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The extract of this tree, which came to Europe from the Mediterranean, is one of the most popular cosmetic ingredients. It can be found in the composition of products for the face, eyelids, body and hair. Below is all about the beneficial beauty properties of chestnut.
Horse chestnut: what is it
Horse chestnut (Aésculus hippocástanum) is a tree from the Sapidin family with a spreading crown and beautiful inflorescences, reaching 25 meters in height. His homeland is called the Mediterranean. After the plant was brought to Vienna, it began to spread throughout Europe.
Horse chestnut got its name from the shiny round seeds that were fed to horses.
© Photo: Getty Images
Another version of the name is traces resembling a horseshoe, remaining at the place of attachment of the petiole to the branch after leaf fall.
Almost all parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes – bark, leaves, flowers, seeds.
Composition
Horse chestnut is a real storehouse of nutrients. Its extracts contain:
glycosides (mainly esculin);
proanthocid;
tannins;
flavonoids;
saponins;
rutin;
carotenoids;
polysaccharides.
First of all, the biological activity of horse chestnut is associated with the presence of escin, obtained from seeds. This substance from the group of saponins has an anti-inflammatory effect, strengthens blood vessels, increases their tone and promotes narrowing.
Escin helps reduce the production of the enzyme hyaluronidase, which breaks down hyaluronic acid. So chestnut extract helps the skin stay hydrated and supple.
Useful Properties
Escin, contained in horse chestnut, strengthens blood vessels
We list the main qualities for which horse chestnut is so loved by cosmetics manufacturers.
Strengthens blood vessels reduces their permeability. This allows the use of chestnut extract to combat rosacea and spider veins.
Has a pronounced decongestant action: redirects the flow of fluid from the capillaries to the vessels, reduces its accumulation in the tissues.
Has antifungal and antibacterial activity.
Stimulates circulation.
Improves metabolic processes in cells.
Is powerful antioxidant.
Enhances action photoprotective agents.
Application in cosmetics
Below are the main categories of products that contain horse chestnut extract, and its action.
Foot gels. Removes puffiness and feeling of heaviness.
Anti-aging face creams. Improves blood flow, improves metabolic processes in the skin. Fights free radicals. Slows down the destruction of hyaluronic acid.
Creams for the skin around the eyes. Reduces puffiness and dark circles, helps to smooth fine wrinkles, improves skin elasticity.
Means of couperose. Fights redness, reduces the visibility of capillaries, strengthens blood vessels.
Anti-cellulite cosmetics. Works on the outflow of excess fluid, helping to correct the signs of “orange peel”.
Hair products for oily seborrhea. Suppresses the development of the fungus (one of the causes of dandruff).
Shampoos. Enhances microcirculation in the scalp, strengthens hair follicles.
Bath and shower products. Improves blood flow in the skin, removes excess fluid from the tissues.
Horse chestnut is an effective anti-cellulite component
Safety measures
Side effects from the use of preparations with horse chestnut extract sometimes occur when they are taken orally.
Means with escin are not recommended for use:
in the first trimester of pregnancy;
in the period of breastfeeding;
with renal failure;
Caution is required when co-administered with anticoagulants.
A possible restriction in use may be due to individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
Cosmetics with horse chestnut
Soothing and moisturizing eye cream Hydra Zen Yeux, Lancôme, Provides intense hydration to the thin, dry skin of the eyelids, visibly soothes and smoothes, gives a feeling of comfort.
Anti-Wrinkle Eye Concentrate, Kiehl’s, due to the high concentration of pure vitamin C (10,5%) and haloxyl reduces “crow’s feet”, fights against dark circles under the eyes.