Borage, a skin-enriching plant. 

Borago officinalis, under its scientific name, is an annual plant common in Europe.
From this plant, the seeds are used to extract antioxidant, anti-ageing molecules, etc.

Fatty acids in quantities:

Borage naturally contains a large amount of fatty acids. Notably, we find gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acids (Omega 6) but also vitamins A, B and C. 
These fatty acids are essential, meaning they are not produced by the body; however, they play an important role in healthy cell development.

The role of fatty acids on our skin:

We often hear that fatty acids are good for our bodies, for our health, and that's true; but they are particularly beneficial for your skin. These molecules help to:

• strengthen the skin barrier,
• maintain a good level of skin hydration,
• fight inflammation,
• aid healing,
• Help fight free radicals.

The skin barrier is made up of the hydrolipidic film (a protective skin film) and the stratum corneum (mostly made up of dead cells). The hydrolipidic film (water + lipids) protects the skin and also helps to maintain its hydration. Through constant exposure to external aggressors such as pollution or harsh soaps, this film becomes limited and deficient.

What are the consequences of a reduction in this hydrolipidic film, then?

If the latter decreases or its action is impaired, there is then dehydration of the skin, which becomes scaly (loss of cells) and rough. This is all the more visible on the skin of the face, which is thinner than on other parts of the body; there may therefore be a more intense loss of elasticity, and the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation spots.

The role of borage and its components:

Vitamins:

Borage provides vitamins A, B and C. These latter have just as much of a role as fatty acids in maintaining healthy skin.

• Indeed, vitamin A regenerate the cells and confers resistance to the skin supplementary to microbes.
• La vitamine B est importante car elle est un cofacteur essentiel pour un grand nombre des réactions enzymatiques de votre corps. precursor to synthesis fatty acids (e.g. gamma-linolenic acid).
• Vitamin C, on the other hand, is a good molecule considered to be Antioxidant qui agira sur les tâches de pigmentation. 

Omegas:

Omega-6s, found in large quantities in borage seeds, play an important role in the proper maintenance of The lipid barrier. These omegas protect us from external aggressors (pollution, makeup,...) but also act as anti-age keeping a good level of hydration and fighting free radicals often implicated in cellular ageing.

Omega 6s also have an effect on the skin's structure, as they are involved in the collagen production, like other factors.

Collagen, an iron constituent

Collagen is a group of proteins, presented in a fibrous form. Its role is to bind tissues in the extracellular matrix in order to provide mechanical resistance to stretching.

These proteins are produced by fibroblasts, cells present in connective tissue often referred to as support cells. We all age and, to date, we do not know all the scientific mechanisms that take place. However, these degradations vary depending on the individual.

Scheme: The importance of collagen for our skin. 

Borage: a definite asset

Borage, in conclusion, with its contribution of fatty acids and vitamins, helps to combat free radicals and intervenes on various levels, such as for reduce cell inflammation. It allows to Strengthen the skin barrier English moisturiser further and thus allow slow down skin ageing.

Scientific study:
In vivo and ex vivo evaluation of the cosmetic properties of seedcakes.
J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2015 Apr;17(2):109-15. doi: 10.3109/14764172.2014.988726. Epub 2014
22 Dec.
Ratz-Łyko A1, Arct J, Pytkowska K, Majewski S