Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/942738
64 march/april 2018 Primary metabolites of plants— used as the bulk of natural skin care products—include starches, amino acids, and fixed oils. But plants also produce valuable secondary metabolites—phytochemicals or phytonutrients—that were once thought to be useless. The term phytochemical is more widely used when speaking about diet, but these nutrients from plants can be an important source of ingredients for skin care. The chemical makeup of plants is much more complex than synthetic ingredients and provides benefits that include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. By using herb extracts, you are not using just one antioxidant, but a combination of many antioxidants found in that herb that may also work synergistically with each other. Some herbs also have more specific properties directed toward collagen production. Some of the herbs that are especially useful in skin care include calendula, fennel, parsley, and hops. Scientific studies are showing that there is promise to their use in skin care. CALENDULA (Calendula Officinalis) Calendula is a bright orange or yellow flower that blooms in full sun. Some of the more active constituents of calendula are terpenoids, quercetin, carotenoids (vitamin A-related compounds), flavonoids, polyphenols, xanthophyll derivatives, and volatile oils. Calendula slows down skin aging in a number of ways. Traditionally, calendula has been used in the treatment of minor inflammation of the skin and as an aid in the healing of minor wounds.