Just in time for the holidays, pine has become skincare’s newest darling. While it might seem like an unlikely hero ingredient, pine provides several important benefits for the skin.
Like many other trending skincare ingredients, pine’s recent rise to fame comes from K-beauty. Korean skin care is known for using a fermented version of pine needle extract. This fermentation process is believed to enhance the extract’s efficacy and support a healthy microbiome.
Read on to discover more about pine’s important benefits and get tips on how to incorporate it into your routine.
Traditional Use of Pine in Skincare
Renowned for its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, pine has been used as a staple ingredient in skincare for centuries. Historically, pine resin was combined with other ingredients such as olive oil and beeswax to create a salve for topical use. This salve served as a protective barrier for wounds and infections. Other traditional uses include treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis with pine tar soap, and applying pine essential oil to soothe inflammation, itchiness, and dryness. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Egyptians, and Native Americans, have consistently incorporated pine into their skincare routines.
Key Benefits of Pine
Pine offers numerous skin benefits, including antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved hydration. Pine can alleviate conditions like eczema and psoriasis, accelerate wound healing, and bolster the skin’s natural defenses against environmental stressors. Key components like pine bark and pine oil are known for their ability to minimize redness, combat hyperpigmentation, and support elasticity and moisture retention.
Antioxidant Protection: Pine contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, helping prevent premature aging and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Anti-Inflammation: Ingredients like pine oil and pine tar can soothe sensitive skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, reducing redness and irritation.
Hydration: Pine bark extract can help skin retain moisture, acting as a natural moisturizer to improve elasticity and prevent dryness.
Skin Brightening: Antioxidant content aids in skin cell renewal, which can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time.
Cleansing and Decongestion: Pine needle oil has antimicrobial properties that can help cleanse the skin, remove dirt, and balance excess oil, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin.
Wound Healing: In both traditional and modern formulations, pine resin is used in salves for its antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties to promote the healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Moisture Barrier Repair: The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of pine can help support and repair the skin’s natural barrier.
Where to Find Pine-Based Skincare
Due to its growing popularity, pine can be found in an increasing number of skincare products. Here are a few suggestions:
Round Lab Pine Collection: Korean beauty brand Round Lab offers a complete line of skincare products that feature pine as a key ingredient. Find it at roundlab.com or ulta.com.
Korres White and Black Pine Collection: Greek skincare brand Korres also features several pine-based products. From moisturizers to serums, you can get your pine fix here and here.
COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum: Formulated with CICA-7 Complex and Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, this highly concentrated formula provides a triple calming effect, which helps recover and strengthen weakened skin.
If you’re thinking about using pine essential oil in your skincare routine, have a read through my post on essential oils first. Bear in mind that essential oils must always be diluted with a carrier oil (such as almond, jojoba, or coconut oil) before being applied to the skin. Applying it undiluted can cause significant skin irritation, itching, or allergic reactions. Always perform a patch test, and avoid sensitive areas near the eyes, inside the nose, and the inner ears. Essential oils are not to be ingested, and you should always consult with a physician before use.