Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are secondary plant substances which, however, are not true estrogens in the chemical sense, but only have a structural similarity to them. However, binding to specific receptors contributes to the fact that phytoestrogens can have an estrogenic or even antiestrogenic effect. The best-known phytoestrogens are called genistein and daidzein; both substances are isoflavones, plant pigments that are usually yellow in color. Ecologically, phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein are of great importance. Plants that produce isoflavones are thus better protected from predators such as sheep and birds, which is due to their fertility-reducing estrogenic effect. In addition, phytoestrogens are also simultaneously bitter substances that make the plants either inedible or extremely difficult to digest, so they are avoided by forage animals.

Phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein are found in many plants

Soybeans and products made from them, cereal bran, legumes, hops, and sage contain particularly high levels of phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein. However, the exact content always depends on the respective plant species, fruit ripeness, climate, and harvest time. If we take in the substances through food, they are converted into highly effective hormones in the intestine. However, this only works if the intestinal flora is completely intact. If the intestinal flora is disturbed, phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein are not sufficiently activated. Doctors like to recommend foods that are particularly rich in phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein as a miracle weapon in the fight against menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, dry skin, and brittle hair. In addition, they prevent the oxidation of cholesterol and thus reduce the risk of heart attack. Incidentally, researchers found this out when they looked into the phenomenon that Japanese women basically have no menopausal symptoms at all. The Japanese language does not even have a name for the phenomenon, which is widespread in our country. Scientists now attribute this solely to the soy-rich diet.

What do phytoestrogens in cosmetics do?

Phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein can now also be found in numerous cosmetic products, especially in creams for mature skin. And with great success, because independent studies have shown that the so-called wrinkle score improves by an average of 17 percent after regular application over several weeks. It was also found that phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein lead to a less rough and dry skin. The studies were conducted with several hundred postmenopausal women, which means that cosmetic products containing phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein are mainly targeted at post-menopausal women. Local therapy can therefore effectively correct the undesirable signs of endogenous skin aging.

However, phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein not only act on the skin like a fountain of youth. They also help against age-related hair loss, because they cause the individual hairs to anchor themselves much better again. Most hair care products containing phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzeinalso contain other highly effective substances that enrich the hair with moisture and make it supple. Further studies also showed hardly any safety-relevant incidents, and the preparations offer predominantly very good tolerability.

Phytoestrogens are very safe

Side effects are to be expected at most with a high dosage of corresponding supplements over a longer period of time. Under certain circumstances, the mammary gland tissue, the thyroid gland, and the endometrium can be negatively affected. However, this does not apply to cosmetic preparations for purely external use.

Women in their fertile years should generally avoid high doses of dietary supplements containing phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein. Excessive consumption of isoflavone-rich soy foods is also included, as it has been linked to infertility in some studies. However, these theses have not been proven, nor do they have anything to do with anti-aging products for external use. An overdose with cosmetic creams is as good as impossible. In addition, the phrase “high dosage” is somewhat misleading for many consumers, because as “Afssa”, the French food authority “Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des aliments”, announced as early as 2005, a maximum daily consumption of 1.0 milligrams of isoflavones (genistein, daidzein) per kilogram of body weight is considered safe. This would mean that a woman weighing around 60 kilograms could safely enjoy seven pure soy desserts every day without reaching the limit.

Another phytoestrogen is coumestrol

Coumestrol is a naturally occurring phytoestrogen found in various plants such as clover, soybeans, alfalfa and red clover. It is used in cosmetics for its antioxidant properties and ability to inhibit collagen breakdown.

Coumestrol has been shown to promote collagen production, which can help skin look firmer and younger. In addition, it can also help reduce inflammation and even out skin tone.

In cosmetics, Coumestrol is often used in anti-aging products, moisturizing creams and serums to improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging. However, it is important to note that further clinical studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of coumestrol in cosmetics.

We are happy to work with these phytoestrogen-containing ingredients:

Phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein naturally tighten the skin.

In summary, phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein are an important part of daily cosmetics, especially for women beyond menopause. Appropriate creams provide smoother and firmer skin and reduce wrinkles. In addition, researchers have found that phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein penetrate the natural skin barrier, allowing the substances to exert their full effect in the right place. No one need have any concerns about a possible overdose or side effects with a purely cosmetic application. On the contrary: phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones genistein and daidzein have repeatedly been able to prove their high benefit, which has now also been scientifically proven, in various studies.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like us to develop a product with phytoestrogens for your skin care line. We will be happy to advise you!

Literature:

Phytoestrogens (Resveratrol and Equol) for Estrogen-Deficient Skin-Controversies/Misinformation versus Anti-Aging In Vitro and Clinical Evidence via Nutraceutical-Cosmetics.

Lephart ED.Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Oct 18;22(20):11218.

The effect of endocrine disruptors on the reproductive system – current knowledge.

Czarnywojtek A, Jaz K, Ochmańska A, Zgorzalewicz-Stachowiak M, Czarnocka B, Sawicka-Gutaj N, Ziółkowska P, Krela-Kaźmierczak I, Gut P, Florek E, Ruchała M.Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2021 Aug;25(15):4930-4940

Synthesis of Daidzein Glycosides, α-Tocopherol Glycosides, Hesperetin Glycosides by Bioconversion and Their Potential for Anti-Allergic Functional-Foods and Cosmetics.

Fujitaka Y, Hamada H, Uesugi D, Kuboki A, Shimoda K, Iwaki T, Kiriake Y, Saikawa T.Molecules. 2019 Aug 16;24(16):2975

Menopause and the Skin: Old Favorites and New Innovations in Cosmeceuticals for Estrogen-Deficient Skin.

Lephart ED, Naftolin F.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021 Feb;11(1):53-69