Ingredient focus: The Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 in Skincare
Coenzyme Q10 is a compound found naturally in the body that helps your cells produce energy.
Our bodies produce less of it as we age, so it’s helpful that it is available in certain foods such as meat, fish, poultry, legumes, seeds, nuts and oils. It’s also known as CoQ10 or ubiquinone. CoQ10 is available as a dietary supplement, and has also gained attention for its benefits when applied topically to the skin.
Here are some of the benefits of coenzyme Q10 applied topically to the skin:
1.
Powerful Antioxidant:
Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant that helps to neutralise the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable molecules in the body, created as a natural consequence of metabolism and also caused by pollution, sun exposure, smoking, alcohol, pesticides and poor nutrition. When left unchecked they can damage healthy cells, accelerating the ageing process.
By incorporating CoQ10 into your skincare routine you can effectively combat free radicals, preventing signs of premature ageing.
2.
Enhanced Collagen Production:
As we age our skin’s natural collagen production begins to slow down leading to reduced elasticity and the development of wrinkles. Recent studies have shown that Coenzyme Q10 can stimulate collagen and elastin production, promoting firmer, more supple skin. This natural boost in elasticity and firmness can contribute to a more youthful appearance.
3.
Cellular Energy Boost:
CoQ10 is instrumental in supporting cellular energy production throughout the body. By maintaining energy levels within skin cells, it ensures they are able to function optimally. This can reduce the appearance of a tired and dull complexion, resulting in healthier, vibrant skin.
4.
Skin Repair and Renewal:
CoQ10 promotes cellular turnover and assists the body’s natural process of repairing damaged skin cells. This can be particularly beneficial for skin concerns such as sun damage and uneven texture, as it aids in the renewal of the skin’s outer layer.
5.
Sun Damage Protection:
Whilst coenzyme Q10 is not a replacement for sunscreen, as a powerful antioxidant it does offer additional protection against UV damage. It helps shield the skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure, thus reducing the risks of sunspots, hyperpigmentation and other sun-related issues.
Skincare formulations enriched with coenzyme Q10 can be excellent choices for promoting youthful, healthy skin. Essential Alignment’s Facial Oil and Facial Serum both contain this powerful ingredient alongside other potent anti-ageing botanicals and actives. Whether you’re looking to combat ageing or simply want to maintain your skin’s natural radiance, CoQ10 can be a valuable addition to your skincare regimen.
Ingredient focus: Turmeric CO2 Extract
Turmeric, which you may know through its use as a culinary spice with a vibrant golden colour, has long been celebrated for its potent medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and is also an ideal natural remedy for achieving radiant, healthy skin.
One of the most effective ways to harness turmeric’s skincare benefits is through Turmeric CO2 extract, a concentrated form that delivers a wealth of advantages for your skin. CO2 extraction is a low temperature, non-toxic and environmentally sustainable method that enhances the potency and bioavailability of the plant’s beneficial qualities compared to traditional methods.
Incorporating turmeric into your skincare can be a wonderful addition to your routine, offering the following valuable benefits:
1.
Reduced Inflammation:
Turmeric CO2 extract contains curcumin, a natural compound renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. This can help to calm and soothe irritated and inflamed skin, helping reduce redness, acne or other irritating skin conditions.
2.
Antioxidant Powerhouse:
This extract is packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals thus preventing premature ageing. It helps protect the skin from environmental damage, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promoting a youthful complexion.
3.
Brighter, Glowing Skin:
Turmeric is known for its ability to brighten and even out skin tone. Regular use of turmeric CO2 extract can help fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots and blemishes, leaving your skin looking more radiant and glowing.
4.
Acne Management:
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it an effective tool in managing acne. It can help reduce redness, control excess oil production and fight off acne-causing bacteria.
5.
Enhanced Healing:
Turmeric CO2 extract can promote the natural healing process of the skin. It accelerates the repair of damaged skin and can be particularly beneficial for addressing scars and other imperfections.
6.
Natural Exfoliation:
Turmeric contains natural enzymes that can gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores leading to a smoother, healthier complexion.
Common ways to incorporate turmeric extract into your skincare is through the use of serums, creams or masks. Of course, it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test before using any new product to test its suitability for your skin.
Remember that consistency is key when reaping the full benefits of any extract. You’ll likely notice an improvement in your skin’s overall health and appearance over time using turmeric, particularly when paired with other beneficial botanical ingredients. Combined with a well-balanced diet and proper hydration this golden elixir will support you in naturally achieving beautiful, radiant skin.
Turmeric contains a treasure trove of skincare benefits thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is featured in our Essential Alignment facial serum, thoughtfully paired with other potent botanicals, vitamin B3 and coenzyme Q10.
