Beauty around the world (Vol.2)
In the
previous article which holds the same name, we shared with you some beauty
secrets from different place around the world. In this article we will continue
with new ingredients, but this time more familiar ones. You might have come
across while doing your online search or even in some well-known today’s beauty
products. As we mentioned before some of these ingredients have an ancient
history of effectiveness. Ladies used to extract these ingredients manually and
use them in a raw form, surprisingly they gave great effects. So, they passed
these secrets to their daughters and grandchildren and so on, until it reached
us. Beauty companies of course can’t let go of this golden opportunity of incorporating
effective tried ingredients as these. Let’s see together what we have for you
today.
1)
From Korea: rice water
Rice water, the leftover water after
cooking rice, has become a popular beauty ingredient in recent times,
particularly within Korean beauty routines. You can find it incorporated into
so many highly-priced products today. Is it really worth it?
a)
Skin Brightening and Toning: Rice water
contains inositol, a type of carbohydrate that may even out skin tone and
reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It’s a gentler alternative to harsh
chemical brighteners.
b)
Soothing and Calming: Rice water's
starchy properties can act as a mild astringent, potentially reducing oiliness
and irritation. This may be beneficial for those with acne-prone or sensitive
skin.
c) Hydration Boost: Some studies suggest rice water can improve skin
hydration. The starches in rice water can form a protective barrier on the
skin, helping it retain moisture.
Users of rice water reported the
previous effects when they used rice water on regular basis. Some of the
limited studies advocate its effect as an anti-aging molecule due to its
antioxidant properties, but such claim still needs lots of studies to be confirmed.
2)
Shea
butter
Probably, the most popular beauty
ingredient in today’s creams and lotions. It gained its popularity from the
optimum ability of hydration it offers. But actually, Shea butter has beauty
effects beyond simple hydration, it is considered a skin treatment.
a)
intense Hydration: Packed with
fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid, shea butter acts as an
emollient. It seals in moisture and prevents dryness, leaving skin feeling
soft, supple, and hydrated. This benefit makes it ideal for dry, flaky, or
dehydrated skin.
b)
Soothing and Anti-inflammatory: Shea butter
boasts anti-inflammatory properties thanks to compounds like lupeol and
cinnamic acid. This can help soothe irritation, redness, and itching caused by
eczema, psoriasis, or sunburn.
c) Potential for Acne Reduction: Shea butter may help regulate sebum
(oil) production on the skin. While some might think applying oil to oily skin
is counterintuitive, shea butter's non-comedogenic properties mean it won't
clog pores. This can potentially help prevent breakouts for some users.
d)
Improved Skin Barrier
Function: Shea butter helps strengthen the skin's natural barrier, which protects
it from environmental aggressors like pollution and harsh weather. This can
lead to healthier, more resilient skin.
e)
Gentle Enough for Sensitive
Skin: Shea butter is known for its gentle nature, making it suitable for most
skin types, even sensitive skin. However, it's always recommended to do a patch
test before applying it to your face.
3)
From
Italy: Olive oil
The pizza’s capital gives us one of
the strongest beauty products ever existed. Olive oil is one of the safest and
most effective beauty ingredients in the world. It is safe to the extent that
you can use for your baby’s skin and hair. Let’s check its benefits.
a)
Rich in Emollients: Extra virgin
olive oil is brimming with emollients, like squalene and oleic acid, which lock
in moisture and prevent dryness. This makes it particularly beneficial for dry
or mature skin. Unlike some harsh chemical moisturizers, olive oil offers
gentle yet effective nourishment. It can soften rough patches, leaving skin
feeling smooth and supple.
b)
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Olive oil is
rich in antioxidants, like vitamin E and phenolic compounds, which fight free
radicals that can contribute to wrinkles and fine lines. While more research is
needed, some studies suggest topical application may offer anti-aging benefits.
c) Promotes Collagen Production: Some studies suggest olive oil may
help stimulate collagen production, a protein that keeps skin firm and youthful.
This can potentially lead to a plumper and youthful appearance.
d)
Calming for Sensitive Skin: Olive oil's
gentle nature makes it suitable for most skin types, even sensitive skin. Its
anti-inflammatory properties may soothe irritation caused by eczema or
psoriasis.
e)
Makeup Remover (for some): While not
ideal for all skin types, some people use olive oil to remove makeup. It can
effectively dissolve oil-based makeup without harsh chemicals. However, a patch
test is recommended to avoid irritation, and it might not be suitable for oily
or acne-prone skin.
You need to be careful while using olive oil for the first time. Some users reported it caused skin breakouts on some occasions while others, who had strong oily skin reported that it benefited them a lot. So I think that individual variation plays a strong role here. What may work for you, doesn’t necessary mean that it will work for your friend. Like everything in life, your beauty experience is special and individual. Just make sure to do a good research and consult an expert before trying anything new. Also. The most important thing to do when it comes to trying new products is to do a sensitivity test. This test is to apply a small amount of the product on a small area of your skin – even if it is a hair product-, and leave it for 15-20 mins. If this area is swelled or felt painful, then you are sensitive to this product. If everything is normal and your skin kept its color and didn’t show any redness, swelling or pain, then it is okay and safe to use the product. Don’t forget this valuable advice when trying new products.