You might have heard about adaptogens, but what exactly are they and how are they being used in natural beauty treatments?
The plants and herbs found in Natura Siberica products have been traditionally used by Siberians for countless generations and were actually made into elixirs of health and beauty for the Imperial families.
They are classed as adaptogens – a unique collection of plants and herbs identified as possessing powerful regenerative properties.
In 1940, Russian botanists Lazarev and Brekhman studied more than 4,000 plants and herbs from Siberia, before identifying just 12 varieties as adaptogens.
In order to adapt and survive in -50⁰C temperatures and severe winds, these plants had to synthesise protective active ingredients and powerful antioxidants.
Four such plants are native to Siberia (Rhodiola rosea, Siberian ginseng, Limonnik nanai and Aralia mandschurica) and are used in many of Natura Siberica’s products.
Rhodiola rosea
There are about 20 species of this plant, but nonetheless, thanks to such active components as rosavin, rosarin and rosin, which are believed to only be found in Rhodiola rosea growing in Russia, this very Siberian plant is considered one of the best treatments for slowing down the aging processes.
The Nenets used the roots of this plant as a medicinal treatment in the form of teas and infusions in order to invigorate the body, fight fatigue and muscle weakness.
Rhodiola rosea extract is actively used in order to reduce wrinkles and loss of firmness as it has an explicit toning activity.
Rhodiola extract is included into treatments against puffiness, as well as against large pores and acne.
However, it has a less known virtue – it protects skin from super-cooling and can actively increase body temperature several degrees.
But, unlike many other treatments, Rhodiola extract does not enlarge blood vessels, so it helps protect the skin from cold without damaging small blood vessels.
Siberian ginseng (Panax Ginseng Sibirian) – is a bush, which is able to resist even the most extreme Siberian winters.
This plant is famous for its adaptogenic and medicinal abilities thanks to the variety and complexity of chemicals, which are unique to this type of ginseng.
Research has suggested that this particular ginseng, which grows on Siberian territory, contains up to 30 per cent more active components than other types of ginseng.
Having a beneficial effect on metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, ginseng extract improves skin condition and helps restore epidermis cells, regulates water amount, protecting skin from dehydration, acts as a kind of a stimulator fortifying blood circulation.
Thanks to all these properties, ginseng extract can be effectively used in cosmetology for treating fading, aging and sensitive skin.
Schisandra chinensis (Limonnik Nanai) – is a Siberian plant, with cherry-like fruits, widely appraised for its healing properties and is rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, vitamin C, minerals and essential oils, which are good for skin and hair.
The fruit (berries) and seeds of limonnik contain vitamins C and E, malic, tartaric and citrus acids, organic acids, carbohydrates, tannins, essential oils, microelements (zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, sodium, iron, phosphorus, sulphur, silicone etc.).
The plant also contains an essential oil with a pleasant lemon scent, which is an effective invigorating and toning treatment also symbolically called “Chinese emperors' court plant”.
In skin care products (masks, creams, toners) the biological activity of limonnik appears in stimulation of metabolic processes, enhancement of skin protective functions and relief of irritations and inflammations.
In shampoos and hair treatments limonnik extract strengthens hair roots and stimulates its growth, relieves irritation and itchiness, nourishes and regenerates scalp, improves hair structure and appearance.
Limonnik extract has an explicit antioxidant and immune-stimulating properties.
Altai sea buckthorn Hippophae Rhaimnoides
The medicinal properties of sea buckthorn have been recognised for centuries.
In ancient Greece, sea buckthorn was given to warriors in order to increase their strength and stamina.
Sea buckthorn is a unique plant, because the vitamin C in its fruit does not get destroyed by extreme temperatures, which is explained by the absence of ascorbic acid oxidase in its berries.
Sea buckthorn juice can improve hair condition, prevent it from falling and guard from dandruff, dryness and brittleness.
Oil of Altai sea buckthorn is considered as one of the best treatments for skin health, thanks to a high content of vitamin C, it helps speed up regenerating processes, invigorating and strengthening skin.
Vitamin E deeply moisturizes and prolongs skin youthful appearance, B group vitamins stimulate protein metabolism and restore skin structure.
Siberian Pine
Siberian pine oil is five times richer in vitamin E than olive oil and three times richer in vitamin F than cod liver oil.
It is a very powerful natural anti-oxidant which reinforces the natural barriers of the skin and protects it from external aggressions, in particular wind and cold.
Rich in linoleic acids and rare fatty acids, Siberian pine oil is invaluable in the fight against the signs of ageing and improving the texture of the skin.
Its nutritive and moisturising properties make it an ideal base for most of our products, including our shampoos, conditioners and creams.
We are the only brand in the world which uses Siberian pine oil derivatives as the unique product base to preserve the health and natural beauty of the skin and hair.
Snow Cladonia
Despite its name, which is very poetic, this little flower is a force to be reckoned with.
It stays green in temperatures of -50°C and continues to grow under cover of snow.
The high content of vitamin A, B-vitamins and other beneficial organic substances found in Snow Cladonia help to effectively restore skin tone, strengthen and nourish, and also regulate amino acid metabolism - thus helping skin renewal.
Thanks to a high content of unique usnic acid, Snow Cladonia helps the active regeneration of cells, effectively slows down ageing processes, improves skin structure and restores its elasticity.
Arctic Cloudberry
Arctic Cloudberry effectively restores skin and protects it against negative factors. It also stimulates metabolic processes in skin cells, slows down skin ageing, saturates skin with vitamins and enhances tone and elasticity.
The vitamin C found in Arctic cloudberry nourishes tired skin and hair, calms them in extreme hot and cold environments and helps to restore vitality.
Cosmetic treatments with cloudberry are excellent for dry and sensitive skins.
The fatty acids found in cloudberry oil restore the skins protective barrier and moisturise it - as a result, feelings of tightness disappear.
Naturally occurring carotinoids, phytosterols and vitamin E provide skin with additional protection from ultraviolet radiation and slow down its ageing process.