Do Natural Cosmetics Work?

“There is so much talk about natural cosmetics these days. But it seems to me that herbal ingredients cannot be highly effective. All I see is chamomile extract and aloe extract everywhere. Are there really working ingredients in organics? What exactly should you look for in natural creams and serums?"

Christina, 23

Expert's answer:

TOP-7 working components in natural cosmetics:

1. Vegetable oils rich in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thanks to their composition, they support the protective barrier and nutrition of the skin. Examples are argan, jojoba, hemp, flax, olive, black currant, evening primrose oils.

2. Extracts with increased antioxidant activity - rosemary and green tea. Under the influence of air and unfavorable environmental factors, the skin experiences oxidative stress: the bonds inside the cells are destroyed, and the aging process begins. Green tea and rosemary leaves contain a variety of antioxidant polyphenols that protect against sun damage and block the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin.

3. Natural essential oils. They are highly concentrated biologically active substances. The effectiveness of essential oils is ensured by their bioavailability - the ability to deeply penetrate the skin, directly affect the various layers of the cell, blood capillaries, and intracellular metabolism. That is why essential oils help to eliminate functional disorders ("stale" complexion, pigmentation, acne, oily sheen), help with local disorders (inflammation, swelling), have a powerful bactericidal effect.

4. Vitamin F (included in the triglycerides of vegetable oils). It is obtained by enzymatic transesterification of flax oil. It is a complex of omega acids - linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3). Due to its "affinity" with the lipid layer of the cell membrane, vitamin F maintains the correct permeability of the lipid barrier of the skin, regulates the level of skin moisture, and participates in the transport of nutrients at the intracellular level.

5. Inulin (obtained by extraction from pre-stabilized plant material - chicory root), followed by crystallization and drying). Plant prebiotic, restores local immunity and healthy skin microbiome; nourishes the skin with beneficial substances; reduces inflammation, makes the skin softer and more delicate (ideal for baby cosmetics).

6. Vitamin B3 (otherwise it is called Vitamin PP - found in green tea leaves. Obtained by extracting green tea leaves). A unique component that improves the condition of any skin type. Penetrates the cells of mature skin, increases the production of its own collagen, up to the level produced by the cells of young skin. It has also been scientifically proven that it improves microcirculation in the skin, and also increases tissue elasticity, prevents hyperpigmentation and neutralizes redness, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

7. Wheat proteins. The amino acids that make up wheat proteins are similar to human ones that form our skin and hair. Therefore, wheat proteins are perfectly absorbed by the epidermis, stimulate renewal and restoration, affect damaged hair, since it is easier for proteins to penetrate into their structure and act on them from the inside. Proteins give hair shine and flexibility, prevent breakage and thicken it.