Bilberry: The Cooler Cousin to the Blueberry
If you don’t know about the bilberry, you should! Bilberries are native to Northern Europe, but were introduced here and gained popularity in the 1920’s. In certain parts of North America you can find them in the wild but under a different name, the huckleberry. They are smaller and darker than a blueberry and were commonly used in jams and pies. The nutrient packed fruit was believed to help Air Force Pilots’ eyesight during World War II, and that may not have been an old-wives tale. Later research found that it did in fact help, and now sixty years later bilberry extract is commonly used in Europe as a dietary fix to poor eyesight.
Benefits in Skincare
Bilberries contain a compound called anthocyanosides, which is commonly found in other blue, purple, and red berries. Anthocyanosides are nutrients that improves circulation, strengthens blood vessels, and prevents cell damage.
By improving blood circulation, waste and bacteria gets moved through the body faster and more oxygen brought to various organs, including your largest organ your skin. It also improves skin’s hydration by transporting water to skin cells.
Just like blueberries, bilberries are also full of antioxidants. Antioxidants battle free radicals to protect your skin from damage. Free radicals weaken your skin’s elasticity by targeting collagen. Bilberries are also high in vitamin B and resveratrol, which minimizes signs of aging.
They are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help strengthen the lipid barrier to keep your skin glowing. As if all that wasn’t enough, this berry also has anti-inflammatory properties. If your skin is stress and red, the extract can soothe it and keep down swelling.
Where can you find it?
It can be hard to find bilberry extract to purchase on its own but it is found in a lot of luxury skincare products. It attracts skincare brands because of how beneficial it is for your skin. Our Botanical Antioxidant Cleanser contains specially selected antioxidants and vitamins, including bilberry, to gently exfoliate and tone the skin. We believe it is important to use powerful ingredients found in nature. Try our Botanical Antioxidant Cleanser or any of our other products filled with plants that are actually good for your skin!
https://themarabeauty.com/meet-bilberry-blueberries-nutrient-rich-cousin/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/511259-bilberry-vs-blueberry/
https://www.naturalspafactory.com/blog/bilberry-extract-benefits-skin/
xhttps://www.diabetes.co.uk/natural-therapies/bilberry-extract.html
