Plants growing in extreme climates often develop unique ways of defending themselves against their particular set of environmental stresses. Rhodiola Rosea is one such plant, growing in Arctic climates and in high mountainous regions, such as the Alps and Pyrenees. With a scent very similar to roses as the name would suggest, Rhodiola Rosea has been used internally in folk medicine traditions as a mood and vitality booster, but today we are taking a look at Rhodiola’s topical impact on the skin.
THE HISTORY:
A staple plant in the traditional medicines of many countries in Eastern Europe, Rhodiola Rosea is native to arctic regions. It grows at an extremely high altitude and is exposed to extreme temperature changes, high UV rays, and ravaging winds. It is classed as an adaptogen by researchers due to its observed ability to increase resistance to a variety of environmental stressors. Additionally it is rich in phenolic compounds and proanthocyanidins, which are known to have powerful antioxidant properties.**
THE BENEFITS:
As in ingredient in organic skincare, Rhodiola acts as an adaptogen, aiding the skin as it defends itself against everyday stressors. It helps the skin cope with environmental stress caused by extreme changes in temperature and oxidative stress caused by sun exposure.* It can improve oxygen consumption in the skin, boosting vitality and respiration in the cells. If you live in a climate with extreme temperatures, or even work in an environment with a mighty powerful climate control system (freezing office air con, anyone?) then Rhodiola can help your skin adjust and maintain its balance, even if the environment around you changes.
THE PRODUCTS:
Rhodiola Rosea root extract is one of the Arctic bioactive ingredients featured in S5 certified organic skincare. You can find it in…
- S5 Skincare Neutralise Cleanser – a gentle non-foaming cleanser to soothe and reduce redness featuring Arctic & Marine bioactive ingredients. Great for sensitive/normal to combo/oily skins!
- S5 Skincare Restore Cream – for normal to dry and sensitive skins, this anti-ageing moisturiser uses Desert, Marine, & Arctic bioactives to boost hydration levels and soothe inflammation, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
- S5 Skincare Balance Fluid – an anti-ageing moisturiser with advanced Alpine, Marine, & Arctive bioactives. Perfect for normal to oily and sensitive skins, and for those who love a balanced, matte finish from their moisturiser and demand effective anti-ageing.
Rhodiola Rosea is a great example of how plants growing in the Arctic circle can help defend against seasonal skin stress and boost the vitality of the skin through their own unique protective mechanisms! Keep your eye out for more features in THE LAB featuring some of the other amazing plants used in certified organic S5 Skincare.
References:
*Calcabrini C, De Bellis R, Mancini U, Cucchiarini L, Potenza L, De Sanctis R, Patrone V, Scesa C, Dachà M. Rhodiola rosea ability to enrich cellular antioxidant defences of cultured human keratinocytes. Arch Dermatol Res. 2010 Apr;302(3):191-200. Epub 2009 Aug 25. PubMed PMID: 19705137.
**Grace MH, Yousef GG, Kurmukov AG, Raskin I, Lila MA. Phytochemical characterization of an adaptogenic preparation from Rhodiola heterodonta. Nat Prod Commun. 2009 Aug;4(8):1053-8. PubMed PMID: 19768982.
