Top Botanical Skin Elixirs

The beneficial and active ingredients derived from plant sources are known as phyto- chemicals. Phytochemicals are the earths natural sources of healing power; they improve health without artificial or laboratory produced chemicals. Botanical phytochemicals have ingredients, which induce physiologic change in the skin or hair. These changes improve overall function of the areas they are applied to.

Plant based or natural products mean a more ecologic way to care and improve the state of our body. This also translates to less chance of inducing an allergy, free radicals, toxin accumulation and unforeseen interaction and side effects. Its important to note that allergies can occur and with natural alternatives and that one should always proceed with caution when introducing any new care regimen. Its always a good idea to start applying all products to small and limited area and taking note of any irritation prior to proceeding to full application.

Plants value  in cosmeceuticals are becoming increasing known throughout the world of western wellness. Although their powers seem new to many of us, they have been well documented in traditional medicine of the East, especially in Ayurveda.  Only now, is modern research accumulating on the use of plants in medicine. It has become clear that botanical sourced phytochemicals may have a strong impact on our health and wellbeing and for the sake of our children, we must learn to harness these natural alternatives and forgo aggressive and toxic modalities. Until then, it wouldn’t hurt to start small and focus on converting at least your elective beauty regimine, to one using as many “health only” ingredients as possible.  That said, bring on the Botanicals!

In todays post, I list 7 of my  favorite Botanical Superstars (more will follow in my next post!).  After describing each of their best attributes, I have given you some examples of a few products which incorporate their powers. I hope to help give you faith in their abilities and, teach you to use them to keep your skin healthy and looking fresh!

Best for Sensitive or Dry skin

Botanical Source: Essential oil ofRosa damascene petals and  leaves.

Regional Source: Bulgaria, Turkey, France and India.

Beneficial Properties: Antiseptic, Photo-protective, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, regenerative and collagen protective properties.

My Take: Use it on SCARS, around eyes and as a base in your night time skin care routine.
Best for Reactive or Prone to Hyperpigmentation.

Aids in Skin Regeneration, Improving Skin Tone and Promoting Collagen Production.

Botanical Sources: Marine macroalgae rhodophyceae (red algae), the phaeophyceae (brown algae), the cyanophyceae (blue-green algae), and the chlorophyceae (green algae).

Regional Source: Most species thrive in waters of California, South Africa, Australia, Great Britan and Ireland.

Nutritional Source of: Methanol extract( prevents UC induced oxidative stress and MMP expression), Bioactive compounds phloro-tannins, sulfated polysaccharides, tyrosinase inhibitors, fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins A, B,C,E.

Beneficial Properties: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-tumor, Anti-allergic, Collagen protective (hyaluronidase enzmye inhibition, MMP inhibitor) and Photo-protective (Inhibit inflammatory cytokines and gelatinases MMP2/9).

My Take: Marine algae are amazing anti-aging ingredients as they prevent inflammation, stimulate collagen and protect from photo-aging. Seek out and embrace these weekly treatments incorporating Marine Algae as they are invaluable to keeping you looking fresh and skin healthy.

Aids in Skin Calming, Reducing redness, Reducing sensitivity and Strengthening Weakened skin

Regional Source: Native to Northern England but now populates temperate areas of Europe, Western Asia and the United States.

Nutritional Sources of: Carotenoids β-carotene, lutein, and lycopene. Certain varieties have high contents of Bisabol. Bisabol, is a very valuable compound found highest in the variety of German Camomile and promotes up to 73 times more penetration of certain molecules.

Beneficial Properties: An Immunostimulant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial, Anti-fungal and Anit-viral properties. ROS scavenger (oxidative stress). Those varieties with high contents of Bisabol may also be better at stimulating tissue regeneration.

My Take: I love it in the oil form for preserving youthfulness of undereye area as it calms, decogests and strengthens weakened skin. Calendula products also work great to counteract harsh effects of acne treamtents which often dry and irritate skin. In these patients a calendula moisturizer or mask can help balances, tones and help active lesions heal. As with most natural products, be aware that although they are very gentle for most skin types, there is a slight risk of allergy. Finally, because of the above mentioned Bisabol content of German varieties, Calendula can be an extremely useful addition to any skin care product and aid in promoting deep penetration into the dermal layers.
Best for Oily, Reactive skin and Damaged, Brittle hair. 

Aids in Balancing, Preserving  and Protecting hair and skins natural beauty

Botanical Source: Oil is expressed from the kernels of the tree variety Argania Spinosa.

Beneficial Properties: Anti-proliferative, Anti-oxidant, Sebum regulative properties.

Nutritional Sources of: Omega Fatty acids, Vitamin E, Phenolic constitutes, Squalene, Sterols, Antioxidants including Ferulic Acid.

