Plant-based skincare is made with ingredients derived from plants (or plant extracts), free from animal products and synthetic chemicals, making it suitable for vegans who desire a gentler product that’s better for both their environment and skin.
Studies demonstrate the efficacy of plant-derived ingredients for improving key indicators of skin health such as hydration, barrier strength and elasticity, skin tone pigmentation and total epidermal water loss (TEWL).
Hydration
Hydration is key for skin health and natural skincare is often best. Plant-based hyaluronic acid, in particular, mimics the natural HA found in your body more biocompatiblely than synthetic or animal-based alternatives and assists the function of the skin barrier keeping moisture locked into the surface and staying hydrated for extended periods of time.
Plant-based dyes and pigments are an integral component of plant-based beauty. Nontoxic, safe, free from side effects and less environmental concerns than their synthetic counterparts, they’re the perfect addition.
Plant extracts and ingredients like Azelaic Acid can be invaluable assets to those suffering from acne-prone skin. Azelaic acid exfoliates deep into the pores without aggravating them, clearing away blackheads while soothing red bumps. Green tea is another fantastic botanical that can revive and refresh skin while decreasing puffiness, sebum production and increasing antioxidant power – providing even more relief!
Barrier Repair
Your skin barrier works hard to defend your body against harmful bacteria, allergens and dryness by maintaining moisture balance while simultaneously blocking out pollutants. Finding products and practices to support its optimal functioning are vital in creating a healthy barrier function.
Plant extracts and their derivatives have long been utilized as cosmetic and therapeutic substances with multiple positive benefits for skin health, including photoprotective, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing capabilities. Research demonstrates this. Studies show their inclusion into skincare products as photoprotective agents or photo-restorative ingredients may provide even further advantages to users.
Addition of plants like acai and camellia oil can help your skin maintain its natural pH level, which is key in order to prevent inflammation and maintain a healthy barrier function.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that help neutralise free radicals that damage healthy cells. Antioxidants can be found in many different foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds as well as herbs and spices. Some antioxidants are produced naturally within our bodies while others such as lycopene and a-tocopherol are sourced from plant chemicals.
Antioxidant research blossomed during the 1990s as scientists learned how oxygen-triggered free radical reactions linked to atherosclerosis, cancer and other chronic illnesses are linked. Antioxidants present in food and supplements (like beta-carotene and vitamin E ) have since become essential tools against oxidative stress and its related health concerns, including ageing.
Antioxidants can also be an invaluable ingredient in natural skincare products, with plant extracts particularly notable as they can scavenge and reduce OxS levels while providing moisturization, nourishment, capillary stabilisation, anti-inflammatory, astringent melanin-inhibiting properties as well as UV protection benefits to boost natural defense mechanisms and repair mechanisms in skin cells.
Pigmentation
Plant-derived pigments are an integral component of colour cosmetics, and recent research has demonstrated their photoprotective qualities [278,279]. Unfortunately, however, their unique aroma, taste, and texture require the expertise of natural formulators in order to balance effectively.
Other botanical ingredients, particularly those high in vitamin C such as licorice root or green tea extract, may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase (an enzyme responsible for producing melanin), thus lightening discolourations and brightening skin tone.
Integrating botanical solutions into your daily routine is key, as visible improvements to pigmentation often take weeks or even months of dedicated care to be visible. Enjoy this gentle journey as each application serves as an opportunity for mindfulness as your skin transforms slowly over time. Be sure to pair any pigmentation treatments with a broad spectrum sunscreen so as to prevent further hyperpigmentation from happening!
