Though the official start of autumn is still a couple weeks away, most of us already have cooler weather and the warm colors of fall on the mind. It’s a bountiful time of year and many of the ingredients the season brings us – apples, pumpkin, grapes and herbs – not only provide nourishment for the body and soul, they also rejuvenate the skin.
Though these ingredients are antioxidant powerhouses, they can be rendered ineffective (or devoid of nutrients) depending on the formula in which they are used. Just like food recipes – nutritional ingredients don’t provide much nourishment for the body when combined with low-quality, unhealthy ingredients. Skin care formulations are no different. Ingredient combinations, levels, quality, and chirality all come into play in determining the effectiveness of the autumn bounty.
Top Autumn Ingredients
Fall is a great time to help clients transition from their summer skin care regimen, and re-nourish with antioxidant-rich ingredients. Luckily the season brings us a number of ingredients extremely high in antioxidants such as pumpkin, a true super food that provides a potent supply of potassium, zinc, vitamins and beta-carotene. When applied to the skin it delivers antioxidants, vitamins, naturally occurring enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids, which makes it a powerhouse ingredient in the treatment room.
When combined with other antioxidants like tocopherols or resveratrol in cosmeceutical formulations, these bountiful fall ingredients become even more powerful. What are some of the top autumn ingredients that can make a difference in the treatment room?
- Pumpkin (cucurbita pepo) – contains the highest content of naturally occurring vitamin A and beta-carotene, as well as high doses of vitamin C, B1, B2, B5 and E. When combined with D-alpha tocopherol (the chiral form of vitamin E) it becomes not only an age-reversal formula, but also a free-radical scavenger. Find it in the Pumpkin Peptide Peel, Pumpkin Delight, Pumpkin Cleanser,Pumpkin Lotion, Pumpkin E Serum, and the Pumpkin Parfait Enzyme.
- Herbs – thyme, oregano, rosemary, and basil provide digestive and exfoliating benefits, as well as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic support. Find it in the Italian Herbal Peel, Rosemary Herbal Cleanser and the Rosemary Basil Mask.
- Apples (pyrus malus/L-malic acid) – regenerates, and supports skin tone and firmness. Found in the Apple Wine Peel and Bio Reform 28.
- Grapes (vitis vinifera/resvertrol) – a source of flavonoids that protects capillary walls and inhibits the enzymes that breaks down collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin. It also provides antioxidant, firming and toning benefits, as well as exfoliation. Found in the Apple Wine Peel, Grape Seed Hydrating Serum, Grape Seed Parfait Mask, and Blushed Wine Gel.
These are just a few of the wonderful, and powerful, ingredients available to us this season. Indulge your clients in the flavors of the season and provide their skin the rejuvenation and nourishment it needs after a long, hot summer.
Question: What are your favorite fall ingredients in the treatment room?