Super Six Herbs In Cosmetics

Ancient Chinese healing principles are gaining ground in cosmetics. If TCM herbs boost one’s health when consumed, surely they have benefits when applied  on skin.
 

Chinese Wolfberries
Chinese wolfberries shield skin against the sun while keeping collagen and elastin fibres in shape. Dr Brandt Skincare has goji berries (another name for wolfberries) in its products.
 

Gingko Biloba
This humble ingredient received a shot of cool when Clarins declared it the hero ingredient in its Daily Energizer range. Traditionally used to improve memory, it’s now used to delay skin aging, thanks to its free radical-fighting ability.
 

Green Tea
This cancer-fighter is packed with bioflavonoids and catechins. Beauty brands from Elizabeth Arden to Shu Uemura count on it to promote elasticity, improve tone and heal skin on a cellular level.
 

Soy
Achieving tofu-smooth skin is easy, thanks to brands such as Fresh and Aveeno. Each bean is packed with proteins and isoflavones, which have been shown to smoothen wrinkles, firm jowls, and reverse sun damage.
 

Cordyceps
This hardy plant has been used for centuries to boost libido and the immune system. Its antioxidant properties have been harnessed in Origins’ nourishing Dr Weil Plantidote Mega-Mushroom face line.
 

Ginseng
This bitter root brightens the skin, prevents UV damage, enhances collagen synthesis, and diminishes signs of aging. Today, this herb is present in everything from Elemis’ Rehydrating Ginseng Toner to John Masters Organic’s Orange & Ginseng Exfoliating Body Bar.