When it comes to skin, I’m an advocate of sticking with ingredients that are tried and true, those with clinical studies to back up their claims. Luckily though, research moves on to offer up novel treatments, which often sound promising. Before jumping on the bandwagon about an ingredient that may or may not deliver on its promises, it’s often a good idea to await more clinical studies to help you determine whether they may be a good fit for your skin.
In this post, let’s take a closer look at 5 ingredients which have the potential to be skin care superstars.
- Bakuchiol. Derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, aka the “babchi” plant, bakuchiol has origins in Ayurvedic medicine, where it has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antibacterial properties. In skin care, bakuchiol has properties similar to retinol, helping to stimulate collagen production thereby increasing cell turnover and diminishing signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and photodamage. Studies have shown that it is far less irritating to skin compared to retinol. And, it can be used in combination with retinoids.
- SMART Drone Peptide Technology. This high-tech newcomer was developed using principles of drone navigation technology to target specific areas of the skin to boost the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and elastin. It is purported to help skin to look smoother, hydrated and less crumpled and improves visible bounce back. This technology works by wrapping one peptide inside a capsule and another to surround the outside of the capsule. The peptide on the outside helps to guide the capsule to the correct site in within the skin, where the first peptide is released to work its magic. The outside peptide also has the added benefit of stimulating elastin synthesis. How sci-fi does this sound?!
- Rosa Damascena Flower. The growing conditions for the Rosa damascena flower in Turkey produce specific and delicate fragrance properties. Here, flowers are gathered by hand in rose gardens each morning before sunrise removes the first dew found on the petals. It is used not only for its heavenly fragrance (which has a calming and soothing effect on mood) but also for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich properties. Find rosa damascena in our Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish, Shea Body Butter and Vanilla Rose Sugar Body Polish.
- Starflower Seed Oil. Also known as borage oil, the seeds from the starflower plant are a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that is extremely helpful in treating dry skin conditions. Borage oil helps to maintain skin moisture levels and is an incredible nourishing and hydrating ingredient, which helps to skin look and feel healthy.
- Persian Silk Tree. Albizia julibrissin, also known as the Persian Silk Tree, is a tree native to East Asia and South America. Studies have shown that it has antioxidant, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties and it is used in skin care to protect against glycation, a process that results in loss of skin elasticity and which ages the appearance of skin.
Have you tried any of these novel skin care ingredients? Share your experience below.
