actually found in the natural world?
Skin Rejuvenation with a Superfood?
Moringa oleifera (moringa) is a plant that is touted for its ability to heal or treat ailments ranging from cancer to arthritis to diabetes to heart disease. [1] [2] Those are all heavy hitters, but did you know moringa has also been tested for its ability to aid in skin rejuvenation and slow aging effects when applied topically?
This is more proof of what the natural, plant world can do for us as we continue to explore it further and, in my opinion, only scratch the surface.
Let’s take a look at the study
In 2014, a group of researchers published a study in the Polish journal Postepy Dermatol Alergol (Advances in Dermatology and Allergology) which sought to determine whether a moringa extract added to a base skin cream would have skin rejuvenation effects. [3]
The researchers divided test subjects into two groups. One group applied the base cream while the other applied an active cream which consisted of three percent moringa extract. Each group applied the cream for three months.
After three months, the researchers found insignificant results among the group who applied the base cream only. However, the group applying the moringa-containing cream noticed significant effects on skin volume (increased smoothness and reduced roughness), as well as reduced scaliness and wrinkles.
It should be noted that all test subjects were males between the ages of 20 and 35 who had no known dermatological diseases or allergies.
(Let’s face it – men this age aren’t known for their epic struggle with wrinkles.)
The subjects applied the cream to their cheeks only, avoiding the area around the eyes, twice daily. It is important to note these parameters when assessing how this study’s results might relate to you specifically.
So what does this mean for us?
First of all, this test was done using a topical cream. Most people who use moringa consume it in food-grade form, usually powdered or in pills.
(It goes without saying that you should not consume skin cream, but it bears repeating. Do not consume skin cream, even if it contains superfoods. That does not make it food.)
So the study does not tell us whether or not consuming food-grade moringa has any positive impact on skin rejuvenation and health, only that their formulated skin cream did for these test subjects.
Given moringa’s broad range of health boosting properties, I would imagine it may very likely have a positive impact as well. But this study does not specifically prove it, nor does it set out to.
So, if you find a good, high quality skin cream that contains moringa, use your best judgement. Check out the other ingredients and reviews. The other ingredients matter too, so if you are not sure what they are or if they look suspect to you, you might want to treat it as such. Do not use it if you are allergic to the ingredients or have a dermatological condition. Always check with your doctor in such cases.
If you’ve tried moringa-containing creams for your skin, please let me know in the comments below!
References:
The statements contained on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Unless otherwise specified, no writer for PursuitOfGreat.com is a licensed physician, medical doctor, trainer, nutritionist or health professional of any kind. Do not consume anything written about on this website if you are allergic to it or if it contraindicates any medication or substance you are taking. Please consult a physician before consuming anything.
The opinions expressed herein are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a physician or health care professional for your specific health care or medical needs.
Please talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise or diet program, including those found on this website. The information provided on this site is not intended as a substitute for consultations with your doctor nor is it intended to provide medical advice specific to your condition. (click to read our full disclaimer)