boswellic acid: a sacred remedy for skin renewal
The skin, our largest and most visible organ, that tells the story of our journey and experiences. Over time, ageing naturally reshapes the skin’s landscape—fine lines etching their way across the surface of our skin, collagen thinning, and elasticity waning.
Ageing skin is biologically characterised by the flattening of the dermal-epidermal junction and a general atrophy of the extracellular matrix with disorganised and reduced collagen and elastin. There are two different types of skin ageing, intrinsic and extrinsic, the former caused by physiological and the latter by environmental, epigenetic factors.
Extrinsic ageing, accelerated by environmental factors like sun exposure and pollution, speeds up this process, leading to dryness, roughness, and pigmentation. At the heart of both is oxidative stress, the relentless work of free radicals breaking down our skin’s structural integrity.
but nature, in its wisdom, always ready to share her answers
Boswellic acid, the active compound in frankincense resin, has emerged as a powerful ally in skin regeneration.
Revered for centuries in traditional medicine, Boswellic Acid has captured scientific interest for a good while for its ability to combat inflammation, protect against oxidative damage, and support the extracellular matrix.
By preserving collagen and elastin, it helps maintain the skin’s firmness and resilience, slowing the visible signs of ageing.
in recent years…Boswellic Acid
Pharmacological research has focused on the profound therapeutic potential of frankincense, particularly its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Here from all of these studies the key take away what I wish to focus on; Studies reveal that Boswellic Acids (BAs) act as potent inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and human leukocyte elastase (HLE)—key mediators of inflammation—making them powerful tools for calming inflammatory skin conditions and preventing collagen degradation. Furthermore, boswellic acids regulate cytokine activity, reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-β), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), all of which contribute to skin ageing and chronic inflammation.
Boswellic Acid’s multitargeting nature
Allows it to modulate multiple molecular pathways, influencing enzymes, growth factors, and kinases involved in cellular survival, immune response, and tissue regeneration. By acting on pathways such as NF-κB, STAT3, and MAPK, Boswellic Acid not only protects against inflammation but also supports deep tissue healing, making it a promising ingredient for addressing chronic inflammatory conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Beyond Skin Health
This sacred resin doesn’t just work on the surface—it aligns with the body’s deeper healing rhythms.
Its therapeutic potential makes it a profound ally in our anti-aging skincare; soothing inflammation, and enhancing the skin’s natural repair process in a wholistic synergistic way.
Abstract
Boswellic Acids (BAs) are pentacyclic triterpenes with strong anti-inflammatory activity; their most important source is the extract of the gum resin of Boswellia serrata, a tropical tree that grows in India and Africa. In the present randomized, double-blind, split-face, comparative study we have assessed efficacy, tolerability, and safety of a base cream containing 0.5 % BAs as compared to the same cream without these active ingredients in the treatment of clinical manifestations of photoaging of facial skin. Fifteen female volunteers were enrolled; they applied creams once daily for 30 days. At baseline, at the end of the treatment, and after a 2-month follow-up, clinical findings were assessed according to the Dover classification scale for photoaging and by biophysical and ecographic measurements. We registered a significant improvement of tactile roughness and fine lines in the half side of the face treated with BAs; noninvasive instrumental diagnostic investigations showed an improvement of elasticity, a decrease of sebum excretion, and a change of echographic parameters suggesting a reshaping of dermal tissue. The treatment was always well tolerated without adverse effects. The present findings seem to indicate that the topical application of BAs may represent a suitable treatment option for selected features of skin photoaging.
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