Soothing Inflammation with Botanical Ingredients

Rashes, dry skin, sunburn, dilated blood vessels—all caused by skin inflammation, a roadblock to clear, smooth skin. Inflammation can be triggered by a number of things, including genetics, stress, medication and climate. The cosmeceutical world is continuously seeking out new ingredients to combat the effects of inflammation.

It’s true that inflammation is a means for the body to mend itself. It occurs at the cellular level when the immune system tries to fight off disease-causing germs and repair injured tissue. "Inflammation is part of the body’s healing process; it’s good for our bodies and we want occasional inflammation," said Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth. "But, what has happened in our life and with our diets and lifestyles is that we’re in chronic, low-level inflammation all the time. The blood vessels get inflamed, and they contribute to every major degenerative disease."

If the inflammation fails to subside and the skin remains in a chronic state of inflammation, it can lead to an acceleration of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores or acne, as well as puffiness, sagging, blotchiness or reddening of the skin.

TRIED AND TRUE

With recent studies being published on the dangers of inundating skin with artificial chemicals to prevent inflammation, consumers are turning toward more natural products for relief. "We are experiencing the industry’s growing desire for high-quality botanical extracts in their skin care lines with the growing popularity of skin care products that are all-natural and preservative-free," said Ellen Delisle, technical sales manager, Bio-Botanica. "Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant claims on products have never been more popular than they are today." Bio-Botanica’s cosmetic formulas include vitamin C, vitamin E tocopherol, licorice and green tea, all of which have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties.

Calendula, a flower also known as pot marigold, is used topically for burns, acne and inflammation. "Calendula is an old favorite as an anti-inflammatory and is still seen in a variety of cosmetic products on the market," Delisle said, adding that, considering the growing interest in organic products, Bio-Botanica will offer organic calendula in organic glycerin.

Phytoplenolin® (Centipeda cunninghami extract), another patented ingredient from Bio-Botanica, was developed specifically for inflammation. C. cunninghami, commonly known as "sneezeweed" or "old man’s weed," is native to Australia and was originally used by aborigines for burns, wounds, skin infections, diarrhea and rheumatism.

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