Flower Power! The benefits of flower extracts for the skin
In various parts of the world, flowers are largely sought after and used as natural remedies to treat a wide array of ailments, from headaches, digestive problems to fatigue. Evidence shows that the use of flowers to treat skin concerns date back to 1500 BC.
In recent years, flower extracts have been widely introduced into the skincare industry not only because they can be used as a natural colour or fragrance, but also due to their gentle yet potent healing properties that can address multiple skin concerns, all depending on the type of flower.
Floral extracts, similar to plant extracts, possess vitamins and antioxidants that help to moisturise, cleanse, protect and smooth the skin. These benefits stem from their need to protect themselves from environmental aggressors like climate change, UV rays and pollution, similar to how skin reacts to changes in the environment.
Below are some of the most commonly seen and used floral extracts;
- Rose = Known for their intense hydrating and cell rejuvenation properties, making them best suited for dry and mature skin.
- Chamomile = Known for its anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and antioxidant properties that treat a wide range of skin concerns, especially helping to calm inflamed skin. Suitable for all skin types, even acne-prone and sensitive skin.
- Hibiscus = Our national flower. A natural source of AHAs and antioxidants that helps to revive the skin’s elasticity and target ageing skin concerns. Best suited for mature and dry skin.
- Jasmine = Helps to hydrate and smoothen the skin and tackle spots and fine lines. Also helps to calm the skin.
- Calendula = Valued for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve anything from acne, eczema to diaper rashes. It also contains antioxidants to aid in skin repairing.
Benefits
Antioxidant protection
- Most, if not all, flower extracts are rich in antioxidants that can help protect the skin against free radicals and environmental threats like UV damage, pollution or cigarette smoke.
Anti-ageing
- Free radicals and environmental threats can cause oxidative stress to damage the skin, speeding up the ageing skin process that will incur fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and generally dull-looking skin. By combating these threats, it will prevent them to further damage the skin and slow down the ageing process.
Hydrating
- Some flowers (roses, hibiscus, jasmine) help to hydrate the skin and prevent any moisture loss, dehydration and flaking from occurring. One plus point of flower extracts is that most of them are lightweight and gentle on the skin and don't clog pores.
What to note?
- Although floral extracts are gentler, it is still advised to conduct a patch test before using any product that contains floral extracts, as allergens can be commonly found in naturally derived ingredients.
- It is important to note that there is no “one flower is better than another”, all the flowers work differently and depends entirely on how your skin reacts to that specific flower.
Products we recommend
Mamonde Flower Toner Trial Set
Mamonde specialises in products that are infused with flower and plant extracts.
This set allows you to have a trial run to see which flower works best for your
skin. All of their toners come in a bigger packaging (250ml) which you can
purchase once you’ve found the right flower. If you already love using floral
ingredients in skincare, do check Mamonde as most, if not all, of their products is
infused with a particular flower.
KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief
A creamy, nourishing serum that calms signs of sensitivity and evens out skin
without an greasy after-feeling. Infused with a blend of conditioning oils such as
Tamanu oil, Safflower seed oil and rosehip oil, this serum offers a calming hand
to tackle irritation, discolouration, breakouts and any skin concerns relating to a
damaged skin barrier.
This toner helps to smooth and hydrate your skin by promoting gentle exfoliation. PHA is a peeling ingredient, like AHAs and BHAs, and natural moisturising factor that makes for the weaknesses of AHA, as well as, preventing oxidisation of any product. Infused with Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract and Ceramide NP that helps to soothe & hydrate exfoliated skin.
iUNIK Rose Galactomyces Essential Toner
This toner offers powerful moisturizing and soothing effects to sensitive skin thanks to its 70% damask rose content. Also contains 10% galactomyces ferment filtrate to control sebum production and contract pores, alongside extracts from pomegranate, fig, mulberry and ginkgo for antioxidant benefits.
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