Traditionally chamomile has been used as an anti-inflammatory and calming agent. However, in discussions with our consultant dermatologist, in recent years dermatologists have seen an increased skin irritations and allergic reactions to chamomile.
For combatting skin redness & inflammation we use Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract in our ECM Advanced Repair Moisturisers and Serums, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties (due to the active components rutaecarpine, dehydroevodiamine and evodin). Research shows the extract remarkably inhibits skin redness (erythema) and it is significantly more effective at inhibiting erythema than bisabolol, the active component of chamomile.
Read on to find out what other anti-inflammatory ingredients to look for in your skincare and another reason why we wouldn't use chamomile in our products.
What is skin inflammation?
Skin inflammation is a sign of an immune response in the body. Symptoms can include redness, heat, itching, sensitivity, and swelling. The cause or trigger of skin inflammation may be acute, such as a skin infection, allergic reaction, immune reaction to sunlight (photosensitivity), bacteria on the skin, reaction to heat or chronic, such as an autoimmune condition like psoriasis.
Plant-derived immune system regulators
Regulation of immune system using medicinal herbs and phytochemicals represents a relatively novel therapeutic approach. In their huge chemical diversity, plants as well as fungi (mushrooms) and algae contain secondary metabolites that regulate our immune responses.
These assist with our body's natural defences to reduce inflammation, promote faster wound recovery, and protect against a variety of other skin stressors, including circulatory, oxidant, and UV aggressors. Examples are: CoQ10, resveratrol (a natural phenol present in the skin of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries), aloe vera, yarrow, vitamins (A, C, E, B3, B5) and borage which are all present in our ECM Advanced Repair range, alongside other plant-derived actives that fight inflammation and promote wound healing.
MULTI-AWARD WINNING MOISTURISER TACKLING INFLAMMATION ✨
The anti-inflammatory properties of Evening Primrose, St. John's Wort, Rosehip Seed, Coenzyme Q10 and Red Seaweed reduce redness, swelling and inflammation. We combine these with Jasmine extract whose natural antibacterial properties protect skin from the environment and aid skin’s immunity. Jasmine oil is a cicatrizer, meaning it helps fade scars left in the wake of acne, skin wounds and stretch marks. Our Nourish & Heal Moisturiser is great to use as a mask in the evening or overnight, leaving your skin soft and hydrated.
Skin and overall health can be protected by a high antioxidant diet, select supplements, properly cleansed skin, and using products such as our ECM Advance Repair range with ingredients specifically selected to neutralise oxidative stress, reduce inflammation and protect our skin barrier health.
You can Read More On Inflammation in our previous post.
As to why we wouldn’t use chamomile in our products:
I fondly remember tearing white petals from beautifully fragranced chamomile flowers which were found absolutely everywhere during my childhood. But did you know that nowadays it is nearly impossible to find chamomile in the wild? In UK it is classified as vulnerable and is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction! Equally try as I might, I could not find it anywhere (even in the mountain region) back home with various herbalist confirming they haven’t seen chamomile for many years. This fills me with sadness. We often hear brands excluding ingredients that could potentially cause adverse health effects, but we also need to talk about excluding ingredients that are on the verge of extinction. Protecting nature and biodiversity is something we feel very strongly about, hence you will not find chamomile extract in our formulations.
Ivana
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