Adaptogens in Skincare: Botanical Trend vs. Finished-Product Evidence

The SelesTeres Journal · Ingredients & Craft
By Nina, founder of SelesTeres · Originally published March 19, 2023 · Full-length edition

Why Are Adaptogens Important in Skincare Routines?

The quick answer

“Adaptogen” describes a broad herbal tradition and marketing category; it is not proof that a soap or moisturizer reduces stress, balances hormones, lowers inflammation or treats skin disease.

Incorporating adaptogens into your daily routine delivers multiple advantages to promote healthy, glowing skin.
6-Minute Read 
  
Adaptogens are a group of plants and herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for centuries due to their ability to help the body adapt to stress and improve overall health. [1]
 
More recently, they have gained in popularity because of their potential benefits for the skin. By incorporating them into handmade soaps, lotions, and other skincare products, virtually anyone can add them to their daily routine. 

What Are the Benefits of Having Adaptogens in Skincare Routines?

The herbs and plants that produce adaptogens can help the body maintain balance and better adapt to stress. They deliver a calmer environment that allows you to push the reset button on a tough day.
 
Daily adaptogen use can also help your body become more resilient to the pressures of the day, especially when combined with meditation or similar activities.
 
Here are the benefits that often arise with adaptogens in skincare routines.
 

1. Reduce Inflammation

Adaptogens are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to calm irritated and inflamed skin. Inflammation is a natural response to stress and damage, and it can contribute to various skin problems, including acne, rosacea, and eczema. [2]
 
When inflammation is chronic, it can lead to issues like premature aging.
 
High-quality ingredients like turmeric, licorice root, and ashwagandha offer anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and the signs of inflammation in the skin when incorporated into daily skincare routines. [3]
 
Our ashwagandha and calendula all-natural bath soak is a perfect solution for promoting skincare while creating an environment that supports meditation and aromatherapy.

2. Oxidative Stress Protection

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can cause damage to cells and tissues. UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental stressors can increase it in the skin.
 
Adaptogens such as green tea, ginseng, and Rhodiola rosea have antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from damage. [4]
 

3. Hormone Regulation

Hormonal imbalances can contribute to various skin issues, including acne and hyperpigmentation. The presence of adaptogens in a skincare routine can assist with treating these issues by encouraging the body to return to its standardized regulation activities.
 
Estrogen is one of the primary hormones that affect skin health. It helps to keep your skin hydrated, firm, and elastic. As people age and less is produced, the reduction directly impacts how the skin looks and feels. [5]
 
Testosterone changes can cause sebum overproduction, clogging pores, and causing acne. By balancing these hormones, your skin can support your overall health better. [6]

4. Skin Hydration and Elasticity

Have you ever noticed how the best skincare products can leave your skin feeling silky smooth, and moisturized all day? Adaptogens are often part of the process of creating that outcome. When they’re part of your daily routine, their ability to improve elasticity and hydration can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
 
Adaptogens such as aloe vera and chamomile have moisturizing properties and can help improve skin hydration levels. They can also help stimulate collagen production. [7]
Our massage bars use an aloe vera base with a unique shape to encourage gentle exfoliation while potentially soothing various skin conditions.

5. Immune System Support

When the skin is healthy, it serves as a first-line defense against an environment that wants to make you sick. Today’s best adaptogens for skincare support, including astragalus and reishi, boost the immune system by encouraging the body’s ability to fight infections and harmful agents when they come your way. [8]
 

How to Incorporate Adaptogens into a Skincare Routine?

You can start adding adaptogens to your daily skincare routine in several ways. Each one provides a different approach that works to deliver the positive results you want.
 
Infused oils are a popular choice. You can enjoy facial serums and lotions that encourage positive outcomes by steeping adaptogenic herbs in a carrier oil.
 
Herbal teas and beverages are another popular way to incorporate more adaptogens into your daily routine. Products with high-quality licorice root and ginseng can be invigorating. Our room spray is an excellent example of an alternative way to encourage better skincare by creating a relaxing atmosphere that encourages more sleep.

Store Recommendations:

Explore our room spray

 
You can also infuse more adaptogens into your daily routine by enjoying bath soaks. Powdered herbs, Epsom salt, or Dead Sea salt dissolved in bathwater can provide a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. 

Store Recommendations:

Explore our artisan bath soaks

 
The easiest way to include more adaptogens in your daily skincare routine is to work with companies that use high-quality ingredients to make artisan soaps, lotions, and similar products to care for your skin. At our store, we make handmade products that focus on the benefits of adaptogens while allowing you to create personalized experiences, such as Body Butter, Lotion Bars, Soap.


We'd love to see if you’re using our products to promote a healthy skincare routine! Thanks for reading my article, and please feel free to leave your thoughts or comments in the section below.
 Love Always, Nina... 
 

[1] https://www.uclahealth.org/news/what-are-adaptogens-and-should-you-be-taking-them
[2] https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-acute-and-chronic-inflammation
[3] https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a39867126/turmeric-for-skin/
[4] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rhodiola-rosea
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11705091/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3459575/
[7] https://www.webmd.com/beauty/can-i-use-aloe-vera-gel-as-a-moisturizer
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31777026/

Frequently asked questions

Can adaptogen soap reduce cortisol?

There is no basis here to claim that result.

Do herbal ingredients treat eczema?

A cosmetic ingredient list does not establish eczema treatment.

Are adaptogens universally safe?

No. Botanical sensitivity and specific preparations matter.

What should cosmetic labels explain?

The finished product's ingredients, intended use and supportable claims.

Explore more SelesTeres rituals

Curated complements to this article—6 products across cleansing, skincare and home where relevant. Swipe to discover more; these are cosmetic and lifestyle products, not treatments for medical conditions.

Further reading & sources

For general education and inspiration only. SelesTeres products are cosmetics and lifestyle items, not medical treatments. Individual responses and sensitivities vary by person and formulation. If you have a health concern, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.


6 comments


  • Mahia

    I appreciated the detailed explanations of the different types of adaptogens and their specific benefits for the skin. This article makes it clear that adaptogens are not just a passing trend, but a legitimate and important aspect of holistic skincare.


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