Plants & Flowers: Skin Soothers Part 1

Aloe

Cultivated mainly in tropical or subtropical regions, the use of Aloe Vera or aloe barbadensis can be dated back to Ancient Egypt. It is said that Cleopatra attributed the secret of her fabolous beauty to the Aloe plant. Since then, research carried out on the sap contained in the central leaf of the plant has revealed the presence of important quantities of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Its medicinal uses include stimulating immune defence systems, purifying and improving the digestive process. Thanks to the wealth of film-forming, combined lipids (polysaccharides) present in this active ingredient, it is widely used in cosmetics not only for its moisture-preserving and soothing qualities but also for its ability to protect the skin from harmful environmental factors (sun, wind, cold).

Avocado

Originally from tropical America, the fruit of the Avocado tree was considered sacred by the Aztecs. Present in the South American Indian diet since the beginning of time, it is introduced to the Western world in the 16th century and nicknamed "the American Pear". Exceptionally rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and esential fatty acids, it is an almost perfectly balanced nutritional element. Over the years, it has also been used as a remedy for migraine, respiratory disorders and skin disease.

Candeia Tree

The Candeai tree is a small tree from Brazilian savannah which produces white flowers and has a thick bark that protect it from fire. This bark produces oil containing over 95% of Alpha bisabolol, a substance that has long been used in medicine to fight inflammation. In cosmetics, Alpha bisabolol is used in many products because of its soothing properties.

Safflower

Although originally from India, Safflower is grown almost everywhere today and has always been known for its wide range of uses. Its flowers contain colouring pigments (yellow and red carthamin) which, over the years, have been used for everything from colouring bandages for Angient Egyptian mummies to dying Buddhist monks' robes or Chinese silk. The oil produced from its seeds has become a widely sought after nutritional supplement because of its high content in polyunsaturated acids. In cosmetics, its emollient and moisturizing properties are equally well-known. The oil meal collected after the seeds have been pressed is also an active ingredient used to stimulate tanning.

Centella Asiatica

Centella Asiatica grows on the marshy soils of South East Asia, Australia and Africa where its creeping stems produce small umbrella-shaped flowers. Nicknamed "Tiger Grass" because wounded tigers will roll in clumps of Centella to heal their wounds, it is traditionally used to treat dermatological infections, repair open skin wounds, induce sleep and relieve pain. In cosmetics, research on Centella Asiatica has led to the isolation of certain molecules. Asiaticoside, which is capable of soothing irritation, stimulating collagen synthesis and protecting skin against ageing.

Griffonia

Native to West Africa, the Griffonia shrub produces an oval pod containing seeds traditionally eaten as vegetables and said to provoke a slightly aphrodisiac feeling of well-being. Researched discovered that this "plant of happiness" actually contained a very particular amino acid -5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTTP). 5-HTTP is a serotonin precursor which is an essential neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep and nervous reactions. In cosmetics, Griffonia seeds are used for relaxing purposes.