When choosing products, we are always intimidated by the ingredients list. Consider this a cheat sheet. We are starting a series on ingredients we love and that you can look for.
Let’s look at our first 6 ingredients that are good for your skin!
ROSEWATER
Rosewater is made by infusing rose petals in water so obviously it smells incredible. But it also has been shown to help maintain PH level of skin, controls excess oil production, and have anti -inflammatory properties. It is used in a number of beautiful skin care products, but is also a great setting spray on its own or with other ingredients. Not to be confused with….
ROSEHIP OIL
Rosehip oil is obtained from the seeds of the wild rose (Rosa canina), while rosehip is the fruit of the rose plant.
A great source of vitamin A, B and C, as well as beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants, rosehip oil has a high content of unsaturated, essential fatty acids that help to nourish and maintain healthy skin. The combination of antioxidant vitamins and fatty acids may contribute to a visible reduction in the appearance of stretch marks, scarring and hyper-pigmentation. Easily absorbed, it replenishes moisture and forms a protective barrier to prevent dehydration and help repair damage. It is also helpful in the formation of collagen which helps even out skin tone and maintain elasticity.
Rose hip can create a smoothing effect on rough or dry skin, has anti-inflammatory properties, soothes burns, and known to be a blood purifier.
Sweet Leiliani products are infused with Rosehip Oil, as well our Pure Anada lipsticks. Head to our shop!
LEMONGRASS
Lemongrass is not just a culinary ingredient. With both antimicrobial and bactericidal properties and a beautiful natural fragrance, it has great toning properties as well as use as an uplifting and anti-depressive scent. It has a sweet taste that makes it ideal as an ingredient in lipgloss (hello, Sappho Cosmetics), and is a natural insect repellent in place of DEET.
In our shop, look for Sappho Cosmetics lipgloss. Not only do they contain lemongrass, they have beautiful colours and are hydrating instead of sticky! Also Elate cosmetics Universal Creme contains lemongrass too, giving it a beautiful scent along with the color payoff.
COCOA BUTTER
What doesn’t cocoa butter do? Known as an excellent skin moisturizer. It’s also a great source of natural antioxidants, saturated fats that are especially beneficial for healing dry, cracked skin (because they’re easily absorbed and remain on the skin for hours). Cocoa butter may diminish signs of aging, soothes sensitive skin, improves skin elasticity and skin tone and is shown to lead to better collagen retention & production. Wooahh!!!
Pure cocoa butter can soothes burns and rashes but make sure that it doesn’t have extra ingredients like alcohol or scents as that can further irritate.
LICORICE ROOT
No, not twizzlers. Although the ingredient Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Water is what gives licorice its sweet taste, it is also shown to diminish the appearance of dark undereye circles, discoloration, and age spots because of its skin lightening properties. It has antioxidant, astringent, anti-inflammatory & humectant properties and is recommended to help treat eczema and soothe skin irritation. Studies show it may also absorb UVA and UVB rays.
GLYCOLIC ACID
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is naturally derived from plants like pineapple, sugar cane and sugar beets. However, most of the glycolic acid in cosmetics is synthetic.
Its most effective use is as a powerful exfoliant and anti aging product. It encourages skin cell turnover which lessens the appearances of wrinkles, imperfections and discolouration. The skin underneath the top layer will appear fresher, fuller and retain moisture easier. Because of this, glycolic acid is often also used to treat scarring, and can be handy to treat those pesky ingrown hairs (rather than reaching for tweezers or *gasp* squeezing). It’s also great if you have problems with deep down blackheads, and other acne blemishes. A peel including glycolic acid can help dissolve those layers of clogged sebum and make your skin clearer.
Delia Organics Berry Buffing Masque contains glycolic acid in a fruit based form (not synthetic) so if you haven’t tried it, give it a try!
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT GLYCOLIC ACID:
For at home use, never use anything over a 10 percent concentration. Anything over and above that can not be neutralized by water and should be handled by licensed esthetician. Make sure if you are ever doing a peel you are aware that that skin will be more sensitive to the sun and take precautions.