The Fashion Spot
14 August, 2018
SUCCULENTS ARE THE MEGA-HYDRATING INGREDIENT YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE NEEDS
Published by The Fashion Spot by Heather Cichowski
There are probably succulents on your desk, succulents hanging from your walls and there’s likely a pot or two in your window. And if there aren’t already, there are going to be succulents in your beauty routine.
Succulents aren’t only trending in home decor. They’re giving us something fresh to obsess over in beauty besides mermaids, astrology beauty products and highlighters. Succulent hair colors and succulent manicures have already gone viral, now it’s skin care’s turn. Unlike some here-today-gone-tomorrow succulent trends, succulent skin care is more than a viral trend. It’s something that has been around for a while because it gets results.
Aloe is the most famous succulent of them all in terms of beauty. It’s often the first ingredient people reach for to soothe sunburns. There’s more to succulents than the pointed leaves, though. Dr. Craig Kraffert, board-certified dermatologist and president of Amarte Skin Care, says that succulents are part of a plant category that includes cacti and typically grow in warm, dry regions. Built to survive extreme climates and store water, it’s no surprise that succulents make effective moisturizing ingredients.
Kraffert says that succulents are adaptogens, a buzzy beauty term used to describe plants that stabilize processes in the body (obviously a good thing). “They work to optimize physiologic function and reduce body stressors, promoting well-being and longevity,” he says. Adaptogens can target inflammatory, circulatory, oxidant and ultraviolet aggressors when they’re applied topically. They also calm, normalize and improve skin’s texture with regular use.
Besides our beloved aloe, Kraffert says that popular succulents include prickly pear cactus and portulaca oleracea extract, commonly known as purslane extract. Prickly pear cactus is a moisture-preserving humectant containing various vitamins that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Purslane has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Plus, it’s analgesic (pain relieving) and rich in good-for-skin omega-3 fatty acids.
[Succulents] work to optimize physiologic function and reduce body stressors, promoting well-being and longevity.
— Dr. Craig Kraffert