Exotic Superfruits Deliver an Antioxidant Boost

Fruit has always been a pleasurable draw for humans. Nutritionally, consuming fruit (and its less sweet counterpart, the vegetable) has been linked to numerous health benefits, from thwarting disease to boosting vitality. In the world of beauty, fruits have become desirable for their antioxidant potency, damage control and even their sweet fragrances. Taking this a step further, exotic fruits are now in demand for their unique traditions and supercharged nutrient content.

"There is now a common awareness in the beauty and personal care market, from the consumer's point of view, that certain ingredients work naturally to help fortify and protect the body's defense systems," said Nikki Poirier, director of sales and training, Skyn ICELAND. "Antioxidants have undoubtedly become key players in this category and are well-known soldiers to help fight the signs of aging."

Arctic cloudberries, native to the cooler climates of Scandinavia and the Arctic Circle, are rich in antioxidants and other compounds with beneficial properties. Poirier explained cloudberries come from a hearty, rugged plant capable of survival in sub-zero temperatures with little to no sunlight. "Harsh weather and lack of sun have forced the Arctic cloudberry to fortify and protect itself from external aggressors, which results in a potent, hearty botanical packed with powerful natural antioxidants—up to 40 times more powerful than traditional sources of vitamin E,” she said.

Capitalizing on these properties, Skyn ICELAND's Biospheric Complex combines Arctic cloudberry with cranberry seed oils, Icelandic glacial waters and encapsulated fresh oxygen. Arctic cloudberry and cranberry seed oils are included for their natural tocotrienols that promote healthy skin cell function and fight the aging effects of free radicals. Poirier added Arctic berries contain essential fatty acids (EFAs), which help hydrate and nurture skin and protect it from the dehydration and inflammation that can be a result of chronic stress.

While chilly is, well, "cool" and refreshing, many of the other exotic fruits infusing their health and splendor on the cosmeceutical market are from warmer, tropical climes. A seemingly nondegascript berry from the Brazilian rainforest has garnered huge buzz in the world of nutrition and now seems poised to dazzle the world of cosmetics. The Amazonian palmberry, affectionately called the Açaí berry, is chock full of antioxidants that can help temper the free radical factors in photo-aging. Açaí consistently tops or scores high on the many tests out there for antioxidant capacity.

Traditionally, açaí has been used to enhance foods and beverages, but companies such as Brazil's Beraca Ingredients have developed extraction technologies that result in açaí oil for use in a variety of personal care items such as anti-aging products, revitalizing creams and sun care protectors. In fact, the oil from this earthy berry is not only rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phenols, but also contains beneficial vitamins, minerals, phytosterols and omega-3, -6 and -9 EFAs.

Superfruit aficionados are no strangers to pomegranate, a seedy but flavorful fruit of a tree native to various Mediterranean regions, from the Middle East to tropical Africa. Cultivated in groves around the world, pomegranates have become popular internationally for health benefits linked to both the fleshy fruit and the vibrant seeds. Mentioned often in the Bible and having etymology similar to that of apples, pomegranates carry a near spiritual air about them. And, with an antioxidant potency reportedly about three times greater than red wine or green tea, pomegranates are ripe for use in the cosmeceutical segment.

In fact, an August 2008 report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry detailed how Verdure Science's POMELLA® brand pomegranate extract (standardized to punicalagins) may help promote healthy, young-looking skin. The extract protected human skin fibroblast cells from ultraviolet (UV)-A and -B radiation, halting the upregulation of collagenases (MMP-1 and -2) that break down structurally important skin collagen due to UV exposure. The extract also demonstrated antioxidant benefits, as well as DNA repair and anti-inflammatory actions.

Natural Sourcing Ingredients, which specializes in cosmeceuticals, noted organic pomegranate seed oil, which is high in polyphenols, conjugated fatty acids and various lipids, is gaining favor in the spa and aromatherapy markets for nourishing and moisturizing abilities, as well as maintenance of skin elasticity. Its effectiveness in killing cancer cells topically, according to the company, only accentuates its protection from the damaging effects of sun radiation.

var loc = window.location.pathname;var nt=String(Math.random()).substr(2,10);document.write ('');