The fundamental elements of the dermis are elastic fibers – which are primarily made up of elastin and provide the skin with firmness. These are particularly affected by sunlight these effects manifest as photoaging. B

Topical agents containing Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract has sun protection properties against UV filters, and hence preserves the skin from the imbalances caused by sunlight and helps restore its youthful appearance. The application of Hamamelis virginiana extract aids in repairing damage to elastin fibers in the dermis, thus, reducing fine lines on the skin and restoring its firmness. These extracts is the first active ingredient that corrects the solar elastosis damages, as well as acts as a powerful shield against photo-aging. Key functions of this ingredient are:

• Rendering elastin fibers functional by rebalancing the expression between LOX-L and elastin.
• Reducing the non-functional elastin fibers produced under UV radiation by inhibiting elafin – elastotic aggregate markers.
• Protects functional elastic fibers from degradation by UV rays.
• Protects and corrects skin from solar elastosis through generation of new functional fibers.

An article published in the Journal of the German Society of Dermatology aimed to review scientifically evaluated plant extracts in dermatology. The findings suggested that extracts from witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) contain antioxidant polyphenolic compounds that can protect the skin from sunburn and photoaging when administered topically or systemically.

Source: Journal of the German Society ofDermatology. 2010 Nov; 8(11):866-73. Doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07472.x.