Pine bark extract may protect skin from seasonal changes, environmental stress: Study Pycnogenol is a combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids extracted from the bark of the maritime pine. Image © Pack-Shot / Getty Images Data published in Skin Pharmacology Physiology indicated that, despite exposure to environmental stresses, participants receiving the Pycnogenol had better skin hydration and lower transepidermal water loss, compared to the placebo group. In addition, the pine bark extract supplement was associated with improvements in measures of skin elasticity....