Adaptogens - Balance and Order

There are many buzz words that surface in consumerism. Often, these are presented as “new” and “innovative” ingredients in food and personal care products. Marketing campaigns bombard these key phrases and terms to you, the consumer, often without much explanation of how and why they “work”. If you haven’t head the term “adaptogen” then you soon will. Let’s explore how they work and why you need them in your skincare.

By definition, an adaptogen is “a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes.”

Stress. Such a blanket term that can mean so many things. Stress can be conditional or systemic. In the skin, we see immediate stressors in a reaction to something the skin has been in contact with, or environmental antagonists.  Systemic could be a rosacea flare up from that delicious pizza you had last night, or troublesome hormonal acne that rears it’s ugly had at the most inopportune time. In either instance, the skin is now imbalanced. Stressed skin can also presents as dark pigment spots as a reaction to stress induced inflammation or hormones, wrinkles due to loss of hydration and elasticity, or  even dull and lackluster appearance.

Adaptogens work to help re-establish a balance and order within the intricacies of the skin.

Here we will explore a few of the adaptogens used in skincare.

Lactobacillus:

It may come as a surprise to learn that the skin needs bacteria. Good bacteria manages the delicate microbiome of the skin, attacking and digesting the “bad stuff”. When there is an imbalance in bacteria, caused by a change in weather, or an internal condition, the skin can become inflamed. This provides an opportunity for acne and aging to thrive.

Topical probiotics help to reduce inflammation, allowing the skin to adapt to the environment, re-balancing the good bacteria and warding off harmful damage. 

CBD: Yes, CBD is Good for Skin

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-intoxicating component of hemp. You might be aware that CBD has a wide range of wellness purposes. Did you know it is also good for acne, anti-aging, and even redness? CBD works to signal the Endocannabinoid System into establishing homeostasis, or balance. Beyond being a super-antioxidant, CBD regulates oil production, cell turnover and pigment making it an obvious addition to skincare for any and all skin types.

Ginseng Root: Enhance Well Being

It might seem like it is new within the health and wellness community, but Ginseng Root has been used in Eastern medicine for centuries. One could consider ginseng as a super-adaptogen for both internal and external purposes.

In skincare, ginseng root delivers antioxidant compounds. This ranges from flavonoids as well as a source of B vitamins.

Studies show skincare formulated with ginseng root extract boosts skin hydration, diminishes rough texture, helps fade uneven skin tone, and visibly improve wrinkles by working within the skin to bolster its natural firmness.

Rhodiola: Simple Plant with Powerful Benefits

Referred to by many names, Rhodiola is also known as the arctic root, or the golden root.

Rhodiola is an herb that grows best in tough environments and normally found in the harsh, cold mountainous regions of Eastern Europe and Asia. 

The extract of the plant Rhodiola rosea, is high in antioxidants and flavonoids. Research has shown it can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When included in skincare, it helps the body adapt to and resist physical, chemical, and environmental stress.

In the modern world, it is important to utilize adaptogens in many facets of your health and wellness routine. The skin is under constant assault ranging from free-radicals exposure, temperature changes, effects from your diet, and the stress of daily activities. Adaptogens help your skin look hydrated, balanced and clear.