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Adaptogens are non-toxic plants used in herbal medicine, named thus because they adapt to the body’s needs. These herbs can help with skin inflammation caused by acne, reduce the damaging effects of pollution, make your skin less prone to sun damage, and combat the effects of stress on your skin. Some examples of well-known adaptogens include ashwagandha, aloe vera, ginseng, rosemary, and holy basil.
Adaptogens are great ingredients for combatting acne, redness, inflammation and fighting the effects of aging.
Many adaptogens have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce skin irritation, rashes, and the appearance of acne and rosacea.
Adaptogens are also good for slowing the visual effects of aging on your skin. Siberian Ginseng and eleuthero, for instance, is an antioxidant that can delay the aging process of skin by preventing free-radical damage. Angelica, another adaptogenic substance, can have estrogen-like effects on skin, retaining moisture and keeping skin plump and healthy. This will also reduce the appearance of creases and wrinkles in the face and neck.
Adaptogens sometimes have mild side effects, such as nausea, headaches, diarrhea, and allergies. Their effects tend to be quite mild. So if you need quick results, or if you don’t form a routine and keep at it, you may not get the desired outcome.
Pores are itsy-bitsy openings in the skin—and there are millions covering every millimeter of skin. There are two types of pores with different functions: sweat pores and oil pores. The sweat pore allows moisture, produced by sweat glands, to exude out to the surface of the skin, where it helps to cool the body in response to heat, exertion or fever. Sweat pores are so tiny, they are mostly invisible to the human eye.
The oil pore, on the other hand, is a bit larger. Oil pores are also known as hair follicles because these pores produce oil from the sebaceous glands, but they are also the openings from which hair emerges. The oils help to keep our skin and hair healthy. It is the oil pores that can get clogged with sweat, debris and other gunk, causing acne, blackheads and whiteheads. Sweat pores rarely get clogged, as they are so tiny.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent for fighting bacteria and unclogging pores. It is one of the longest-used medications to keep pores clean and healthy. Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin. Ingredients that help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase new skin cell production, such as Vitamin A/Retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, are good for keeping pores unclogged as well.
adaptogen may be effective for clogged pores, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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