Antioxidants in grapefruit make them a popular skin care ingredient, but did you know they can improve your mood too? (Image: Getty Images)
As we become more aware of the dangers of ingredients like parabens and sulfates, consumers start asking in-depth questions about the ingredients in their skin care products.
According to a recent Statista report, the global natural and organic cosmetics and personal care market is expected to be around £ 40 billion by 2027.
In a Coresight Research Beauty Briefing in November 2018, it was also found that the requirement for transparency in product components has led many companies to develop “clean” formulations that are free of potentially toxic ingredients.
Skin care is self-care – it is crucial for our mental and physical well-being. Thanks to Lockdown, we now also want products with additional feel-good boosters.
As of March 2020, online beauty retailer FeelUnique.com has seen searches for lavender products and rosemary oil increase by 133 percent.
The search for mint rose 300 percent. Lavender helps with pigmentation, wrinkles, and inflammation, and is often used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety. Rosemary oil is widely used because of its anti-inflammatory properties and is also said to boost memory.
An astringent and toner for the skin, mint is known as a mood enhancer and is great for reducing frustration and fatigue. “Essential oils work in two ways,” says Ada Ooi, a skin care guru, expert on traditional Chinese medicine and aromatherapy.
“When we breathe in an essential oil, it goes straight through the nose to the olfactory nervous system. This connects to the limbic system, which is where memories and emotions are stored, and creates an emotional response.
‘The limbic system also controls our autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions such as breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure and our digestive system. So a touch of aroma can also stimulate or decrease adrenaline, resulting in physical responses such as slowing breathing and stopping the urge to vomit.
‘Essential oil is also a lipid that binds well to the epidermis – the outer layer of our skin – and is also easily absorbed thanks to its naturally small molecule size. This effect is enhanced by places where the epidermal layers are thin and rich in sebum glands, sweat glands, and hair follicles such as the face and neck. ‘
Ada is also the founder of 001 Skincare, a specialist in multifunctional products that improve your skin and aid relaxation or improve your mood. “Lavender, chamomile, and geranium are the main well-being ingredients in skin care,” she adds.
“Lavender is one of the most important essential oils – it is antibacterial, aids in healing, and can also reduce anxiety and improve the quality of your sleep.”
James Wong is an ethnobotanist for Liz Earle. He travels the world studying the plants of each region and their practical uses.
“Research is increasingly showing that sustainability is making consumers’ priority list and that people are much more aware of and looking for the amazing properties of plants,” says James.
‘There are an estimated 400,000 species of plants on earth, each with their own characteristics. Plants cannot run away from threats, so they have evolved into all sorts of sophisticated repellants to protect their cells from environmental damage.
‘By using these compounds in skin formulations, protecting them becomes our protection. Something I’ve been getting excited about lately is ingredients that are being reclaimed from the food industry. When making blueberry juice, food manufacturers produce large quantities of seeds as a by-product.
“But it is precisely in things like skins and seeds that plants package most of their therapeutic compounds. By reclaiming these seeds, we have been able to source some of the richest sources of natural omega-3 fatty acids for effective skin care without the use of additional land, water, or farm inputs. ‘
There are many other skin care ingredients that have topical and olfactory benefits. Here Ada picks her top 4 …
Lemon myrtle
Perfect for oily skin and headaches (Image: Getty Images / iStockphoto)
Skin benefits: Lemon myrtle minimizes oily skin and helps treat acne. It is also good at treating and treating cold sores. ‘
Benefits for well-being: It is effective for relieving stress and lifting your mood, which in turn relieves depression. It also helps minimize headaches. ‘
Neroli
This humble plant could get you in the mood (Image: Getty Images / iStockphoto)
Skin benefits: ‘Great for anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and wound healing. Neroli works well to help recover from breakouts, eczema, spots, and stretch marks, and to prevent further wrinkles from appearing. It is also a powerful antioxidant. ‘
Benefits for well-being: ‘Effective in reducing stress and improving the endocrine system [hormones and nerves]It can relieve menopausal symptoms, increase sexual desire, and lower blood pressure in postmenopausal women. It can also help focus. ‘
Grapefruit
Grapefruit may boost the immune system (Image: Getty Images)
Skin benefits: “It’s full of antioxidants that help fight free radicals that damage your skin.”
Benefits for well-being: ‘It clears the mind, reduces stress and strengthens the immune system. Research shows that it can help activate sympathetic nerve activity. ‘
Carrot seeds
Carrots can help you see better at night, but their seeds can help you look your best all day (Image: Alamy Stock Photo)
Skin benefits: Carrot seeds have anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties when added to creams or serums. It is also an antioxidant for the skin and scalp, so it can improve the health and appearance of the skin. ‘
Benefits for well-being: “Carrot seeds have a very warming and earthy smell that can stimulate a feeling of calm and reduce stress and anxiety.”
Skin care picks made with Ada’s finest ingredients for wellbeing
001 Skin Care Alpha-Paradise Cleansing Dew
Vegetable oils are a key ingredient in high quality skin care.
Loaded with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and vegetable oils from neroli, ylang-ylang and sweet almond.
Buy it for £ 42 from 001 London.
Trilogy Vital Moisturizing Cream
Anxiety-relieving carrot seed oil is a great addition to a moisturizer
Contains carrot seed oil as an antioxidant protection against free radicals.
Buy it for £ 25.50 on Trilogy.
Age good intensive moisturizing balm
Antioxidant neroli can have antiaging properties
Contains neroli and other ingredients to nourish the skin and soul.
Buy it for £ 58 from Made For Life Organics.
Pat Maguire Chamomile & Orange Facial Oil
Orange and soothing chamomile help balance the skin
Ideal for combination skin. It soothes, evens out and reduces the redness of spots.
Buy it for £ 32 from Pat Maguire.
Harmony First Organic Facial Treatment Oil from Oio Lab
Contains neroli distilled from the blossoms of a bitter orange tree. It is nourishing and has aromatherapy properties.
Buy it for £ 52 from Wolf and Badger.
Liz Earles Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser with Rose & Lavender
Lavender and rose are classic relaxing essential oils
Liz Earle’s classic cleanser is designed to remove makeup and balance skin. It has a calming and calming effect.
Buy it from Liz Earle for £ 17.
The moisturizing gel for lemon myrtle and thyme from the Simply Beautiful Collection
Stress relieving lemon myrtle makes this moisturizing gel luxurious (Image: M.TOMLINS)
Take advantage of this gel-based moisturizer that can be used on the face and body.
From £ 6.50 at SBC Skincare.
Q + A grapefruit cleansing balm
The immune boosting grapefruit is a great addition to your nightly routine
This balm is filled with vitamin C and antioxidants and works against acne breakouts and increases blood circulation. New online share coming soon.
Buy it for £ 9 from Holland and Barrett.
Alteya Organics organic facial cleanser with grapefruit & Zdravetz
Bulgarian Zdravetz oil and grapefuit are powerful antioxidants
This cleanser from Love Lula is an ace at removing impurities and aiding in detoxifying the skin.
Buy it for £ 7.20 from Love Lula.
This article contains affiliate links. We can earn a small commission on purchases made through any of these links, but this never affects the opinion of our experts. Products are tested and verified independently of commercial initiatives.
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