Skin has a natural empathy with pure plant preparations, something French beauty experts have always appreciated. There is a bit of science in this – plants contain phythohormones, which are substances similar to human hormones. It’s when our hormones kick in as teenagers that skin problems can erupt, so we see the significant effect hormones have on our skin. Support from phythohormones has enormous potential to help us.
There are multiple plant-based ingredients that can be incorporated in our skincare. The most common are ways are
Flower power: using the plant itself (or parts of it) – fresh or dried
Essential power: using the essential oils that are distilled from the plant
Powerhouse seeds: using seed oils, extracted by pressing the plant seeds.
Flower power
Fields and hedgerows have always been relied upon as a natural medicine cabinet for treatments and comfort. This wisdom is drawn upon in selecting the herbs to use within skincare products.
Essential power
Essential oils are a highly concentrated extract bringing deeply felt benefits in just a few potent drops. Detailed research to understand these precious ingredients has helped us benefit from their individual properties. They can be incredibly powerful so need to be used with care and consideration.
Powerhouse seed oils
Seeds contain new life, they are one of the most concentrated sources of essential nutrients on Earth. Precious seed oils have always been relied upon around the world to care for skin, they are one of the most natural and potent treatments we can use.
Your skin will have its own natural oils, they are what keeps it hydrated, smooth, supple and radiant. So there is a natural affinity to using plant oils, they are absorbed easily and are suitable for all skin types and ages. Oils are important to prevent water loss from the skin - a key factor in keeping skin looking and feeling young. The oils in our skin provide a natural barrier against the elements. They are also good for cleansing, even acting on oily skin to dissolve and restore balance.
Each individual seed oil has its own character and range of benefits, which is why they are talked of as superfoods for the skin. Some are high in GLA or other fatty acids, some are antibacterial or contain antioxidants or vitamins, some are highly penetrating, some very soothing or softening.
Some people fear that putting oils on the skin will make it more oily. In reality, the opposite happens, applying natural oils can help balance skin leaving it glowing. They can take a while to get used to, using the product is like feeding your skin, so give it time to absorb before applying make up.
Introducing natural oils can be a gradual process, it can be part of lessening our dependence on petrochemicals which have become staples in beauty products over the past 50 years. Natural ingredients are renewable and sustainable, they can be grown season after season. Best of all, using natural ingredients connects you with the world around you and keeps it unharmed.
