For centuries, we have looked to nature for ways to enhance our beauty. Organic beauty products harness the power of plants to nourish, protect, and revitalize our skin, ditching harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients in favor of nature’s bounty.

What exactly makes plants so powerful for our skin?

Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

1. Antioxidants Galore

Plants are packed with antioxidants, those wonderful warriors that fight free radicals – unstable molecules that damage skin cells and contribute to wrinkles and signs of aging.

Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals. This means they donate an electron to the free radicals, stabilizing them and preventing them from causing harm to the body’s cells. This protective role helps reduce the risk of certain diseases and slows down some aspects of aging.

Think of antioxidants as tiny shields protecting your skin from environmental aggressors.

2. Soothing and Calming

Many plants possess natural anti-inflammatory properties. This is fantastic news for those who suffer from redness, irritation, or conditions like eczema.

[Geeking out] How do plants reduce inflammation?

Inhibition of Inflammatory Pathways: Many anti-inflammatory plants contain compounds that can block specific enzymes or proteins involved in the inflammatory process.

For example, some plant extracts inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes (similar to how drugs like aspirin work), which are crucial in the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins.

Reduction of Cytokine Production: Cytokines are signaling molecules that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis (the process by which all of your body’s blood cells are made). Some plant compounds can reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines, thus decreasing inflammation.

Neutralization of Free Radicals: As said before, antioxidants in these plants can neutralize free radicals and by reducing oxidative stress, the inflammatory response is diminished.

Enhancement of Skin Barrier Function: Some plant compounds help strengthen the skin’s barrier, which can reduce susceptibility to irritants and allergens that can cause inflammation.

3. Plants Are Hydration Heroes

Healthy, glowing skin needs moisture, and many plants are natural humectants, meaning they attract and retain water. This keeps your skin plump, supple, and hydrated throughout the day.

Shedding Light on Specific Plant Powerhouses

The plant world offers a vast array of ingredients, each with its own unique benefits for the skin.

Hey beautiful, I have written articles on some of these plants so I will link to them. That way you can deep dive into the benefits, plus you’ll discover whether or not that’s what your skin needs right now.

Sea Buckthorn

This vibrant orange berry boasts an impressive anti-aging profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, sea buckthorn oil helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines by promoting collagen production and protecting against free radical damage.

Bakuchiol

Derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant, bakuchiol is a natural alternative to retinol.

It offers similar anti-aging benefits like reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture, but often with fewer side effects like irritation often associated with retinol.

I have several options for you so you can pick according to your budget:

• Ogee Bakuchiol Serum 2% | Certified Organic
• Eminence Organics Bakuchiol + Niacinamide
• Herbivore Bakuchiol + Peptides
• In Your Face Bakuchiol serum
• Beauty by earth bakuchiol serum

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)

This medicinal herb has been revered in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Centella Asiatica extract helps promote wound healing, improve skin elasticity, and reduce inflammation, making it a valuable ingredient for those with sensitive skin or concerns like scarring.

Not only I love the texture of Centella but this is why you should incorporate it in your skincare routine:

Centella Helps with Stimulation of Collagen Synthesis:

Centella asiatica contains active compounds such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and madecassic acid, which have been found to stimulate fibroblast cells. Fibroblasts are the cells responsible for producing collagen, the protein that gives skin its structure and elasticity.

By stimulating these cells, Centella asiatica helps increase the production of collagen in the skin.

Centella Helps with Promotion of Collagen Fiber Organization:

Not only does Centella asiatica increase collagen production, but it also influences the organization and quality of newly formed collagen fibers. This leads to improved tensile strength and elasticity of the skin, making it more resilient and less prone to sagging and wrinkles.

Centella Helps Enhance your Skin Hydration:

The increased collagen production and improved skin structure help in maintaining better moisture retention. Hydrated skin is more elastic and appears more supple, further contributing to the overall improvement in skin elasticity.

Here are some centella recs for you 🌸

• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica (I use their sunscreen also and love it!)
• Elemis Superfood Cica Calm Hydration Juice
• Tata Harper Superkind Bio-Barrier Serum

Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane)

Don’t be fooled by the name! Sugarcane extract, specifically Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) derived from sugarcane, act as gentle exfoliants. These AHAs help remove dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion and promoting even skin tone.

Take my free quiz here and find out what skin acid suits your needs. If you are 35+ you should be using some type of acid!

Lactobacillus (Probiotics)

While often associated with gut health, probiotics are finding their way into skincare too!

Lactobacillus is a type of beneficial bacteria that helps support your skin’s natural microbiome. A healthy skin microbiome promotes a strong skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and can even help combat acne.

Aloe Vera

This wonder plant is a natural healer, soothing sunburn, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin healing.

I also have a full article on Aloe Vera here, you will find out why this plant can not only moisturize your skin but will also help you boost your collagen production!

Coconut Oil

Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin. It also has natural antimicrobial properties.

Want to read more about the benefits of coconut oil? Read my article here.

Jojoba Oil

Similar to the oils our skin naturally produces, jojoba oil absorbs easily and won’t clog pores. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Need more deets on jojoba oil? I tell you everything in this article.

Green Tea

Packed with antioxidants, green tea extract helps fight free radical damage and signs of aging. Read my full article on green tea here. Read my article here.

Shea Butter

A luxurious moisturizer, shea butter is deeply nourishing and helps protect the skin from dryness. Did you know that shea butter contains a significant amount of cinnamic acid, a compound that provides some level of natural UV protection? Read it here!

ALERT!

I am working with 2 labs in France. We’re creating an AHA toner with Lactobacillus (Probiotics). It’s been a long-term project. I should write about this by the way… Anyway, it would be under my brand “Beauty by Code.”

Let me know if you want to know more about my entrepreneurial journey. 🥰

The end…

Making the switch to organic/Natural and clean beauty is a great way to nurture your skin with the power of plants.

By harnessing nature’s goodness, you can achieve a healthy, radiant complexion that shines from the inside out.

Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. I get a commission with your purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog 🙏