FROM BOTANICALS AND ETHNOBOTANY TO SKINCARE AND ANTIAGING
By textbook definition a botanical is a substance, either part of the plant or an extract which is used as an additive, especially in gin or beauty care. Although the former use is of interest to many, this article will address the later.
Botanical extracts that support the texture and health of the skin, hair, and nails are widely used the formulations of skincare products. They form the largest category of additives found in the marketplace today. As more people seek environmentally friendly and safer ways of making themselves feel better about the way they look, they are turning to plant-based beauty products. This is true since consumers are savvier and are demanding for natural products.
However, the use of botanicals is not new. Plant extracts and herbs have been used by many cultures as cosmetics and perfumes since ancient times. In India, beginning over 5,000 years ago, Ayurvedic skin care had its humble beginning. There were conventional and medicinal practices that were passed down and are still used today. Commonly used Ayurvedic skin care products may contain the following: aloe vera, almond, avocado, carrot, clay, cocoa, coconut oil, cucumber, cutch tree, emu oil, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, grape seed oil, ground nut shells, and honey. Also Indian henna uses them in painting rituals.
It’s been said that Cleopatra was obsessed with kohl eyeliner and fragranced oils. She used almond oils as part of her skincare regimen. Today, due to the mandelic acid in the oil, it is used in chemical peels. Cleopatra’s most favored fragrant perfumes were all aphrodisiacs and included rose, frankincense, cypress, neroli and myrrh essential oils.
The Japanese Geisha makeup process, which originated in China, begins with application of bintsuke-abura, a special kind of oil.
The study of the use of plants by indigenous cultures is known as ethnobotany. Science has determined that the benefits that plants in nature can provide, by far, exceed what can be created in a lab.
Ethnobotanists have determined that these “primitive tribes” living in remote villages, are more sophisticated in their utilization of these plants than highly trained beauty consultants in our most modern cities.
These indigenous people with their traditional cultures have shaped our vision of modern beauty. These ancient rituals and recipes have been practiced since the earliest times and are now being revived by people searching for the natural path to beauty.
Many botanicals perform a variety of functions. They include antioxidants effectiveness, cleansing agents, emollients,
humectants, skin
conditioning agents, skin protectors, and skin soothing agents.
Modern skin and hair care as well as cosmetics utilize exotic ingredients like herbs from Nepal, babassu from Brazil, or shea butter from Ghana.
Natural skin care ingredients may include jojoba, safflower oil, rose hip seed oil, beeswax, witch hazel, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and chamomile.
Jojoba is used for skin care because it is a natural moisturizer. Jojoba is actually a liquid wax that becomes solid below room temperature, but is known as an oil. Shea butter is derived from the kernel of the shea tree, i.e. Vitellaria paradoxa. Shea butter is known for its cosmetic properties as a moisturizer and emollient.
For centuries, olive oil has also served locally as an excellent moisturizer for soothing parched skin. It was recently discovered that extra-virgin olive oil contains a rich supply of polyphenols and amino acids that function as powerful antioxidants. The oil can provide a rapidly absorbed serum which helps diminish fine lines gives the skin a new radiance.
Jewelweed has been used by Native Americans for its skin-calming benefits. Nature is amazing since it often grows next to poison ivy and oak. The extract from the hibiscus flower is used in Southeast Asian and Central American to cleanse and moisturize skin and hair. Then there is an extract from the ava puhi flower in Polynesia that be used for cleansing and conditioning hair. The narcissus bulbs extract can be used to protect skin against the harsh environment. Finally, the allspice berry from Central America can be used to relieve cracked heals. With respect to antioxidant protection you will be hard pressed to find anything better than green tea.
The future of the beauty care is best determined from the past. Beauty experts in magazines and media are bombarding us with the so called latest in anti-aging formulas. Many may be an ancient blend from thousands of years ago. We must all take a front seat to learn from and use what Mother Nature has provided for free before Father Time takes a toll on our appearance and health.
Joanne Ferreri is an executive consultant in anti-aging technologies supported by innovations in dermatology, ethnobotany, nutritional and cosmetic sciences via NuSkin Enterprises.
www.totalwellness.nsproducts.com
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