Maritime Pine is a conifer of the pinacea family which grows around the Mediterranean basin in warm and relatively humid regions. It can be recognised by its bark which splits and turns red as the tree grows. It is from this bark that Pycnogenol is extracted, a substance mainly composed of OligoProanthoCyanidins (OPC), components recognised for their anti-fre radical properties. Used in medicine to improve circulatory, cardiovascular and ophthalmic problems, Pycnogenol is an important active ingredient for Clarins Laboratories. It preserves the integrity of dermal fibers by protecting them against free radicals and internal degradations factors (metalloproteinases and glycation).