Comfrey extract has a wide range of benefits when applied topically to skin. Comfrey or Symphytum can reduce skin irritation, promote skin cell turnover and restore healthy moisture levels when used along with a natural face moisturizer. Find out more about the part this botanical extract plays in hormonal acne treatment.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Comfrey is a shrub that grows in parts of Asia, Europe and North America. These plants feature long, slender leaves and produce clusters of purple, blue or white flowers. Extracts tend to be produced from the green portions of these plants, such as the stems and leaves, as well as the roots. These parts contain several substances that may be helpful for reducing skin inflammation and preventing future flare-ups.
The mucilage produced by comfrey roots consists primarily of fructose and glucose molecules but also contains several compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Polysaccharides help to hydrate skin and may have the effect of calming nerve endings. Rosmarinic acid is an effective inhibitor of inflammatory activity. Comfrey roots are also a rich source of healthy skin ingredients such as allantoin, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acids. These components make comfrey extract an important component for providing the benefits described in Meltdown blemish oil reviews.
Enhances Barrier Function
Allantoin plays an important part in balancing levels of keratin present in the outermost layer of skin. An excessive buildup of keratin occurring through a process known as keratinization can result in an abnormally thick stratum corneum or the buildup of tough, inflexible proteins associated with scarring. Allantoin helps to regulate this protein, smoothing out skin and enhancing its ability to retain healthy levels of moisture. This substance can also be helpful for reducing the appearance of existing scarring by promoting skin cell turnover through gentle exfoliation.
Comfrey leaves and roots contain a wide variety of plant compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins and terpenoids. Tannins are defensive compounds that protect the plant from invasive bacteria. Comfrey extract retains these protective qualities, which can be helpful for promoting the ability of skin to resist exposure to bacteria and other toxins. These components are also helpful for drawing out impurities that can result in cystic acne. All of these compounds work together to rebuild a healthy skin barrier, heal existing breakouts and prevent future flare-ups.
Regenerates Skin Cells
In addition to managing keratin levels, allantoin also promotes the growth of new skin cells. The high levels of this substance present in comfrey make this botanical extract an ideal choice for healing blemishes and irritation with a minimal risk of scarring. The outer layer of epidermal cells may shed more regularly, and this turnover can help to improve the health and appearance of acne-prone skin.
These benefits explain why comfrey extract is included in organic acne treatments, natural face moisturizer and other skin care applications. While this herbal extract is usually safe to apply topically to skin, it is important to use extracts that are responsibly sourced. Rather than applying comfrey extract directly to skin, look for a balanced treatment that maximizes the beneficial features of this plant.
