Aloe Vera
What are adaptogens? What are these mystery powerhouse ingredients found in the most unique skincare? Adaptogens, are exactly as they sound. They are herbal compounds that function as metabolic regulators, which increase the skin's ability to adapt and avoid damage against stress internally and externally. Adaptogens help protect your skin by increasing resistance against stress, while helping to normalize our pathological state or physical condition.
During times of stress, cortisol levels will spike. These spikes stimulate our nervous system and adrenal glands, which can cause inflammation and premature aging. Therefore, infusing skincare with adaptogens helps regulate these stressors. The adaptogens most included in Själ Skincare are herbs such as ginseng, licorice root, cordyceps, maral root, arctic root, reishi, royal jelly, and ashwaganda.
Adaptogens are often the secret powerhouses behind anti-aging skincare. How do these protection, anti-inflammatory, and adapting properties aid in protecting your skin against physical stressors? Most importantly, adaptogenic ingredients delay cell aging by bolstering a cells natural defenses against biological stressors. This is achieved as well by improving cellular energy production, protecting the DNA and mitochondria of cells, and increasing the cells ability to manufacture proteins and maintain healthy function.
Aloe Vera, one of the most known adaptogens, may remind you of the gooey gel you apply to your skin after a bad sunburn. Aloe however, also helps to soothe the delicate skin on the face even when you don’t have sunburn – this adaptogen is loaded with vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, and B6 and is one of the few plants that contain B12. It’s also filled with minerals such as copper, zinc, and potassium, which are powerhouses for lifting and helping the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and are the secret ingredients behind the most potent anti-aging skincare. These properties are what make give aloe its amazing antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. Aloe vera is formulated in Själ Cela Intuitif [light cellular renewal crème] and gives the crème its soothing and healing properties.
Maral root, a somewhat lesser known herb that grows in high elevations in Siberia and Kazakhstan, has been regarded for centuries for its antibacterial properties. But, in skincare, it’s known for its ability to stimulate red blood cells. This stimulation helps create a younger looking appearance by bringing color and life back into dull skin. Själ’s Mineral Källa [energy tonic] is loaded with an adaptogenic complex that includes this maral root, and also other adaptogens arctic root and Siberian ginseng. This complex helps to protect our skin externally from harsh climates (just consider where these plants are from, and the climates they are able to withstand).
Royal jelly, another adaptogen that is high in protein, is formulated in both Själ’s Bio-Regeneratif Serum [active energy lift] and Kashmir Saphir [perfecting mask]. These products are also rich in Siberian ginseng, which is an herb traditionally used to rejuvenate and invigorate by increasing the skins ability to withstand adverse physical conditions such as heat, pollution, and other stress factors that are often culprits of premature aging.
Licorice root is commonly known as an anti-bacterial adaptogen, but has also been known to harmonize ingredients and reduce inflammation, especially in the skin. The root is a main adaptogen in both Själ Kura Intuitif [intense hydration crème] and Cela Intuitif [light cellular renewal crème] and are what make the cremes known for their healing and soothing hydration properties.
Discover the rest of the Själ collection to see more in depth list of adaptogenic ingredients.