“Healthy skin is happy skin” is a phrase you’ve likely come across in your ongoing research for keeping your skin at its best.
But what does it truly mean?
Well let’s think about what being “happy” means…
You could say it means being completely stress free, which is a great way to be!
Unfortunately with our eyes glued to some sort of screen for most of the day, rushing around to make a train, meeting, or deadline… we’re constantly in a state of stress whether we realize it or not.
Some of us may have a drink-two-bottles-of-red or punch-the-pillow-in kind of breakdown every once in a while, while others see stress manifest itself in a more unsightly manner…
Did you know that stress can show up as that large and incharge zit that seemed to come from nowhere overnight?
Or if you’re prone to it… an eczema flare up, dry skin, or extra skin sensitivity!
So what gives? How are you supposed to lower the stress in your body so your skin can naturally maintain homeostasis?
One word: adaptogens.
What are adaptogens and how do they work for the skin?
If you’re thinking, “Ugh, not another trendy word for me to learn” I’d like to urge you to put your judgements aside and read on…
Yes, in the world of health and beauty, buzzwords do cause a lot of unnecessary damage but trust me, adaptogens are not another one of those soon to be faded into the sunset!
When you have a natural, botanical substance (as are adaptogens) that have not been manufactured by man in any way, it’s hard to argue against them.
The way adaptogens work is quite simple…
They adapt your body to stress, helping calm and regulate it from the inside. You can imagine then, if you’re not constantly stressed out, your body will naturally be in balance, and your skin likely won’t be triggered!
When triggered, stress can manifest itself on the skin in various ways, including, but not limited to:
- Acne breakouts
- Impaired wound healing
- Loss of hydration
- Chronic skin condition flare ups
Certain adaptogens work better based on your specific skin triggers!
Aloe, ginseng and rhodiola rosea for example are known for their ability to calm the skin, which will naturally help in chronic skin flare ups (e.g. eczema, psoriasis) and wound repair.
Moringa and marshmallow root, are great for especially parched skin, helping restore hydration from the inside; while ashwagandha is an ideal adaptogen if you’re prone to acne breakouts due to it’s hormone balancing properties.
According to Whole New Mom, these are the 12 adaptogens you should get familiar with.
How do I incorporate adaptogens into my daily lifestyle?
Incorporating adaptogens into your lifestyle is quite easy, and can be a fun way for you to explore new botanicals!
You can simply add them to your food, make teas, and even topical pastes. Some of our favourite products to use are:
Lion’s Potion Powder by New New Age: A mix of Hericium Erinaceus mushrooms and Maca enhance your focus and increase your energy.
Golde Turmeric Matcha Blend: Matcha is packed with antioxidants and L-Theanine, which enhances serotonin in the brain.
Auspicious Vibrations Tea by New New Age: This tea blends together two adaptogens, Holy Basil and Licorice. With hints of sweetness and lime, it is rounded out to be a restorative and balancing beverage.
I-Waken Serum by Indie Lee: This eye serum is packed with Spirulina, an adaptogen known for hydrating and nourishing the skin. Other ingredients like Witch Hazel and Mountain Ash Bud help with darkness and puffiness.
The Green Cream by Graydon: A salad for your face! Chlorophyll helps detoxify the skin while a blend of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary soothe the skin.
What are your favourite ways to use adaptogens? Let us know in the comments below!
