6 Powerful Plant Extracts & Why They’re Good For Your Skin

Plants are an integral part of the skincare industry. They make up a large percentage of the ingredients found in skincare products, such as soaps, face washes, moisturizers, and toners. However, plants can’t be used in their whole form, so scientists and skincare experts use extracts instead.

Even so, who makes the best botanical extract items, and what plants and plant extracts do they use? Below is a comprehensive breakdown of six of the most powerful plant extracts and why they are beneficial for your skin.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants which are great for the skin. These components include tannins and ellagic acid, which help repair damaged skin caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun.

The antioxidants also slow down and prevent aging and inflammation. Ellagic acid prevents premature aging by facilitating collagen production resulting in glowing, youthful skin.

Pomegranate extracts are also used in moisturizers, giving the skin a lovely rosy tint. It also rejuvenates and brightens skin. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, which influences pH levels and amplifies the glow.

Green Tea

Green tea is used in many skin care products due to its numerous beneficial components. It improves skin’s moisture retention rate, resulting in supple and hydrated skin. Green tea also contains EGCG, an antioxidant useful in preventing damage by UV rays.

The plant’s extracts are used to combat puffiness. Green tea contains caffeine, which constricts blood vessels to alleviate bloating and puffiness when applied to the skin.

What’s more, it’s also used to treat and manage acne. Sebum, an oil produced by skin glands, plays a significant role in developing acne and skin breakouts. EGCG decreases sebum production, thereby reducing acne breakouts. Green tea also contains antibacterial properties, effective in acne treatment.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is well known for treating and managing psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by red rashes and scales. It’s a chronic illness affecting the joints, knees, and sometimes, the whole body. Skincare companies also use aloe vera to manage acne scars. Acne is caused by blockage of sebum-producing glands leading to the formation of pimples.

These pimples, once healed, leave scars and dark spots on the skin and can be challenging to get rid of. Nonetheless, aloe vera has proven effective in handling them by stimulating collagen production, which subsequently decreases the intensity of the marks.

Besides, you can use aloe vera to soothe skin burns since it lessens the redness and inflammation. Lastly, the plant’s extracts are beneficial in hydrating dry skin, thanks to its mucopolysaccharides, excellent at moisture retention.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil contains stearic acid, which cleans and softens skin, getting rid of bacteria and sweat. It’s also rich in Omega-9 acid, which keeps skin soft and supple. Other properties include antioxidants which guard against premature aging caused by exposure to UV rays. Besides UV protection, it boosts skin restoration by increasing brightness and reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

EPO also contains Linoleic and Gamma- Linolenic acids, which have anti-inflammatory qualities that combat acne, promote wound healing, and maintain the skin’s softness. It not only hydrates but also improves the suppleness and texture of dry skin. Lastly, evening primrose oil is handy in alleviating eczema and dermatitis symptoms such as redness and itchiness.

Eucalyptus

Some of the most common eucalyptus extracts include eucalyptus oil which is an essential oil. Essential oils need to be diluted in carrier oils due to their high concentration. Eucalyptus oil is used to treat eczema, a skin condition that manifests as patches of dry, cracked, and itchy skin. Its anti-inflammatory compounds soothe and alleviate these symptoms.

Eucalyptus oil makes an efficient cleanser due to its antibacterial nature. It is therefore used to treat acne and skin infections such as chickenpox and boils. Last but not least, it promotes ceramide production, which maintains the epidermis moisture barrier.

Soy Extracts

Soy extracts are prized for their anti-aging qualities. According to historical data, it has been used in China for centuries. Research by Nivea indicates that soy is useful in formulating skincare products for menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Once you reach menopause, estrogen production significantly decreases and subsequently collagen too. This leads to thin skin and reduced elasticity. Soy encourages collagen production, the structural protein that maintains skin elasticity. It also protects the skin against harmful UV rays.

Besides acting as a food source and raw material for various products such as mats, plants are also valuable for skincare. Numerous plant extracts serve and benefit the skin.