Lunaty

Frankincense essential oil (FEO), a key ingredient in our anti-inflammatory serum and cleanser, has become increasingly popular for promoting skin health. One peer-reviewed study by Han et al, published in Biochimie in 2016, investigated whether the claims for frankincense benefits were in fact true ¹. To test FEO, the authors used primary human neonatal fibroblasts in order to biologically represent human skin cells and allow for the findings of their research to be relevant to humans. Adding FEO to these cells resulted in lower production of inflammatory biomarkers (molecules that cause or enhance inflammation).

Alpha-pineine, the top constituent of FEO, is a major anti-inflammatory component of FEO, as shown in its interactions with blood cells and and immune cells, through inhibition of major inflammatory molecules tumour necrosis factor alpha, nuclear factor – kappa B, interleukin 1 beta and nitric oxide. Further,  exposure to alpha-pinene increased T cell activity (body’s immune defense mechanism) and decreased stress hormone levels.

FEO may improve wound healing by reducing the chance of scar formation or wound persistence by reducing collagen III secretion. Collagen III is secreted by fibroblasts during wound remodelling or repairing process. Further FEO treatment was pro-apoptotic (activated cell death) and anti-proliferative (decreased cell division) in several types of cancer cells, suggesting its potential protection against cancer. However, FEO is not an approved medication, agent or drug for cancer ¹.

In conclusion, frankincense essential oil, used in Lunaty Skincare, has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and wound healing benefits for human skin.

Reference

1.         Han, X., Rodriguez, D. & Parker, T. L. Biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts. Biochim. Open 4, 31–35 (2017).