Thursday, March 12, 2020 | 4 p.m.
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High-quality, plant-sourced skin care ingredients can contribute to a clearer, healthier complexion. Whether you have a plant-sourced skin care routine or would like to transition to one, it’s important to understand what plant ingredients can do for you.
CBD
CBD has anti-inflammatory and sebum-balancing properties that can soothe your skin. However, finding properly sourced CBD is necessary if you want to reap these benefits. “CBD in skin care has become so trendy that many traditional cosmetic companies are introducing CBD into their products, however, they often lack the technical expertise to properly formulate and dose the ingredients,” said Ryan Lewis, chief business developer at Global Cannabinoids. “We have a beauty and skin-care team with more than 25 years of experience in all-natural ingredients and almost a decade in cannabis to ensure the highest quality ingredient.”
Lewis stresses the importance of viewing CBD-based products holistically. “Well-sourced, whole-plant, full-spectrum CBD is a powerful ingredient, but you have to look at the overall product. Is it high-quality? Are there other plant-based ingredients that will work with the CBD to achieve your goals? We ensure traceability through complete vertical integration, non-GMO hemp cultivators and the use of organic farming practices,” Lewis said.
Chamomile
No longer just for a tea-time ritual, chamomile is a powerful herbal remedy for relaxation, stress relief and reducing inflammation.“Many of the things chamomile does when consumed, it does when applied topically as well,” Lewis said. It can promote healing, reduce redness, and for some, may provide relief for rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. It’s calming for all skin types, but it’s especially effective for troubled skin.
Green Tea
Whether you’re sipping it or applying it topically, green tea is a super antioxidant. It’s also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, making it an ideal treatment for acne-prone and oily skin types. “Green tea is a great ingredient that helps detox and stabilize the skin. It’s gentle and effective for all skin types and can really help improve skin’s clarity with consistent use,” Lewis said. As with CBD, the sourcing for green tea is especially important, so look for products that use organically grown options.
Vitamin C
A potent antioxidant that’s perfect for age-related skin issues, vitamin C plays a role in collagen synthesis in the skin and may even help reduce UV damage. It’s an ideal ingredient for revitalization. “Vitamin C helps balance dull, tired skin. We use natural sources of vitamin C, such as organic blueberries, red raspberries and cranberries,” Lewis said. Vitamin C can appear in products under different names, including ascorbic acid.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a lesser-known skin care ingredient. The powerhouse component is beginning to pop up in high-end products, and for good reason. Research indicates that azelaic acid can decrease acne, fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation, and create a more balanced, brighter complexion. It’s also a natural antioxidant, which can reduce free radical damage that causes aging. Typically derived from grains, azelaic acid is a gentle exfoliant that produces big results.
Hyaluronic Acid
Like CBD, hyaluronic acid is everywhere. The buzzworthy acid is the key ingredient in everything from face serum to dermal filler and is a highly moisturizing element. The molecule holds 1,000 times its weight in water, so not only does it draw water to the area where it’s applied, it helps your body retain it. Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by our bodies, but as we age, that changes. “Think about a baby’s skin—it’s so plump and smooth because they’re born with high levels of hyaluronic acid. Unfortunately, as we age, our body’s production begins to decrease, so it’s important to supplement topically,” Lewis said.
Hyaluronic acid can be used to effectively revitalize, hydrate and restore thin skin, minimize fine lines and reduce pore size. It is most often derived from plants but in some cases may be sourced from animals. Check that the product is vegan if you’re exclusively using plant-sourced ingredients.
