Top 3 Skincare Botanicals and Where to Get Them
By the Editor | November 4, 2010
Here’s a look at some of the skincare botanicals and what they are good for. Plants have always provided the nutrients people need to stay healthy. Many of those nutrients are particularly important for protecting and/or improving the skin’s health and beauty.
The Nutrient Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant that prevents free radical damage, one of the causes of cellular aging. It is one of the nutrients often missing in the diets of acne sufferers. Topical applications are beneficial for reducing age spots and healing other blemishes. Regular use of creams containing it may also prevent age spots from forming.
The Sources
Grape seed oil, wakame kelp and Shea butter are all botanical sources of vitamin E. Grape seed oil has proven to be particularly beneficial for repairing damage around the eyes. Wakame kelp helps to improve the skin’s firmness and protect against sun damage. Shea butter reduces wrinkles and effectively eliminates dry skin.
The Nutrient Vitamin A or Beta-carotene
The plant form of vitamin A is beta-carotene. The animal form is retinol, which is toxic at certain doses. Creams containing retinoids are recommended for acne and wrinkles, but they can cause redness itching and irritation. Creams containing plant sources of beta-carotene can provide the benefits, without the unwanted side effects.
The Sources
Skincare botanicals providing beta-carotene include Shea butter and avocado oils or extracts. Avocado oil has been shown to increase the amount of collagen present in the skin. Collagen levels normally decrease with age, but cannot be supplemented simply by applying more collagen. Stimulating natural collagen production works to reduce wrinkles and sagging.
The Nutrient Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are the primary component of the skin’s natural moisturizer and lubricant. Dermatologists call it sebum. Applying creams rich in essential fatty acids reverses dryness and improves firmness.
The Sources
Grape seed oil, Shea butter, jojoba, olive oil, avocado extract, wakame kelp, passion fruit and many other plant oils provide the essential fatty acids necessary for improving the skin’s health.
Some nutrients cannot be found in skincare botanicals. But, that’s a subject for another post.
Topics: Herbal Skin Care, Natural Skin Care, Skin Care, Skin Care Ingredients, Skin Care Recipes, Skin Care Tips | No Comments »
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