Herbs have been used in maintaining and enhancing the condition of the skin since time immemorial. More recently the use of essential oils and nutrients has been incorporated into our skin care rituals. Herbs, nutrients and essential oils offer a range of actions that directly impact the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin promoting a reduction in damage to skin cells as well as promoting the overall health of the skin by maintaining good moisture levels and sebum balance. Actions of these herbs and nutrients are many and varied including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, moisturising and anti-microbial as well as anti-ageing effects. Some key skin care ingredients have more than one beneficial action.
With any skin care products, there are base ingredients that provide essential nutrition and a moisturising effect where as active ingredients are more likely to have a therapeutic effect on the skin.
One of the key base ingredients used in skin care formulations is Aloe barbadensis gel. Aloe has a powerful soothing, calming effect on skin and so is good on mild burns and sunburn. It is also an excellent moisturiser with good penetration qualities ensuring it carries synergistic nutrients through to the deeper layers.
Avocado oil is another penetrating base ingredient that can rapidly transport active substances into the skin. Rich in lecithin, plant sterols and fat soluble vitamins, it has a protective effect on the skin as well as being an excellent carrier. Avocado oil is ideal for drier skin that is finely textured.
Jojoba oil is a unique base ingredient as it is very fine liquid wax that is completely stable to oxidation. It penetrates into the dermis layer, enhancing skin hydration and softness as well as helping reduce fine lines. Jojoba oil is ideal for all skin types however it is light enough to be used for oily skin as well.
Active ingredients are needed in smaller quantities than base ingredients and are considered to have a more targeted and therapeutic effects. Alpha lipoic acid is a nutrient that is used extensively as an internal antioxidant. Increasingly it is also being used in skin care as a topical antioxidant. The unique benefit of Alpha lipoic acid is that it works to dampen free radical damage in both the watery and oily part of our cells. It also works to regenerate other important skin antioxidants, such as Vitamins C and E.
Vitamin B5 is another ingredient used both internally as well as topically to great effect. It acts to hold water in the epidermal layer of the skin as well as promoting skin healing.
Another herb you may recognise is Ginkgo biloba. Due to its very high level of bioflavanoids, Ginkgo can help reduce free radical damage, one of the promoters of skin ageing. Internally Ginkgo works to improve circulation. Externally the herb also has this effect, working to improve the microcirculation under the eyes and thereby reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Tea is becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in skin care as well. In particular Green Tea Leaf extract which is derived from the unopened bugs of the camellia sinensis plant. White Tea is a powerful antioxidant which reduces sun damage as well as boosting cellular immune function.
One novel ingredient that stems from a natural source is Squalene from olive oil. Squalene works on the epidermal layer of the skin to help protect against moisture loss as well as having a deeper effect on the dermis by improving skin elasticity. As a carrier it also effectively delivers active ingredients into the skin.
Essential oils are also prevalent in many modern skin and hair care ranges. Among the most popular are Chamomile, a very effective anti-inflammatory ingredient ideal for red or sensitive skin, Geranium an astringent ideal for combination and oily skin types and Jasmine which is used for dry and aggravated skin and scalp.
Herbs, nutrients and essential oils now have an established place in skin care as is evidenced by the variety of product ranges now routinely including one or a number of these natural ingredients. The benefits to the skin are considerable and these ingredients can certainly enhance the effect of the products you use and of course enhance the look and feel of your skin.
For more information about natural & organic skin care products contact Ananda Mahony ND at vitalenatural.com.au vitalenatural.com.au or at
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