When you think of plants, you don’t necessarily think of fat, oil, or butter. In fact, for health reasons, most people consume plants because of their low-fat content. But plants have volatile fat (essential oils) and fixed oils like triglycerides, sterols, waxes, etc., with many health benefits, especially for the skin! So, in this article, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of using moisturizing plant botanicals on your skin, highlighting a few of our favorites and Simple Body products that contain them.
Benefits of using Botanicals in Skincare
Improves Skin Barrier Function
Our skin is our first line of defense against harmful pathogens. The skin barrier is like a wall on the outer layer of our skin with a gatekeeper that decides which substances can pass through and which ones to block. Unfortunately, many things can compromise the integrity of this wall. One of them is dehydration! As we age, our skin has a more challenging time retaining moisture. Dehydrated skin is not only more susceptible to damage, fine lines, and wrinkles, but it also damages our skin barrier. Also, inflammatory skin conditions (Atopic Dermatitis) can diminish skin hydration and increase the amount of water lost through the skin (transepidermal water loss). Thankfully, regular application of the right moisturizing botanicals can prevent skin barrier damage and repair skin barrier function.
Modulates Inflammation and Repair
Inflammation is a normal part of the skin repair process. Generally, when an injury to the skin occurs, an army of different immune cells is sent to the area for damage control. This army of cells gets busy repairing tissues and preventing and controlling infection, but the increase of cells in a localized area results in inflammation. Unfortunately, inflammation can damage skin tissue if an injury is too big or takes a long time to heal. Many moisturizing botanicals have skin healing (vulnerary) and anti-inflammatory properties that can help control inflammation, especially when it’s chronic.
Prevents Skin Damage and Aging
It is normal for skin to age over time. However, there are several ways we can limit skin damage by minimizing external factors that influence the health of our skin. Things like air pollution, smoking, and long-term exposure to harmful UV rays can cause free radical damage (cell structure changes) to our skin. Many plant botanicals contain antioxidants or anti-free radical molecules. When we apply botanical moisturizers that contain antioxidants, some cell repair can occur and prevent skin damage and aging.
Beneficial Moisturizing Botanical Oils and Butters
Cocoa Butter (theobroma cacao)
- Antioxidants in cocoa butter protect skin from free radical damage, preventing premature aging and damage. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe dry, sensitive skin and reduce swelling, irritation, and redness.
- Simple Body Products: Cocoa Butter is one of the main ingredients in our Daily Face Cream and Body Butters.
Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
- High in wax esters, this oil closely resembles the oil your skin already makes (sebum), making it an excellent choice for altered skin barrier issues and acne-prone skin. This anti-inflammatory botanical moisturizing oil prevents and soothes skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and extreme dry patches.
- Simple Body Products: Beauty Balm, Makeup Remover, Nightly Face Serum, and Body Lotion
Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima or Persea americana)
- This moisturizing botanical increases collagen synthesis. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it perfect for dry, chapped, or damaged skin.
- Simple Body Products: Daily Face Cream and Body Butter
Olive Oil (Olea europaea)
- Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, Olive oil is a wonderful oil for your skin, especially those extra-dry places. However, avoid using this oil on areas that are acne-prone or sensitive.
- Simple Body Products: Makeup Remover and Nightly Face Serum
Moisturizing Botanicals like Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, and Olive oil contain valuable constituents like triglycerides, phospholipids, and antioxidants. Topical application helps promote skin healing, control inflammation, and help fight oxidative stress with their antioxidant properties. Give Simple Body’s hydrating botanicals a try today!
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Face Cream, 2 or 4oz
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References:
Scapagnini, G., Davinelli, S., Di Renzo, L., De Lorenzo, A., Olarte, H. H., Micali, G., Cicero, A. F., & Gonzalez, S. (2014).
Cocoa bioactive compounds: significance and potential for the maintenance of skin health. Nutrients, 6(8), 3202–3213.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6083202
Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2017).
Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(1), 70.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
