Multi-layered 4D-printed bending actuators are used as a bioinspired hygro-active façade shading system that can open and close based on the anisotropic elongation of its layers. They are inspired by the humidity-induced bending of pine cone scales (Pinus sp.) and the involucral bracts of the silver thistle (Carlina acaulis ssp. caulescens). As the interface between the hygroscopic active layer and the resistance layer of the actuators is endangered to fail, resulting in loss of function, we investigated the resilience of pine cone scales (Pinus jeffreyi) to 'high stress' periods of sustained cyclic actuation to better understand how to avoid or at least reduce a loss of function. By comparing the functionality of pine cone scales before and after cyclic actuation using µCT imaging, opening angle and blocking force measurements, we found that different failure modes occur in the scale tissues. Despite evidence of extensive delamination between the hygroscopic active tissues, the scales did not lose their ability to open and close, with a median reduction in blocking force and opening angle of 3.0% and 5.6% respectively. In addition, the swelling and shrinking behaviour of the different tissues, together with their gravimetric water uptake, was studied in detail to better understand the hierarchical structure of pine cone scales. These results will be used to abstract functional structures and principles and implement them in hygro-sensitive demonstrators to improve their long-term usability.