Castile oil in Skincare
This oil is made from traditional olive oil and it has a lot of benefits that make it suitable for all skin types. Benefits of using Castile oil: It is anti-bacterial: castile oil can be used to fight bacteria’s that can cause diseases. Oleic acid: this fatty acid is essential for the body and is useful for people with dry skin. Linoleic acid: this fatty acid is involed in sebaceous lipid synthesis and contributes to the formation of ceramides. It has anti-microbial (prevent bacteria) and anti-proliferative properties that can inhibt the growth of inflammation caused by free radicals. It contains palmtitic acid: the rapid oxidation of linoleic acid leads to…
Soapwort extract for Skin and Body
Soapwort extract or Saponaria officinalis is a plant that is native to Southern and Central Europe, Asia Minor, and Western Siberia. The extract is made from the roots, though the leaves and stems may also be used. Benefits of using Soapwort extract: Contains saponins: saponins have health-promoting componants that effect the immune system and helps the body to fight against cancers, and also lower cholesterol levels. They also decrease blood lipids, lower cancer risks, and lower blood glucose. Antioxidant: soapwort can protect the skin from free radicals and UV damage Anti-inflammatory and can soothe the skin: It can also reduce inflammation like redness, swelling, pain and in turn give a…
Bisabolol in Skincare
Bisabolol or alpha-bisabolol is a colorless oily liquid and is the main component of chamomile essential oil. It is also present in the bark of the Candeia tree of Brazil. Benefits of using Bisabolol: Anti-inflammatory: bisbolol can reduce inflammation like redness, swelling, and pain. It can also reduce irritation and soothe the skin. It can help with hyperpigmentation: bisabolol can help with hyperpigmentaion and melasma and this was done by giving bisabolol in a base-cream preparation to 28 females (the cream was applied once a day to the back for 8 weeks). These 28 women also applied a vehicle control cream to the pigmented skin. After 8 weeks of treatment,…
Roman Chamomile – A Complete Guide for Hair, Skin, and Body
Chamomile is a medicinal herb that is used to treat many diseases and ailments. It is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family and is represented by two common varieties: German Chamomile (Chamomilla Recutita), and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile). What ailments can Roman chamomile treat? The dried leaves of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids. It is used to treat many human ailments like: Hay fever Inflammation (people with eczema can benefit from chamomile) Muscle spasms Vomiting Indigestion Menstrual disorders Insomnia Ulcers Sore throat Sore nipples and gums Nausea Sinusitis Wounds Diaper rash. Gastrointestinal disorders Rheumatic pain, and Hemorrhoids. Now we can look into these ailments one by one. What are…
Polyglutamic acid for Skin
Polyglutamic acid is a humectant that can draw moisture from the air into your skin. It is said to be 5 times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid. Polyglutamic acid is also biodegradable, edible, water-soluble, and non-toxic to humans and the environment. Benefits of using Polyglutamic acid: Who all can use Polyglutamic acid? Polyglutamic acid is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and skin of colour. Make sure to conduct a patch test and check if you have any allergies to this ingredient. What other skincare ingredients can I use with polyglutamic acid? How to use polyglutamic acid? Polyglutamic acid is available in the form of serums, creams, gels,…
Cysteamine for Skin
L-Cysteamine is an antioxidant that is produced by the degradation of coenzyme A Benefits of using Cysteamine: Anti-melanoma: cysteamine is a skin-lightening agent that can be used for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or melasma. Anti-mutagenic: it can help to reduce the rate of mutation Anti-carcinogenic: It can reduce the development of cancer. Anti-tumour: it can prevent tumours. Who all can use Cysteamine? Cysteamine is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and skin of colour because it does irritate or cause damage to the skin. Use of Cysteamine in clinical trials: 58% MASI (Melasma Area and Severity Index) score in melasma patients. 67% melanin reduction in melasma lesions. 90% of…
Deodorant vs Antiperspirant – which is better
Deodorant: It decreases smell. It masks and fights odour-causing bacteria (it works to mask odour and reduces the skin’s pH making it underisable for bacteria, with deodorant you will feel the wetness, but there wont be any bad smell). It works best when applied during active hours. Antiperspirant: It decreases sweat. It plugs eccrine glands from secreting sweat (it reduces how much you sweat by forming little plugs in the eccrine glands and thus reduce wetness). It works best when applied at night. If you flip your antiperspirant around and check the active ingredients, you will see an aluminium based salt (aluminium chloride, aluminium tetrachloride, aluminium zirconium, etc). Most of…
Bakuchiol – the alternative to retinol
This chemical is found in the ‘babchi’ plant (Psoralea corylifolia). Bakuchiol has the same properties as retinoids with none of the side effects. Benefits of using Bakuchiol: Anti-aging Anti-acne Anti-pigment Anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle properties. It does not increase sun sensitivity like retinol. Who all can use Bakuchiol? Bakuchiol is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and skin of colour. How to use Bakuchiol topically? You can apply bakuchiol in the morning and night. You can use it twice a day of 5%. You can also use it with vitamin C, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and other low pH products without compromising your skin’s threshold. What skincare ingredients can…
Benzoyl peroxide for skin – the complete guide
Benzoyl peroxide is the most common ingredient for treating acne. What are the benefits of using Benzoyl peroxide? What are the cons of using Benzoyl peroxide? Benzoyl peroxide can be drying to the skin and can cause skin irritation, especially for sensitive skin and dry skin. If you have dry skin make sure you moisturize frequently. Who all can use Benzoyl peroxide? Benzoyl peroxide is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. It should be used with caution for dry skin, sensitive skin (rosacea, dermatitis, or allergies), and skin of colour. Clinical application: BPO can be used as a wash, cream, or gel. Consider a cream formulation if you have sensitive…
Hydroquinone for skin – the Complete Guide
Hydroquinone is also known as benzene-1,4-diol or quinol. It is a chemical that is found in vegetables, fruits, coffee, beer, and red wine. It is the most powerful tyrosinase inhibitor in the world, giving faster results, but can also lead to irritation. What are the benefits of using Hydroquinone? Who can use Hydroquinone? Hydroquinone is suitable for all skin types except for sensitive skin, dry-sensitive skin, and skin of colour. Concentrations ranging from 2% to 10% are commonly used. Less than 2% hydroquinone is best. Higher concentrations can be used to treat severe hyperpigmentation and vitiligo. What skincare ingredients can I mix with Hydroquinone? How to choose the best hydroquinone…