My Take: This is a protective oil that  has oil regulating abilities. It’s amazing as both a hair and skin beauty elixir. It brings out natural radiance and creates ideal environment for optimal health. Perfect for those who want a “beaty serum” but cant handle greasiness of some anti-aging emollients or creams.

Best for Acne prone skin or Hydrating the BODY.

Aids in Promoting Optimal skin Hydration on even the most Sensitive or driest of skin.
Botanical Source: Derived from the seeds of evergreen plants  Buxus chinensis or Simmondsia chinensis.

Regional Source: Native to arid deserts of Mexico, Arizona and southern California. Found today in Argentina, Australiam Mexico, Israel and India.

Beneficial Properties: Antiseptic, Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory.  Properites similar to human sebum so delivers natural noncomodegenic and non-greasy moisture quickly.

My take: Personally, I love Jojoba oil for nail bedsof fingers and toes. It is quickly absorbed so can dab it on and continue on with normal life without worrying about greasing up whatever you may next come in contact with.  It’s also great to protect and moisturize healing skin.  I think Jojoba oil is great to have by your night stand as it can be placed on areas you wish you condition and soften prior to bedtime. Try it on your elbows and heels!

Best for Damaged, Sensitive, Dry or Irritated skin.

Aids in Skin Protection, Preserving Firmness and Creating ideal Healing Environment.
Botanical Source: Derived from Cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. Named by the ancient Egyptians as the plant of immortality,  Cleopatra proclaimed it as a part of her secret beauty weapon.

Regional Source: Dry Climates as such found in Africa and India.

Nutritional Source of: Beta carotene, Vitamin B12, C and E, Aloesin (UV protecting, anti-inflammartoy) Aloemannann, Glycoproteins (ROS scavenger), amino acids, sterols, mucopolysaccharider (MPS, stimulates immune system) and emodin (alleviate pain, infection and inflammation).

Beneficial Properties: Anti-histimine, Antibiotic, Anti-oxidant, Enhances fibroblastic activity (collagen and elastin production), Promotes accelerated healing and Photo-protective.
Other Considerations: NOT all Aloe Vera is created equal. Aloe Veras bioactive compound, aloverose, shown higher in concentrations in some regions. Aloeverose content is difficult to access and irrelevant to the concentrates on the labels. Furthermore, make sure the brand of Aloe Vera you are considering to purchase, uses minimal processing when extracting the product. Also, to avoid heat sensitive degradation store your aloe vera in a cool place.

My Take: Aloe Cera’s healing and beneficial properties must not be forgotten! Raw Aloe vera should be present in every home and used as a go-to home remedy. I like keep a bottle of Aloe containing product in the refrigerator and use on my skin after a long day out in the sunshine OR on my kids bug bites and rashes.  Aloe Veras ability to cool, calm and hydrate is invaluable!Finally, incredible for recuperating skin after sun exposure or wind burn after skiing.

Best for Weakened or Aged skin and hair

Aids in Protecting, Strenthening, Repairing and Nourishing.
Botanical Source: From the Açaí palm tree, Euterpe oleracea.
Regional Source: Native to Central and South America and is most populated in the Brazilian floodplains and swamps.

Nutritional Sources of: Omega3,6 and 9 fatty acids, antioxidants (extremely high anthocyanin content, higher than famed red wine), phytosterols, polyphenols, Vitamin B, Vitamin C and E.

Beneficial Properties: Anti-proliferative, Anti-inflammatory, Photoprotective, Promotes collagen production and Skin repair.

My Take: If you have already damaged and aged skin an excellent nourishing and repairing oil.  Because of Acai oils anti-proliferative and photo-protective properties, it is also an ideal complement to summertime skin protection regimen. Best for Dull skin, Poor Circulation and Cellulite prone.

Aids in Stimulating Micro-circulation, Promoting health and Protecting from Oxidative Stress

Botanical Source: Derived from bean of the Therobroma cacoa plant.

Regional Source: Native to Americas although, Africa, Indonesia and Brasil are now biggest producers.

Nutritional Sources of: Rich in minerals such as Sulfur, Iron, Magnesium and zinc. Procyanidins, Flavonols, Source of Phenolic Phytochemicals, theadlavin, Vitamins A, B12, D and E.

Beneficial Properties: Photo-protective, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Vaso-constricts while improving blood flow, promotes cellular turnover and overall vitality of skin.

My Take:  I think products with Cacao are an ideal choice for those with cellulite and poor leg circulation. It will keep skin activated, tone and help promote healthy tissue function. Skin is visibly more radiant and underlying tissue more tone and healthy in color. A chocolate facial ideal rescue remedy for those who seek to be de-puffed, de-stress, toned and tightened!  Again, not all products are created equal, do your research!