Could rosemary be the secret ingredient your skincare routine is missing? Recent scientific evidence is finally validating the viral trend embracing rosemary and its extract as beneficial components in skin care. According to groundbreaking research published in JCI Insight by scientists from the prestigious Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, a compound found in rosemary leaves might play a significant role in enhancing skin wound healing while minimizing scarring.
As Dr. Thomas Leung, the leading author and an associate professor of Dermatology at Penn, explains, "Many skin injuries can lead to scarring, resulting in long-lasting cosmetic and functional problems for some individuals. Our research indicates that rosemary extract, particularly the powerful antioxidant carnosic acid, can shift the body's healing process from scar formation towards healthy skin regeneration. Up until now, we have lacked consistent methods to achieve this in human subjects."
The Source of Inspiration
Interestingly, the spark for this innovative study was ignited by social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Captivated by the increasing popularity of homemade rosemary extract serums and beauty influencers heralding its skin-rejuvenating properties, Penn undergraduate Jiayi Pang and PhD candidate Emmanuel Rapp Reyes sought out Dr. Leung's expertise. True to the scientific method, they then engaged in rigorous experimentation to validate the claims surrounding rosemary's benefits.
"Our initial suspicion was that there might be some truth behind the buzz, as rosemary is rich in antioxidants," said Pang, one of the co-lead authors of the study. "However, we needed to substantiate its healing properties and determine the exact mechanisms by which it promotes healing."
A Scientific Approach to Healing
The dedicated researchers conducted experiments using mice, where they created a cream infused with carnosic acid, the antioxidant primarily found in rosemary. This cream was tested for its ability to accelerate the closure of wounds and restore essential skin components like hair follicles and oil glands. Remarkably, they discovered the significant role of a specific nerve sensor in the skin, known as TRPA1. This sensor has previously been identified as crucial for achieving scar-free healing. Their experiments showed that when testing with mice that lacked this sensor, the effectiveness of the carnosic cream diminished greatly, confirming TRPA1's key role.
"We also identified additional herbs, such as thyme and oregano, that may stimulate TRPA1 activity. However, rosemary distinguished itself due to its efficacy and safety," shared Rapp Reyes, the other co-lead author. "While other natural substances like mustard oil or topical medications such as imiquimod can also activate the TRPA1 receptor, they may lead to irritation and inflammation, unlike rosemary."
Furthermore, the research indicated that the healing benefits were localized specifically to the injury site; applying the carnosic acid cream on areas distant from the wound did not yield the same scarless healing effect.
Caution and Future Directions
The research team urges individuals to consult with healthcare professionals before adding rosemary skincare products to their routines or concocting homemade remedies. Nevertheless, because rosemary is relatively inexpensive and easily accessible, the researchers are optimistic that their findings will stimulate further exploration into its potential for treating wounds in humans, particularly for those prone to scarring.
"If rosemary is already part of your skincare routine and you feel it’s working, it most likely is effective," Dr. Leung affirmed. "I take great pride in the young scientists who led this research, as they probed into questions that directly relate to their everyday lives."