Including turmeric CO2 extract in your skincare routine can lead to healthier, more radiant skin. With its natural origins and low environmental impact, you can feel good that your skin is not the only beneficiary.
Ingredient focus: Tremella Mushroom
In recent years there have been a number of natural remedies that have caught the interest of skincare formulators, one of these being tremella mushroom. Also known as ‘snow mushroom’ for its delicate white appearance and used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its culinary and medicinal properties, this remedy is gaining recognition for the wonderful benefits it can offer your skin.
The benefits of Tremella Mushroom for you skin:
1.
Skin Elasticity:
Tremella mushroom is rich in antioxidants and promotes collagen production, helping to improve the skin’s elasticity. This helps achieve a firmer, more youthful complexion, making it valuable in combatting fine lines and wrinkles.
2.
Intense hydration:
This mushroom contains high levels of polysaccharides, which have a remarkable ability to hold moisture, even more so than popular hyaluronic acid. When applied to the skin tremella mushroom forms a hydrating film, effectively locking in moisture and helping to plump and hydrate the skin.
3.
Natural Skin Brightening:
Tremella mushrooms contain enzymes that help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation. Over time, this can give you a more even and radiant skin tone.
4.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin:
Tremella mushroom is soothing and calming, making it helpful for sensitive or irritated skin.
5.
Anti-inflammatory Properties:
The Tremella mushroom has anti-inflammatory and anti-irritation properties, which can help reduce redness and calm skin conditions like acne and eczema.
6.
Natural Skin Barrier Support:
Tremella helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, protecting it from environmental stressors and reducing moisture loss. A robust skin barrier is key to maintaining healthy and radiant skin.
If you’re seeking a natural way to achieve radiant and healthy skin, Tremella mushroom is a gentle and effective solution that has stood the test of time in traditional Chinese skincare practises. Tremella is a featured ingredient in Essential Alignment’s Facial Serum along with other supportive extracts and anti-ageing ingredients.
Ingredient focus: Marshmallow Root infused in Camellia Oil
In the world of skincare natural ingredients are often celebrated for their remarkable benefits and gentle action. One such gem is the pairing of marshmallow root infused in camellia oil. This combination offers a range of advantages and can work wonders for your skin.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to ancient civilisations. The whole plant, but particularly the root, is rich with a mild mucilage that provides wonderful skin softening benefits.
The genus’ name Althaea is derived from the Greek altho, ‘to cure’, whilst the family of mallow plants is Malvaceae, from the Greek malake, ‘soft’. It is unsurprising then that marshmallow root is a sought-after skincare ingredient for its soothing and healing properties.
Camellia Oil
Camellia oil is cold pressed from the seeds of Camellia oleifera, and is nourishing and soothing for the skin. It is a lightweight, non-greasy oil, high in oleic acid, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and beneficial for supporting the skin’s elasticity. For centuries it has been widely used in Asia as a preferred skincare ingredient.
Benefits of marshmallow root infused in camellia oil for your skin:
1.
Intense Hydration:
Camellia oil is a superb moisturiser that penetrates the skin deeply, providing intense hydration. When combined with marshmallow root extract, it creates a powerful duo that can help lock in moisture, leaving your skin soft and supple.
2.
Soothing and Calming:
Marshmallow root is well known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can alleviate redness, irritation and dryness, making it an excellent choice for sensitive or easily irritated skin. When blended with camellia oil, it creates a gentle and calming elixir.
3.
Skin Barrier Support:
Both marshmallow root and camellia oil can help fortify the skin’s natural barrier. This is crucial for protecting your skin from environmental stressors, reducing the risk of moisture loss and maintaining a radiant, healthy complexion.
4.
Anti-ageing Benefits:
Camellia is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E which can help combat free radicals and reduce signs of premature ageing. When combined with marshmallow root’s healing properties this duo promotes a more youthful and vibrant skin appearance.
5.
Natural Emollient:
the blend of marshmallow root extract in camellia oil serves as an excellent emollient, leaving your skin smooth and soft. It can help alleviate roughness and dry patches, making your skin feel silky and luxurious.
At Essential Alignment we carefully extract the lipophilic benefits of organic marshmallow root by gently infusing it in organic camellia oil, and utilise this fresh and potent element in our facial serum, alongside other beneficial botanicals and active ingredients. Incorporating these natural ingredients into your routine can help you achieve healthy, radiant skin, highlighting your skin’s best qualities.
A natural path to wellness
Enhance your natural program for wellness; embrace harmonious living with the natural world.
In a world characterised by fast-paced living, high stress environments and an increasing detachment from the natural world, there is a growing need to re-establish our connection with the environment and our own bodies. At the heart of our skincare brand lies our simple but profound philosophy: to work with our body’s natural program for wellness and embrace harmonious living with the natural world.
