Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1514075
40 ASCP Skin Deep Winter 2024 INGREDIENT DECK A Zest for Healthy Skin Citrus fruit extracts and their role in skin care by Ella Cressman HOW DOES THAT SAYING GO? "When life gives you lemons, use them to make a face cream." Perhaps that may not be exactly right, but it's fitting. There are many beneficial components in citrus fruits like lemons. Citrus fruit compounds, with their rich reservoir of vitamins, flavonoids, antioxidants, and natural exfoliating properties, offer the skin an array of potential benefits. No matter how you slice it, the chances are likely that a citrus compound is in nearly every product you use. Citrus-derived ingredients are incorporated into a wide range of skin care products: cleansers, serums, moisturizers, masks, and even exfoliants. THE ROOTS OF CITRUS IN BEAUTY Citrus fruits, recognized for their vibrant colors and invigorating scents, have long been known for their skin care benefits. The use of citrus fruits for skin care dates back centuries and has a rich history in various cultures. • Ancient Egypt—The ancient Egyptians are known to have used various natural ingredients, including citrus fruits, in their skin care routines. Citrus oils and extracts were incorporated into balms, perfumes, and ointments, which were used for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes. • Ancient Greece and Rome—Citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for their astringent and cleansing properties. They applied citrus juices to the skin to help tone and brighten their complexions. • The Renaissance—During this time in Europe, citrus- scented oils and waters gained popularity as luxurious fragrances and skin care products. Citrus ingredients were used in perfumes and to scent bathwater. • Traditional Ayurvedic medicine—In Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine practiced in India, citrus fruits like lemons are used for their cooling and detoxifying properties. Citrus extracts and juices have been incorporated into skin care preparations to help balance and purify the skin. • Traditional Chinese medicine—In Chinese medicine, the peels of citrus fruits like oranges are used for their aromatic and invigorating qualities. Citrus ingredients have been included in skin care formulas to promote circulation and balance the skin.