It seems like every day you’re hearing about the latest
miracle plant—the modern day quest for the fountain of youth. However, the
truth is that there are some natural ingredients that have maintained their
place in the therapeutic spotlight for a reason. Laboratories and cosmetic
counters alike are starting to recognize that the most powerful ingredients may
come from nature rather than a test tube, developing better extraction methods
and formulas to utilize these ingredients to their full potential. Take a look
at three super-plants to consider for your routine:
Acai berry: This powerful super-food has been used by
Brazilian natives for centuries, but modern communities are just starting to
take a close look at what acai berry can do. Known to have one of the highest
antioxidant values, it is often used to help aid digestion and sexual function.
Antioxidants have been promoted for use to fight free radicals, improve
circulation, manage weight, improve brain function, boost immune function, and
the ingredient is also believed to contribute to eye and cell health.
What you should know: Like many of these ingredients, the
way the plant is prepared relates to its effectiveness. The most nutrient-rich
part of the berry is the skin, which is not always kept intact after
processing. Around 80% of the acai berry is actually seed, so look for products
that use the most potent part of the berry.
Aloe vera: Aloe
extract has a long history of use in herbal medicine, dating back to ancient
Egypt when the plant was worshipped as the “Plant of Immortality.” Legend says
that even Cleopatra and Nefertiti used the plant in their skincare routines.
Today, Aloe vera is used in both the
cosmetic and therapeutic world as a soother, healer, and rejuvenator. Aloe
extract is most commonly used to treat sunburns, but offers a world of other
skin benefits as well. The ingredient is intensely moisturizing, promoted for
use as an anti-irritant and acne treatment. Aloe extract is also useful for
improving the look of aging, containing antioxidants, vitamin C and E, and
other ingredients that help make skin appear smooth and firm.
What you should know: It’s all about the manufacturing
methods. Unless you’re using fresh aloe, look for advanced extraction and
refining methods that help preserve the natural benefits of the Aloe vera extract.
Nerium oleander:
This is perhaps the newest super-plant to be making headlines. Nerium oleander has been used for
centuries in a variety of herbal treatments, and you’ll notice the plant
popping up in a number of clinical trials for medical treatments. But while
these medical treatments are still in development, the plant’s extract is also
a powerful cosmetic ingredient as well, promoted for use to improve the look of
aging.
What you should know: Nerium
oleander extract is so powerful that you must only use the plant under
expert advice. While ingesting the plant itself is toxic, advanced extraction methods
can gather the extract in a form that is safe for use in skin treatment creams.
The safety and effectiveness of the extract as a skincare ingredient was put to
the test in clinical trials of NeriumAD Age-Defying Treatment, which contains the
patented NAE-8 extract from Nerium
oleander. Trials not only proved that as an ingredient in NeriumAD, the
extract was safe, but also documented an average 30% reduction in the
appearance of wrinkles and/or discoloration within a 30 day period. It is
interesting to note that the product also lists another of our super plants, in
the form of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, in its ingredients.
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