Our bodies are incredibly intelligent and have been finely tuned over millions of years to thrive within the rhythms and cycles of nature. Our ancestors lived in sync with the seasons, rising and resting with the sun, and eating locally-sourced seasonal foods. Today, in the age of modern technology and convenience we often find ourselves out of touch with these natural rhythms.
Disconnection with a natural way of living has consequences for our mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Kinesiology and wholistic practices work on the premise that we are holographic beings, which means that all aspects of our being are interdependent. An obvious illustration of this is how our body changes according to our mood or emotional state: rounded shoulders and head down when we are feeling low and without confidence for example, or square shouldered with open chest, head held high and sparkling eyes when we are brimming with confidence and feeling on top of the world.
So how can we as individuals strengthen our connection with the natural environment and still meet the demands of busy modern lives? You could begin by making small positive changes to daily habits that don’t require great effort or planning, taking advantage of the holographic nature of your being as mentioned above. This means that small changes within our daily lives and routines can have more than the obvious impact, working on subtle levels to improve our health, wellbeing and wholeness. Our bodies are programmed for wellness, and each small change we make can combine with others to create positive change “greater than the sum of its parts.”
Here are some simple changes you may consider implementing, to whatever degree you choose, or as life allows:
1.
Optimise your circadian rhythm:
When electricity began to light our evening homes Rudolf Steiner, most famed for founding Waldorf education and Biodynamic agriculture, warned it would have far reaching implications. He suggested people needed to be mindful in their use of what was then cutting-edge technology.
Lighting our homes after the sun has disappeared over the western horizon extends our day, sometimes long into the night, and has implications for health. It has also changed our psycho-spiritual relationship with the sun.
It’s usually not plausible nor desirable to go to bed with the sun, but by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and spending time outdoors during daylight hours, we can optimise our circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep and overall health.
2.
Spending time in nature:
Years ago I read the words of environmental philosopher David Abram stating that, having evolved within the influence and embrace of the natural world, we were now in danger of interacting with only ourselves and our own creations. Living as I do on a rural property this seemed far-fetched at the time, but it is becoming more and more a reality for many people.
Disconnection from nature can have profound consequences on our mental and emotional wellbeing. Spending time in nature - whether sitting under a tree, taking a bush walk or going for a stroll in the park - can reduce stress, increase creativity and enhance our overall sense of wellbeing. The Japanese recognise the therapeutic benefits of spending time outside with the advent of ‘Shinrin-Yoku’, or ‘forest bathing’, which was developed in the 1980s to combat the negative effects of overwork, and has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve stress levels and provide cardio-pulmonary benefits.
Get outside in whatever way you can. Nature is everywhere, but often in built-up areas, with so much else to attract your attention, we don’t notice it. If you are unable to ‘bathe’ in a natural environment, practise becoming aware of and being with nature wherever you are.
3.
Put your phone away:
In recent times the effect of digital technology has arguably had the most profound impact on how we, as humans, interact with the world. Phones in particular capture our attention and take us away from being in the present moment. There’s a lot of information out there about the potential negative impacts of mobile device usage, but that is generally not enough to make the average person want to switch their phone off.
A stronger incentive to reducing time spent on electronic devices may be to observe how you feel before and after a period of use. In my experience I never feel better after scrolling on the phone than before I went on it. The opposite can be said for sitting under a tree for a while, or going for a walk in nature. Even short periods of being present without electronic distraction are worthwhile, and seeing how you feel afterwards may encourage more of it.
4.
Make good food choices:
Embracing the natural world also means being mindful of what we put into our bodies. Choosing whole, unprocessed foods and locally sourced seasonal produce helps keep us in harmony with the Earth’s natural cycles, and provides us with fresh, nutrient dense food.
Whilst eating a plant-based diet consisting of fresh, organic, and unprocessed foods is ideal, making small changes to your diet one choice at a time can be less overwhelming and more sustainable than feeling you have to make sweeping changes. Try adding berries to natural yoghurt instead of eating sweet ultra-processed yoghurt, or getting takeaway from your local café instead of the fast-food drive through for example.
5.
Use natural products:
Products containing ingredients sourced from nature, such as plant extracts, oils and herbs can provide nourishment and hydration to the skin without the potential harm associated with many synthetic compounds.
Natural products are more environmentally sustainable, aligning with a holistic approach to health that considers the planet’s wellbeing as well. Switching out products we use on our skin or in our homes for more natural, less toxic alternatives is quite easy to achieve. It has benefits for wellness, connects us energetically with plant sources, and contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to personal care.
It may not be realistic to return to living in harmony with the natural world to the extent that was possible in the past, however we can make small, positive changes to our lifestyles that align us with our natural program for wellness. Start where you are, and each positive choice you make will prepare the ground for more positive change over time, accumulating to benefit your experience of wellbeing in and connection to the world.