See Why Lactoferrin Is A Skincare Favorite for Acne
If you’re a skincare enthusiast, you may have heard of the benefits of adding lactoferrin to your routine. Though it is fairly new in the market, its ability to help reduce acne has reached many beauty experts’ ears. What is this mysterious ingredient, and why is it creating a stir in the community?
Lactoferrin Functions
Milk has long been used in beauty and skincare products. It contains many vitamins and minerals that help nourish the skin cells, one of which is lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring protein that can be found in both cow’s milk and human breast milk. Knowledge of the structure of lactoferrin has been advanced by several studies, and its potential is continuously being explored. Here are some of its known functions:
- Regulates iron absorption and delivery to cells
- Stimulates the immune system
- Eliminates toxins and pathogens in the body
- Helps treat stomach and intestinal ulcers
- Plays important role in newborn nourishment
- Helps strengthen newborns’ immune resistance
The Benefits of Lactoferrin
Thinking of incorporating lactoferrin into your skincare routine? Read on to find out its benefits, and why skincare enthusiasts are starting to pay attention.
- Regulates Energy Source of Acne-causing Bacteria: Iron is used as a food source of pathogens and other bacteria, including those that cause acne. Lactoferrin helps regulate iron production in the body, reducing the risk of pathogens thriving and reproducing in the body. It also latches onto excess iron, leaving the pathogens no choice but to starve and expire.
- Helps calm Inflammation: A particular bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (often shorthanded to P. acnes) can clog pores, along with dirt and oil. This can cause inflamed acne. The milk-based protein can help to soothe inflammation by keeping larger zits and cysts from ever forming.
- Helps Reduce Oxidative Stress: Its strong antioxidant properties help in combating free radicals. These are uncharged and unpaired molecules created through the natural process of oxidation. Oxidative stress from cell damage can cause inflammation, and eventually acne.
- Heals Acne Lesions: Acne lesions can occur by prematurely popping pimples. Lactoferrin can help stimulate connective tissue and epidermal cells to regenerate skin cells. Faster cell regeneration can help contribute to healing wounds caused by acne.
Lactoferrin can be added as an ingredient in various skincare solutions but one of the proven ways is through oral supplements. This capsule works together with Vitamin E and Zinc to help lessen pimples and give clearer skin in as early as 2 weeks when taken twice daily.
Lactoferrin + d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate + Zinc (Lactezin) is an over-the-counter drug registered anti-acne treatment in the Philippines. To find out more about the functions and benefits of lactoferrin, feel free to browse the Lactezin website.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Ref Code: U005I071019L
SOURCES:
https://adc.bmj.com/content/archdischild/67/5/657.full.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16261256
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12788072
