Does plant-based skincare really work?
Does plant-based skincare really work? In general, and for specific skin concerns (such as those related to hormone change and menopause), there has been a historic assumption that if something is plant-based then it probably doesn't have a meaningful impact.
As long-time proponents of plant-based skincare, especially when pharmaceutical products are not suitable (for example, during cancer treatment), we can say from extensive experience that this hypothesis is unfounded. In fact, plant-based skincare should be treated with the same reverence as everything else - in short, you should purchase from a reputable supplier who has the training and credentials to back their products.
However, as with all things, we don't ever think you should just take our word for it - you deserve evidence. In addition to anecdotal and observational evidence, we sought data-driven evidence for the use of plant-based skincare and holistic wellbeing solutions for ameliorating the unwanted consequences of menopause.
Contains nourishing grapeseed, coconut oil and vitamin E
Comforting Night Body Oil
£45.00
Aromatherapy and its proven impact on menopausal wellness
One area in which we often see plants being underestimated is aromatherapy. Scent is one of the most powerful ways to affect change in our mood and emotional wellbeing. The volatile nature of molecules in essential oils enables them to provide a rapid response in the brain by taking a direct route to the limbic system, including the amygdala and the hippocampus - the regions of the brain related to emotion and memory.
When we sought to create skincare specifically to address menopause symptoms, we wanted hard facts. We commissioned a dedicated study from Keele University, which identified the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes/hot flashes, sweats) and confirmed the efficacy of aromatherapy in improving mental wellbeing.
Powered by plant hormones in geranium
Motivating Morning Facial Spritz
£25.00
Phytoestrogens and Isoflavones
Phytoestrogens and isoflavones are naturally occurring plant hormones - oestrogen-like compounds derived from plants that are structurally similar to our own. They occur in many of our foods (such as soy beans and chickpeas), but they can also be used in skincare to address some of the consequences of menopause.
Again, this is where our State of the Art Scoping Review, commissioned from the UK’s Keele University, provided evidence. It offers academic validation and statistical scrutiny of holistic therapies on specific symptoms. We then translated this knowledge, we found that phytoestrogens and isoflavones found in natural ingredients were effective at delaying skin ageing, reducing oxidative stress and supporting collagen and water content in the skin.
Supercharged with lavender, geranium, clary sage and rosewood
Comforting Night Facial Serum
£30.00
Plant-based skincare ingredients
From vegetable oils to ingredients ranging from calendula to rosehip oil, plant-based skincare has been the foundation of everything we have done from the formation of our Beauty Despite Cancer brand to our MPlus product line.
We opt for the use of plant extracts and plant oils for lots of reasons. They're effective, they're gentle, they don't cause negative reactions when used properly (sensitive skin is another unwanted consequence of menopause), and they are so, so good for you.
In addition, those that we use are chosen specifically for their healing benefits, proven not just in recent academic study but also across the centuries. For example, Calendula has been known for its healing properties since the 13th-century thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This has been corroborated by numerous studies, including those in the National Institute of Health [1].
Astringent research, knowledge and understanding is applied to every one of the ingredients we include in our skincare and those who use it are almost always delighted by their results - as shown in our awards as well as our respected partners. For example, we recently won a Best Skincare for Menopause award and Specialist Skincare of the Year Award. Our work has also been a leading component in The Global Wellness Institute's Hormonal Wellness Initiative.
So, to answer the question - Does plant-based skincare really work? - well, ours does.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3270572/
