Why use plant-based skincare?
Using plants to heal and adorn our bodies is hardly new. Hippocrates, the so-called father of medicine said: “Let your medicine be your food and your food be your medicine”. The Ancient Greeks used to use olive oil and honey to hydrate and berries to redden lips. The Romans perfumed bathing water with flowers while the Ancient Egyptians used over 20 different plant oils in their beauty routines. In India, plants have been used for thousands of years to heal and beautify. Ayurvedic beauty philosophy is that all skincare should be edible and derived from the most nutritious herbs and oils available.
The magic of plants
The magic of plants largely relates to the polyphenols that naturally occur in plants. There are more than 500 unique polyphenols. Polyphenols are anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidants and are therefore adept at combatting cell damage. Numerous studies have shown the potent biological activity of polyphenols and that there is evidence that plant phenolics ingested through diet or applied topically, can alleviate symptoms and inhibit the development of various skin disorders. According to one 2014 study:
“[The] topical or oral application of polyphenols, in their bulk- or nano-form, would represent a valuable preventive and therapeutic option to provide clinical benefits for individuals with certain photo-induced skin conditions (e.g., skin inflammation, skin cancers, premature skin ageing, skin sunburns).”
According to Joe Chappell, professor of plant biochemistry at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
"Most people are familiar with the natural products we derive from plants. These include the delightful fragrances that go into perfumes, soaps, household cleaning products and more. Just as the sensory properties of plants interact with and trigger your sense of smell, plants' natural compounds can target and cause a reaction within your body. This gives them tremendous pharmaceutical potential."
The evidence
The evidence that supports the preventative, therapeutic and clinical benefits of plants for skin conditions shows that vegan, plant-based skincare is not the poor cousin of less ‘clean’ skincare lines. 100% natural and plant-based is effective. Very effective.
Velettà’s customers see very real improvements in the skin and are thrilled that these benefits are plant-based and therefore cruelty-free. For our part, we take the view that nothing is more potent than nature and we are so pleased to be able to bring you the polyphenol power nature provides.
Why not try Velettà’s Rejuvenating facial Oil, facial Cleansing Oil, Purifying Mask and Nourishing Moisturisers and see how vegan, plant-based products (that are also halal-certified) can benefit your skin?
