The power of desert botanical ingredients have generated a lot of buzz considering many skincare products, from cleansers to night creams, are being infused into daily routines to keeping skin healthy and radiating. Botanical-powered skincare products can help keep a person’s complexion looking its best. But what exactly are botanicals? Botanicals are powerful plant extracts and oils derived from flowers, herbs, nuts, seed, roots and berries. And when they are harnessed in the right way, they can do wonders for the skin. Botanicals might be the latest buzzword in skincare, some of the ingredients that your skincare products might already have these ingredients that we’re referring to. Botanicals such as aloe, agave and jojoba are three very popular ingredients found in many skincare products. What makes them so great for your skin? Let’s go over these key ingredients and find out why.
Aloe derives from the aloe plant that’s been existence for centuries, growing in hot, dry climates. It’s normally cultivated in subtropical regions around the world, including the southern border areas of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Historically, aloe has been used for skin conditions and was thought to improve baldness and promote wound healing (how that’s for a miracle plant?). The succulent-like leaves of the aloe plant has a clear gel consistency that’s home to more than 75 (you heard right) different active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, sugars, enzymes, salicylic acids and amino acids. Suffice it to say, all of these components have been shown to provide a wide array of benefits for skin care and beyond.
You can use aloe vera to keep your skin clear and hydrated. The aloe plant thrives in dry, unstable climates, which means the leaves store plenty of water. These water-dense leaves, combined with special plant compounds called complex carbohydrates, make it an effective face moisturizer. In addition to this, aloe also helps keep skin hydrated, firm, and supple, which unfortunately, all decline as you age. Did we mention that aloe also soothes sunburns? We sure did. Aloe also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help heal first- and second- degree burns. No wonder they call this a miracle plant!
Whish Flawless with aloe helps soothes inflammation and helps reduce irritation after shaving, waxing or laser.
The agave plant is native to the southern United States and Latin America. Though agave is largely consumed in its edible syrup form, the skincare and cosmetic industries are incorporating agave nectar and extract into their products because of its various skin benefits. Fun fact: the sugars in agave are also fermented to make tequila. In fact, tequila is the most common commercial use of agave today—and is also the base ingredient of your favorite margarita. Historically, agave was also known for its healing properties when applied topically. The agave nectar contains glycolic acid and necessary antioxidants. It absorbs into the skin quickly and makes it look younger and less oily. It also works on controlling acne and reduces the inflammation of the skin as well.
When you apply agave to your skin, it works similarly to aloe vera. When healing your skin, however, it is more powerful because of its microbial properties. Mixed with other ingredients, agave can refresh, brighten, soften, and reduce the appearances of wrinkles and lines that come with age and/or dry skin. You might consider agave as a sort of jack-of-all-trades kind of ingredient.
Jojoba is a shrub that grows in dry regions of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Jojoba oil and wax are produced from the seeds and were originally used for medicine, much like agave and aloe were. Jojoba oil or wax can be applied directly to the skin to treat acne, psoriasis, sunburns, and chapped skin. It is also used topically to encourage the regrowth of hair in people who are balding. Jojoba, when applied to the skin, is an emollient, which soothes skin and unclogs hair follicles. In addition, jojoba oil has vitamin E, which helps minimize the appearance of scars. The vitamin E in jojoba oil also works as an antioxidant for your skin. This means that jojoba oil can help your skin fight oxidative stress caused by everyday exposure to pollutants and other toxins. Lastly, jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which help relieve skin dryness, flaking, itching, and other related skin conditions.
Whish's Rose Hip + Lotus Firming Sleep Mask uses jojoba seed oil to provide intense moisturization.
If you want to learn more about jojoba oil, we have all the information on this magical component here .
Whether you’re just beginning to learn about plant-derived botanicals, or already use them as part of your regular skincare routine, appreciating the benefits of nature’s medicine can help you create a more conscious approach to your overall skin health. Plus, it’s always smart to know what your skincare products are made of before you consider purchasing them!