Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) fruit extract is not something to cry about… Unless your tears are tears of joy! These tiny berries deliver gigantic magic for your skin.
That’s why we’re singing the blues. Want to sing along with us?
You’re probably wondering how blueberries — those small blue drops of heaven that you smother in whipped cream or fill your cereal bowl with — ended up in your skincare.
They’re Not Just Good In Your Tummy
Blueberries are not only good for you (they are a superfood, after all) and yummy to eat, it just so happens that blueberry extracts are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and other essential nutrients that energize hair and skin care products.
Small in size, but big in benefits, you can reap the rewards of blueberries for your skin–maybe even faster than eating them–when you use products that contain their extracts.
Blueberries contain compounds called anthocyanins, which is what makes the berries dark blue, and several types of antioxidants (known as polyphenolics) that are really beneficial for your skin. They contain:
- Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K
- The highest food source of antioxidants
- Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Iron
They also contain hydroxycinnamic acids. Like anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids provide antioxidant protection, but they also have notable anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, they contain two particular hydroxycinnamic acids, each with special benefits to your skin.
- Ferulic acid has antioxidant properties known to be effective in protecting skin cells and acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting your skin cells from UV radiation.
- Coumaric acid’s anti-inflammatory properties have been found to protect capillaries from damage. This protection can diminish the appearance of dark circles under your eyes, which are often caused by capillaries that have been broken from rubbing the delicate skin around your eyes.
What does this mean for your skin?
Anthocyanins contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals break down your skin’s collagen, resulting in unflattering wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and loose, saggy skin.
Yuk! Nobody wants that.
By protecting your collagen your skin will stay younger looking for longer. Yum!
The vitamins and antioxidants in blueberries improve overall skin tone and may help protect against skin cancer.
- Vitamin A helps minimize acne scars and wrinkles by stimulating the layer of the skin where the Collagen and Elastin are. It also reduces wrinkles and lightens dark spots.
- Vitamin C may also help to reverse the damage caused by UV light (sunlight!) and is well known for its anti-aging benefits.
Blueberries have anti-inflammatory properties. In case you did not know, inflammation is one of the major causes of wrinkles!
Blueberries may help reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
Blueberries also help prevent acne by balancing hormones and neutralizing oil production in your skin.
To sum it up, blueberries:
- Prevent premature aging
- Reduce inflammation and scarring
- Soften fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Protect your skin from environmental damage
…And you thought size mattered? This tiny berry is about to make you its biggest fan.
Like What You Just Read?
In case you were wondering, we use this ingredient in our skincare products!
