Written by Kim Guseli, Cosmetic Chemist
With the increasing awareness of the impact of our skincare regime on both our health and the environment, the demand for plant-based skincare is on the rise. As many consumers look for a more natural and sustainable approach to their skincare routine, the popularity of plant-based skincare products is increasing.
But what exactly is plant-based skincare? And what are the benefits of incorporating it into our skincare regime? In this article, we’ll explore the secrets of plant-based skincare and why it might be the best choice for your skin, and the environment.
For centuries, plants have been used for their therapeutic properties in traditional medicine practices around the world. From lavender for relaxation, to aloe vera for soothing, plants have played an important role in wellness. And now, the benefits of using plant-based ingredients are increasingly being recognized in the skincare industry as well.
What Is Plant-Based Skincare?
Plant-based skincare uses ingredients sourced from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These plant-based ingredients are abundant in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to nourish and protect your skin.
Plant-based skincare refers to products made using these natural plant extracts, oils, and botanicals, rather than synthetic ingredients. These ingredients offer a range of benefits for your skin, from providing deep hydration to improving overall skin health and combating the visible signs of aging.
Why Choose Plant-Based Skincare?
There are many benefits to choosing a plant-based skincare routine. Synthetic ingredients can be harsh and possibly harmful whereas plant-based ingredients are a more gentle and safe option for your skin.
Plant-based ingredients offer a range of benefits for your skin, depending on the ingredient. The myriad of antioxidant properties found in plant-based skincare can help to protect your skin from damage caused by daily environmental stressors. Ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile are known for their soothing properties, making them ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
So, what are the secrets of plant-based skincare that make it so effective?
What Should I Look For?
There are thousands of brilliant plant-based ingredients that are suitable choices for skin care. It can be overwhelming to know where to begin and what to look for. Here are a few of my favourites I love to include when formulating in my lab:
- Almond Oil is abundant in antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Antioxidants protect the skin from environmental stressors and can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Aloe Vera contains antimicrobial properties that are helpful in managing acne. It is effective in improving skin quality for mild to moderate acne.
- Calendula is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. It is a beautiful ingredient to visibly soothe irritated skin.
- Chamomile is loaded with flavonoids which help to lock in moisture to keep your skin hydrated.
- Jojoba Oil is technically not an oil, but it is a wax. It is a highly effective moisturiser as it mimics the skin’s natural oil. It absorbs quickly into your skin and helps to hydrate and protect your skin from moisture loss.
- Kakadu Plum is an Australian native fruit. It is one of my favourites to include in night cream for its rich nourishing properties. It is the world's richest natural source of vitamin C, with concentrations up to 100 times greater than oranges.
- Pomegranate contains punicic acid, an omega-5 fatty acid, that prevents moisture loss and hydrates your skin. Pomegranate also helps to visibly improve skin tone. I find it an invaluable addition to eye gel to help soothe tired eyes.
- Sea buckthorn Oil is bursting with essential fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9). This helps to nourish and hydrate your skin.
Incorporating P.B. Skincare Into Your Routine
Incorporating plant-based skincare into your routine is easy with these simple steps. Start by taking a look at your current skincare products and the ingredients they contain. Try to identify any synthetic ingredients that may be causing irritation or dryness. Then look for plant-based alternatives to these ingredients, such as aloe vera or chamomile, and consider switching to products that use plant-based ingredients.
You can also try incorporating more plant-based ingredients into your skincare routine by looking for plant-based skincare products that use these ingredients to help nourish and protect your skin.
Diet and exercise also play essential roles in caring for our skin. Make sure to eat a colourful plant-based diet rich in skin-healthy foods such as turmeric, chia seeds, blueberries, avocados, and pineapples. The vitamins and minerals sourced from food can fuel your skin with the essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Caring for your skin is easy and effective with a plant-based skincare routine. By using plant-based ingredients, you can nourish and protect your skin while also being kind to the environment. Whether you choose to purchase plant-based skin care products or have the fun of making your own, including plant-based ingredients in your skincare regime is a great way to unlock the secret of healthy skin.
