It's been a big year for adaptogens in the beauty world, and it seems they are getting ready for an even bigger one in 2019. While the benefits of adaptogens are not fully known, they have been used in eastern medicine since ancient times to manage stress.
“Basically, adaptogens better equip you to deal with physical, emotional and mental stress. While adaptogens have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine to build the body’s stress response, they were first studied by Russia when they were developing their space program. They discovered that these herbs help the body adapt to stress in non-specific ways,” explained Barbara Close, founder of Naturopathica and expert in therapeutic herbalism.
“Adaptogens are intelligent herbs; they down-regulate hormone levels if they are too high and up-regulate hormone levels if they are too low. For example, if your cortisol levels have gotten high enough to invoke a ‘fight or flight’ response, an adaptogen will work to lower these levels. Taking adaptogens is like having a coach in your body—they won’t make the same move every time, but they will do what they need to restore your energy and improve your response to stress,” Close added.
With that in mind, here are the adaptogen-based products, both topical and ingestible, you should be adding to your routine for 2019.
Peach & Lily Original Glow Sheet Mask Set
Adaptogen: Ginseng
Designed to blast your skin with antioxidants, hydrate like a hero and help bring about that plump firmness while smoothing out the fine lines and wrinkles, this face mask from Peach & Lily can be used daily or weekly or whenever you want a little “me time” with results that bring about a radiant glow.
The Nue Co. Power Up
Adaptogen: Organic Maca
The Nue Co. is a protein-based supplement brand that uses highly effective, easily absorbed active organic ingredients to boost the body’s natural functions. Like a double espresso – without the inevitable crash – this potent powder works as the ultimate pick-me-up or pre-workout booster.
Naturopathica Reishi Immune Tincture
Adaptogen: Reishi
An adaptogen that can work for everyone, the use of reishi dates back 2,000 years to traditional Chinese medicine where it was thought to restore energy and build immune strength. To use, simply shake well before and add up to 40 drops to water, juice or tea.
Aenea Modern Shield
Adaptogen: Maca
A lightweight serum created using the science of epigenetics, Aenea’s Modern Shield offers daily protection from environmental aggressors, particularly UV light, but it also helps protect skin from internal pollutants like the high energy visible light from computers and tablet screens.
Orveda Deep-Cleansing Botanical & Enzymatic Oil
Adaptogen: Moringa
Orveda’s Deep-Cleansing Botanical & Enzymatic Oil is a cleansing and makeup removing product that has been designed to deep-cleanse skin and to remove makeup on all skin types, including sensitive skins. Its rich and mild formula helps to eliminate daily pollution.
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