Burdock: a natural solution for skin care

The extract of Burdock root, scientifically known as Arctium Lappa and identifiable in INCI by this name, is rich in antioxidants and can be used as a natural remedy in a variety of conditions.

The herbaceous plant of burdock grows spontaneously in Asia, North America, and also in Europe, and it features large green leaves and flowers resembling small thistles of a purplish color. To obtain the powerful extract, the leaves are used, but especially the root, which undergoes a process of cutting and drying.

The burdock is famous for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties due to biologically active compounds such as lignans, inulin, phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, and phytosterols. For this reason, topical burdock extract is used in cosmetics indicated for the treatment of acne-prone skin and acne-prone skin, but also for skin prone to eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis as it is able to reduce the sensation of itching.

Let's discover more specifically how to use burdock in skincare and what its benefits are.

The properties and benefits of burdock for facial skin

Burdock is a plant recognized for centuries in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. Thanks to the nutrients it contains, such as:

• The vitamins A, C, and E;
• I minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron;
• The antioxidants.

Burdock represents a natural remedy for skin care. In particular, among its most recognized benefits, there is the ability to deeply cleanse and purify the skin. 

The natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make burdock root extract an ideal solution for acne breakouts and for soothing irritated skin. Burdock acts as a astringent for enlarged pores and is able to deeply purify the skin while preventing the onset of common skin imperfections. Particularly protective as it is a functional anti-inflammatory capable of restoring the proper functioning of the skin barrier thanks to flavonoids and lignans that can inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes such as cytokines and prostaglandins, thereby strengthening the natural skin barrier.

According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2008, burdock extract has significant anti-inflammatory effects on the skin that contribute to the overall improvement of the skin barrier. These properties are due to the presence of compounds such as flavonoids and lignans that act by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and reducing cytokines and prostaglandins, inflammatory mediators. For this reason, burdock is used in cosmetics as an ideal ally for improving skin balance. 

Furthermore, the vitamin A contained in burdock promotes cell turnover and allows for a more radiant skin and a more even complexion. Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid acts as a collagen activator, essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Finally, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidation caused by free radicals. 

The minerals present in burdock play a vital role in maintaining skin health: 

• potassium helps to balance moisture levels and keeps the skin elastic and hydrated
• Football contributes to cell regeneration and promotes smoother and more even skin.
• iron, which transports oxygen, improves blood microcirculation and gives the skin a constantly fresh and healthy appearance. 

The extraordinary range of nutrients contained in burdock root extract makes it an effective solution to add to your skincare routine for healthy and radiant skin. 

How burdock affects skin health 

Burdock has ideal properties for skin cleansing. It cleanses and purifies the skin, acting as a functional anti-inflammatory for those with more sensitive or acne-prone skin. In fact, burdock helps to calm redness and irritation. 

Its moisturizing properties are also noted as it helps to prevent the loss of skin moisture. The essential fatty acids contained in burdock, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid, play a fundamental role in maintaining elasticity and increasing skin resilience. Finally, burdock is recognized as a natural antibacterial that prevents acne breakouts on the skin and keeps it free of bacteria. 

Often selected within the formulations of cleaning products, burdock removes impurities from the pores, has an astringent and slightly exfoliating action, and thus leaves the skin fresh and clean. An example of this is Cleansing Active Mousse, the foaming-textured cleanser with an active formulation that removes impurities thanks to the synergistic action of Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Betaine, and Burdock.

The Cleansing Active mousse cleanser has been designed by the LeLang laboratories specifically to meet the cleaning needs of oily, acne-prone skin, but it is also suitable for skin with rosacea, couperose, and seborrheic dermatitis due to the anti-redness and anti-irritant properties of burdock. 

To amplify the purifying action of burdock and the other ingredients contained in Cleansing Active, simply let the product act on the skin for a few seconds before rinsing with lukewarm water. Burdock will help to deeply cleanse the skin and stimulate cell regeneration and collagen production. In fact, within the Cleansing Active cleansing mousse, burdock finds its ideal function for the skin and can best express its properties and contribute to: 

• Reduce acne outbreaks and inflammation 
• Unclog pores and control sebum production
• Protect from free radical damage and premature aging
• Moisturize the skin reducing effects such as dryness and irritation
• Improve the structure and overall tone of the skin

Burdock root extract is a plant-based ingredient that can improve the health and appearance of facial skin by contributing to the maintenance of an even complexion. Incorporating a product containing burdock into your skincare allows you to best complete your daily beauty routine by providing the skin with the tools to remain youthful and healthy for a long time.