What is Quercetin?Quercetin, prounounced Kwer-sah-tin, is a bioflavonoid that makes the vibrant pigment colors in many vegetables and fruits such as kale, apples, grapes, green tea and tomatoes. Bioflavonoids, also known as flavonoid or Vitamin P are components of fruits and vegetables that have antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants can repair damage to the skin caused from free radical damage. Free radical damage is caused by environmental effects from UV rays, smoke, and other negative influences in daily life. Free radicals can mutate DNA, damage skin cell membranes or cell death. Antioxidants can stop and repair free radical damage, which helps prevent aging, wrinkles and cancer. Antioxidants also help reduce LDL cholesterol from clogging arteries leading to heart disease.
Quercetin also regulates histamine that is released in the body, helping to be an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agent. (1) Studies have shown Quercetin to be a proteasome activator, (2) which helps generate fibroblasts in the skin. Fibroblasts are tissues that secrete collagen proteins being the structure of the connective tissue.
Quercetin can be a good alternative to retinol that can cause irritation. The antioxidant, anti inflammitory properties can help with acne and be a powerful anti aging ingredient. Products that contain quercetin are:
EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41 - A tinted chemical free sunscreen with antioxidants
(1) - University of Maryland Medical Center
(2) - Chondrogianni et al. Anti-ageing and rejuvenating effects of quercetin. Exp Gerontol 45:763-71 (2010).