Understanding Skincare’s Latest All-Star Ingredient
All About Adaptogens
Adaptogens in skincare have recently gained some serious attention. But these potent plant-based ingredients are anything but a passing craze - resilient, rejuvenating herbs, roots and mushrooms have been used in skincare and wellness for centuries.Curious to uncover more? We’ve debriefed everything you need to know about these balancing botanicals.
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are naturally-occurring powerhouses of antioxidants. They help regulate our body’s physical, chemical and biological stress responses and are believed to have particular effects on hormones such as cortisol (the stress hormone). Put simply, they are plant-based, non-toxic ingredients that balance out our skin’s stress response.Adaptogens’ origins lie in holistic medicine, and they have been used as part of healing treatment in traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda for centuries. Commonly seen adaptogens in skincare include mushrooms (specifically reishi, songyi and cordyceps), ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, holy basil, ginseng, yerba mate, maca and sea buckthorn.
What Do Adaptogens Do in Skincare?
Our skin is our first line of defense against environmental aggressors such as UV rays and pollution. As our biggest (and most exposed) organ it is vital that we protect and restore our skin barrier to keep the harm from these elements to a minimum.When triggered by such aggressors, adaptogens impact the body’s stress-response system by regulating cortisol and inflammation. This supports the skin’s defense mechanism and promotes resilience (particularly helpful in commonly seen skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema).
Whilst adaptogens all hold the ability to assuage skin stress, they boast a myriad of other benefits too, and are variously able to brighten, firm, tone, reduce redness and even skin tone, as well as provide antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Powerful adaptogens to keep in mind include:
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Ashwagandha: Anti-inflammatory free-radical fighter. Supports sensitive or irritated skin affected by stress and prevents premature aging.
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Songyi Mushroom: Brightening stress-balancer. Known for its skin brightening, antimicrobial and immune-boosting effects.
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Holy Basil: Antibacterial, vitamin-rich stress reducer. Evens skin tone, fights inflammation and defends effectively against sun damage, calming and rebalancing the skin.
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Siberian Ginseng: Adaptogenic wonder root used for centuries as an immune stimulant. Soothes, regenerates and revitalizes challenged skin.
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Rhodiola Rosea: Immune-boosting botanical. Balances out cellular stress and inflammation for smoother, toned skin.
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Paracress: Bioactive skin-soother. Celebrated for helping the skin adapt to stress and improve resilience, resulting in smoother, firmer skin.
- Indian Gooseberry Fruit Extract: Vitamin C and antioxidant-rich superstar. Helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and supports its natural defense mechanisms.
How Do Adaptogens Benefit Your Skin?
Adaptogens go above and beyond reducing stress and inflammation. But can they address your specific skincare concerns? We’ve broken down their three major benefits below:
Adaptogens Are Anti-Aging: they help slow down signs of aging by promoting cell regeneration and reducing oxidative stress, which contributes to fine lines and wrinkles
Adaptogens Aid Hydration and Moisture Retention: many can improve skin hydration due to their water-holding capabilities.
Adaptogens Calm And Reduce Redness: they soothe inflamed or sensitive skin by reducing redness and balancing the skin's natural defenses.
How to Include Adaptogens in Your Body Skincare Routine
If you're ready to embrace adaptogens, the good news is, adaptogens work well in all forms - whether you prefer an oil, gel, lotion or even a scrub. We’ve debriefed the Joonbyrd products to look out for - and when to use them - below:
HOURLY
Hydrate and protect hands with PALM WILD Hand Wash & WONDER•LAND Hand Lotion. Adaptogens Included: Holy Basil, Rhodiola Rosea
DAILY
Cleanse skin and soul with soothing, softening MOON SWIM Body Wash. Adaptogen Included: Ashwagandha.
Smooth on DAYDREAMER Body Serum to up the ante on toning. Adaptogens Included: Paracress Extract, Songyi Mushroom.
Give skin a happy hit of hydration with lightweight yet lush LITTLE LOVE Body Lotion. Adaptogen Included: Ashwagandha.
Firm, brighten and rejuvenate hardworking hands with CONFETTI SKY Hand Treatment. Adaptogens Included: Holy Basil, Rhodiola Rosea.
WEEKLY
Polish skin to perfection with VIOLET HAZE Body Scrub. Adaptogens Included: Indian Gooseberry Fruit Extract, Siberian Ginseng.
Smooth deeply decadent SUNDAY SOFA Body Butter all over your skin. Adaptogens Included: Indian Gooseberry Fruit Extract, Siberian Ginseng.
Ready to add adaptogens to cart? Jump into the JOYful world of Joonbyrd, and discover botanical-rich body care to leave your skin healthy, resilient and protected.
