I love the power inside simple flowers. Modern cosmetic researchers are looking at the overlooked flowers that we see in daily life. Take a journey by British rail in the Summer and you’ll spot Buddleja growing alongside the rails and in cracks in old buildings. Gorgeous purple flowers on long stems. They give off a delightful scent and are heaven to many butterflies.
Buddleja isn’t just useful for butterflies. It’s tenacity to thrive through difficult circumstances gives you a clue of its chemical constituents. And yes, those are really powerful for skincare. Read on.
Buddleja is part of the same plant family as figworts and mullein, and arrived in England from China and Japan. Buddleja has long bunches of flowers that are loved by butterflies and moths so is known by gardeners as Butterfly Bush or Summer Lilac. The nectar is honey-scented, and full of goodness for your skin.
This antioxidant and skin soother, is a sustainable extract. It was used in Korea for headaches and inflammatory conditions and in China for eye troubles .
Buddleja for skincare
Termed the DNA bodyguard, as it provides natural photo-protective defence for your skin It contains antioxidants that protect your skin from environmental stressors. It contains powerful anti-inflammatory components such as verbascoside and isoverbascoside that protect your skin from UVA and photo ageing
Clinical studies have shown its ability to protect against UVA damage, promote detoxification, prevent the breakdown of collagen and boost the skin’s natural antioxidant defences.
Buddleja has phytosterols, amino acids and polysaccharides that contribute to a moistened surface. Buddleja protects against signs of aging because it prompts your skin to self-repair, strengthen and regenerate. It’s useful in serums and night creams
In summary, it is soothing, antioxidant and photo-protective so if your skin feels dry, irritated or damaged, gentle and powerful Buddleja could help.
Buddleja antioxidant
Buddleja extract is used to firm and tighten skin in Glow’s bespoke skincare.
References for this information:
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, August 2009, issue 4, pages 993-997
Phytochemistry, September 2003, issue 2, pages 385-393.
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