If you have a habit of looking at your skin care products' ingredients (and if you don't, you should!), you might've come across Bisabolol. This powerful plant extract has many notable benefits for your complexion, so it's not surprising to see Bisabolol in skin care. And while it hasn't quite achieved buzzword status, it's worth knowing about. In fact, Bisabolol may be one of the most effective ingredients you've never heard of.
Dive into this mystery ingredient, including where it comes from and how it can promote healthy, radiant skin.
What Is Bisabolol?
Bisabolol is a phytochemical (meaning it comes from plants). You can find its active ingredient in the essential oils of many edible and ornamental plants, including chamomile. Chamomile and other plants containing Bisabolol have a long history in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits and ability to promote overall well-being.
And research backs up many of these benefits. Numerous preclinical studies show Bisabolol can help prevent infection and disease—including neurodegenerative and heart diseases—thanks to its anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
What's the Scoop on Bisabolol in Skin Care?
Sometimes listed as alpha-Bisabolol, α-Bisabolol, or Levomenol, you can find Bisabolol in many skin care products, from moisturizers to serums to creams. Here's what this powerful natural ingredient can do for your skin.
Bisabolol's Skin Benefits
Calms Skin and Reduces Inflammation
Bisabolol's key benefits are soothing skin and lowering inflammation. Studies show Bisabolol can reduce itching (pruritis) and minimize flare-ups associated with skin conditions like eczema. These characteristics are particularly helpful if you have sensitive or dry skin or if you're prone to redness or irritation.
Helps Minimize Melasma
Bisabolol may also improve hyperpigmentation associated with melasma, a condition that's notoriously difficult to treat.
Promotes Healing
Bisabolol supports your skin's wound healing process. This can help prevent or reduce pesky acne scars and lead to a smoother, more even complexion.
Protects Skin from Free Radicals
Last but certainly not least, Bisabolol has antioxidant effects—meaning it can fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Your skin is constantly bombarded by free radicals from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, and other environmental toxins, which can lead to inflammation and signs of premature skin aging. Adding Bisabolol to your skin care routine can protect your skin from these aggressors, keeping it strong and supple.
Incorporating Bisabolol in Your Routine
Now you know all about Bisabolol's healing and protective powers, it's time to start incorporating this potent plant extract into your skin care routine.
Sunscreen
One of the easiest ways to incorporate Bisabolol into your daily lineup is in sunscreen. Try EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50. This antioxidant-rich sunscreen combines Vitamins C and E with Bisabolol and Ginger Root to help soothe the skin, protect it from harmful UV damage, and visibly reduce redness. Its tinted formula also blocks blue light and blends in easily with all skin tones.
Other Skin Care Products
You can use Bisabolol in other key steps of your routine, too. Start with EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser, which contains Bisabolol and three amino acids to gently cleanse your skin while strengthening and restoring the skin barrier. Follow up with a serum, moisturizer, or night mask containing Bisabolol.
Pairing Picks
Bisabolol may help other ingredients absorb into the skin. Try pairing your Bisabolol-boosted products with other key ingredients like Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, or peptides to level up your skin care game.
A word of caution: Chamomile is a member of the ragweed family. If you have a confirmed ragweed allergy, you may want to avoid products with Bisabolol. Ask your Dermatologist or Allergist if you have any concerns.
Your Recipe for Vibrant Skin 365 Days a Year
Bisabolol is a potent plant extract that absorbs well into the skin and can benefit all skin types. Fortunately, incorporating it into your skin care routine isn't complicated, and it can lead to long-lasting benefits. Combine Bisabolol with regular sunscreen use and other forms of UV protection for lifelong vibrant, healthy-looking skin that radiates from the inside out.
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