A Quick Guide to Adaptogenic Skincare
We’ve all experienced the effects of stress — the racing mind, the fatigue, the insomnia. But signs of this maddening problem that’s all too common in our modern lives often first appear on the face in symptoms ranging from tightly clenched jaws and furrowed brows to more long-term issues with breakouts or dry, sagging skin.
That’s where adaptogens come in. These ingredients have been a buzz word in the wellness industry for quite some time, but they are now coming to our skin’s rescue as they make their way into the most advanced skincare formulas.
What are Adaptogens?
It’s all in the name – adaptogens are compounds that provide adaptive, or customizable, skin support by assisting with your body's natural defenses. These ingredients are derived from plants and herbs like maca or mushrooms and have been used as natural remedies for centuries to protect against signs of aging and stress.
"Adaptogens support your hormones by helping your body manage stress and, by default, reduce inflammation. They are some of my absolute favorite ingredients in skincare. Not only do they protect against environmental stressors, but they actually increase your skin’s natural ability to defend itself." Dr. Angela Lamb, medical advisor to Veracity.
Provide Internal and External Stress Support
Many adaptogens are found in extreme environments, such as the tropics, they form strong defense mechanisms that help them defend your skin from constantly changing stressors, like your environment or anxiety level. For example, snow mushroom, a hydrating and protective adaptogen that grows in tropics around the world, has hydration particles that are smaller than those of hyaluronic acid, allowing it to penetrate deeper into your skin while also strengthening your skin barrier.
Prevent Radical Damage
Adaptogens act as antioxidants by protecting the skin from early signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. For instance, Garland Lily extract (which can be found in Veracity’s BioEvolve serum, BioEvolve moisturizer and Brightening Concentrate) comes from Madagascar and has powerful antioxidant properties that protect against aging when ingested in teas or applied via skincare.
Customized Hydration
Adaptogenic skincare also adjusts to your skin’s unique needs by supporting the dermis’s natural ability to maintain hydration. This means that adaptogens both hydrate your skin and bolster its ability to hydrate itself, all at the same time.