Natural Plant Extracts Combat Drooping Eyelids

The thin skin of the eyelids is highly sensitive to external stressors like sun exposure and environmental pollutants.^1-3

Internal changes such as the formation of advanced glycation end products further accelerate aging of functional skin proteins in collagen and elastin.^4,5 The resulting formation of cross-links in elastin and collagen reduces their flexibility and elasticity, and increases tissue stiffening.^6,7

This compromised collagen and elastin structural network produces a tired and worn out appearance—often accompanied by unsightly drooping eyelids, dark circles, and bags that make one look older.

Fortunately, natural plant extracts have been identified that offer a unique advantage by boosting the formation of collagen and elastin, while protecting existing skin proteins from glycation and enzymatic degradation.

Albizia julibrissin Extract

Albizia julibrissin, also known as Persian silk tree, is a plant indigenous to southwestern and eastern Asia. Its cluster of pink flowers has been historically used to treat anxiety and depression in Chinese traditional medicine due to its ability to elevate mood and restore calm in the face of stress.^8,9

There has been a great deal of cosmetic interest in Albizia julibrissin extract, and for good reason. Its free-radical scavenging power—six-fold greater than vitamin C—thwarts free-radical assaults that result in damaged and aging eyelids.^10,11

Siegesbeckia orientalis Extract

For centuries, natives of India have used Siegesbeckia orientalis to treat and reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases. Now research is catching up to this traditional wisdom as one of this plant’s main constituents—kirenol—has been shown to quell local and systemic inflammation through suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB activation, which in turn blocks the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.^12,13

A Powerful Combination

In vitro studies combining both Albizia julibrissin and Siegesbeckia orientalis extracts have been shown to inhibit free-radical production by 37% and reduce lipid peroxidation by 81% in human skin fibroblasts.¹⁴

Additionally, the combination of the extracts decreased elastin glycation by 21% after 9 days in human fibroblasts exposed to fructose. This combination of nutrients was shown to protect against advanced glycation end products, prevent the formation of damaging glycotoxins that contribute to dark circles, and reduce the accumulation of the pigment lipofuscin responsible for light brown, yellowish age spots.¹⁴

There is also evidence that the two plant extracts, when exposed to human fibroblast cells of connective tissue, may strengthen the dermis by an impressive 229%, and increase elastin and collagen synthesis by 256%.¹⁴

Human Studies

 

In human studies, extracts of Albizia julibrissin and Siegesbeckia orientalis improve characteristics of aging around the eyes, including crow’s feet, drooping eyelids, and dark circles.

Scientists applied a cream containing either both plant extracts or a placebo twice daily to the crow’s feet of 24 volunteers aged 40-79. After two months, the volume and depth of wrinkles diminished by an average of 14.1% and 9.5%, respectively. They also observed an 11.2% increase in the opening of the wrinkles, thereby making them less pronounced.¹⁴

Next, scientists retained 18 volunteers with drooping upper eyelids from this study and applied the same protocol. Participants experienced a 20.4% decrease in height of the fold of the eyes, and a 13.7% reduction in drooping surface area. At the end of two months, 94% of participants demonstrated a visible lifting effect on the upper eyelid.¹⁴

In another controlled clinical study with 24 participants (mean age 42), twice daily application for two months of a cream containing both plant extracts was shown to reduce dark circles under the eyes by 7.5%, whereas a placebo cream increased them by an approximate 2.8%.¹⁴

Researchers evaluated the self-assessment scores of 105 volunteers reporting a tired look characterized by dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness. Compared to a placebo, participants applying a cream containing both plant extracts reported the following significant improvements after 28 days:¹⁴

• 44% reduction in the fatigue appearance of the eye area
• Approximate 42% reduction in wrinkles and puffiness
• Close to a 46% reduction in dark circles

What You Need to Know

Plant Extracts Revitalize Aging Eyelids

• The thin and delicate skin of the eyelids is sensitive to both external and internal stressors such as ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollutants, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
• As a result, the skin’s structural network of collagen and elastin becomes compromised—leading to drooping eyelids, dark circles, and bags that make you look much older than you really are.
• Albizia julibrissin and Siegesbeckia orientalis extracts have been shown to protect against destructive glycation and stimulate collagen and elastin production.
• Human studies have demonstrated that both plant extracts reduce drooping upper eyelids, dark circles, and crow’s feet.
• Seaweed and olive oil extracts provide remarkable moisturizing and nourishing properties to keep eyelid skin firm and supple.
• Together, these natural plant extracts offer a potent formula for rejuvenating aging, drooping eyelids.

Olive Oil Extract

The benefits of olive oil for skin health have been seen after both local (topical) and systemic (oral) administration. Olive oil is a well-known component of the Mediterranean diet that safeguards against numerous age-related diseases.^15,16 As a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil reduces the risk of photoaged skin characterized by saggy and droopy eyelids, wrinkles, and undesirable pigmentation.¹⁷ Furthermore, olive oil’s main phenolic compound—oleuropein—supports the skin’s healing mechanisms, especially in the delicate area of the eyelids.¹⁸

Seaweed Extract

Chondrus crispus—a species of red seaweed found along the rocky coasts of the Atlantic—has unique properties that can bind and trap water molecules,¹⁹ thereby effectively rehydrating different layers of eyelid skin. It’s chock full of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that help repair sun-damaged skin to leave it smoother and more radiant.²⁰

Summary

 

The daily assault of external and internal factors such as ultraviolet radiation and formation of advanced glycation end products takes a heavy toll on the thin skin of the eyelids. This weakens the skin’s structural network of collagen and elastin—paving the way for the development of dark circles and bags under the eyes, as well as drooping eyelids that can add years to your perceived age.

Scientists have identified natural plant extracts—including Albizia julibrissin and Siegesbeckia orientalis—that work together to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis. These topical compounds, combined with the moisturizing and nourishing properties of seaweed and olive oil extracts, offer a potent formula for rejuvenating aging eyelids.

Gary Goldfaden, MD, is a clinical dermatologist and lifetime member of the American Academy of Dermatology. He is the founder of Academy Dermatology in Hollywood, FL, and Cosmesis Skin Care. Dr. Goldfaden is a member of Life Extension^®’s Medical Advisory Board. All Cosmesis products are available online.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension^® Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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