Adaptogens: Bringing Skin Into Balance
Adaptogens, a group of naturally non-toxic medicinal herbs and botanicals, have recently entered the wellbeing spotlight, but they have ancient roots in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. So why has this special group of botanicals reemerged and what exactly do they do for your body and skin? Discover how adaptogens work to counter the impacts of stress, making them one of the key ways Active Treatment Essence restores balance to your complexion. Plus, get to know the adaptogenic botanicals we turn to for their ability to support skin and maintain radiance, no matter what life throws your way.
What Are Adaptogens?
Used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, adaptogens are specific herbs and botanicals that offer medicinal support to the body in managing and adapting to the internal effects of stress on our system. Studies have shown that chronic stress can negatively impact everything from our moods and hormones to our immune response and blood pressure, which has made adaptogens relevant to an ever increasing number of people. For many, adaptogens are a natural way to help mitigate and recover from the negative impacts of physical or emotional stress. Essentially, they lend a hand in the body's effort to handle hard times and bring systems back into balance.
How Do Adaptogens Benefit Skin?
Think of adaptogens as key players in maintaining a healthy baseline within the skin, even as you weather those tougher times in life. Our skin doesn’t fare well under extended periods of imbalance or stress in the body, which can manifest as reduced barrier function, hormone-related breakouts, elasticity loss and oxidative stress. By helping to normalize how certain systems in the body respond to stress, such the adrenal glands which regulate hormones, adaptogens get things back to baseline and provide a powerful influx of free-radical fighting antioxidants.
How Active Treatment Essence Harnesses Adaptogens
Each adaptogenic ingredient in Active Treatment Essence supports the skin in a slightly different way, bringing overall balance and resilience to the complexion. But as with any powerful ingredient, care and thoughtfulness must be applied at every step, from harvest to formulation, if the skin is to reap the full benefits. We partner with conscious farmers and growers around the globe to source our ingredients, many of whom have lovingly cultivated the same botanical for generations, and each plant is harvested at its peak. At the heart of the formula for Active Treatment Essence is our signature Phyto Radiance Infusion, a three-week process which begins with the whole plant, including adaptogen superfoods moringa, astragalus and marshmallow root. These healing botanicals are left to steep for 21 days, allowing us to slowly harness their full-spectrum of nourishment and infuse it into our formula’s aqueous base. In the end, Active Treatment Essence is packed with the skin-balancing abilities of some of the most ancient adaptogens.
Balancing Adaptogens in Active Treatment Essence:
MORINGA
This leaf boosts brightness with its high antioxidant content that helps neutralize free-radicals and has natural antimicrobial properties to calm and soothe irritated skin.
LICORICE
Gentle enough for sensitive skin, licorice root is particularly beneficial for brightening the appearance of discoloration, and is a potent antioxidant, helping to combat the effects of oxidative stress.
ASTRAGALUS
Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus root is a naturally antimicrobial, antioxidant-rich adaptogen that helps hydrate compromised skin and supports renewal within the complexion.
MARSHMALLOW
The healing, moisturizing and soothing qualities of marshmallow root make it highly effective for revitalizing stressed skin, fortifying the barrier and helping to retain hydration within the skin.
GOTU KOLA
This ancient Chinese medicine is rich in amino acids and potent phytonutrients, and has been shown to help calm irritation and support skin’s natural renewal process.
