Fine Lines

Volume 1, Issue 3

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6 ASCP Fine Lines Some of the herbs that are especially useful in skin care include calendula, fennel, parsley, and hops. Scientific studies are showing that there is promise to their use in skin care. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Calendula is a bright orange or yellow flower that slows down skin aging in a number of ways. Traditionally, calendula has been used in the treatment of minor inflammation of the skin and as an aid in the healing of minor wounds. Many components of calendula are powerful antioxidants, which can help prevent free-radical damage to the cells of the skin. Calendula is also useful for preventing and treating skin damage caused not only from ultraviolet radiation but also by radiotherapy used in cancer treatments. Studies have shown that calendula can increase collagen production, decrease melanin, stimulate skin tightness, and more. Researchers studied the effects of a calendula-containing cream on skin and found that it improved skin firmness, viscoelasticity, and hydration. 1 Calendula extracts have also been shown to stimulate regeneration of wounds and promote healing. 2 Another study showed that melanin content in the skin decreased compared to a control group over an eight-week period, indicating that calendula- containing creams may be useful in treating hyperpigmentation. 3 by Cindy Jones, PhD How science is providing proof of the effectiveness of herbs in skin care The Power of Botanicals Consumers are seeking a more holistic approach to skin care and are paying attention to natural skin care products. While some skin care professionals doubt the efficacy of botanicals in skin care and are skeptical as to whether they can deliver results, herbs have been used as a renewable skin care resource for centuries. Today, many of those herbs have the results and science to back up their use. Primary metabolites of plants—used as the bulk of natural skin care products—include starches, amino acids, and fixed oils. But plants also produce valuable secondary metabolites—phytochemicals or phytonutrients—that were once thought to be useless. e term phytochemical is more widely used when speaking about diet, but these nutrients from plants can be an important source of ingredients for skin care. e chemical makeup of plants is much more complex than synthetic ingredients and provides benefits that include antioxidants and anti- inflammatory agents. By using herb extracts, you are not using just one antioxidant, but a combination of many antioxidants found in that herb that may also work synergistically with each other. Some herbs also have more specific properties directed toward collagen production.

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