When it comes to skincare, natural ingredients are often the best choice. Skincare Products containing New Zealand native plant extracts have gained popularity in recent years. These extracts offer a wide range of benefits for the skin, thanks to their unique properties and rich composition.
Māori have a deep connection to native trees and used them for their medicinal properties for generations. Maori utilise plants like kawakawa for its healing properties, kūmarahou for respiratory health, and harakeke for various ailments. This traditional matauranga (knowledge) highlights the importance of respecting and harvesting native plants sustainably for their health benefits.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of some of the most popular NZ native plant extracts and how they can improve the health and appearance of your skin.
1. Kānuka
Kānuka extract is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to soothe and calm irritated skin, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Additionally, Kānuka extract has been found to promote wound healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
Kanuka plant extract is rich in α-pinene, a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat acne and other skin conditions. Its antioxidant content protects the skin from environmental damage, promoting a healthy complexion. Kanuka extract also has soothing and healing properties, aiding in skin repair and rejuvenation. Anti-Everything Oil Cleanse and Down to Earth Day Face Oil
2. Kawakawa
Kawakawa extract is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing redness and inflammation. Kawakawa extract is often used in skincare products to promote a clear and even complexion.
Kawakawa plant extract contains myristicin and polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help soothe and heal irritated skin conditions. Its high antioxidant content protects the skin from UV damage and premature aging. Kawakawa extract also promotes collagen production, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Anti-Everything Oil Cleanse and The Herbalist Body Oil and Recharge Muscle Rub.
3. Harakeke
Harakeke extract, also known as Aotearoa flax, is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Harakeke extract is particularly beneficial for dry and mature skin, as it helps to improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Harakeke plant extract contains phytosterols and fatty acids that moisturize and nourish the skin, promoting a healthy complexion. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritation and redness, making it beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin. Harakeke extract also has astringent properties that help tighten and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Unfurl Night Cream
4. Mānuka
Mānuka extract is well-known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It helps to fight acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation, making it an excellent choice for those with acne-prone skin. Mānuka extract also has antioxidant properties, which can help to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Manuka plant extract contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. Its antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage, promoting a more youthful complexion. Manuka extract also has moisturizing and healing properties, aiding in skin regeneration and maintaining skin health. The Reset Night Face Oil and Into the Ngahere Night Serum
5. Pōhutukawa
Pōhutukawa extract is rich in antioxidants and has astringent properties. It helps to tighten and tone the skin, reducing the appearance of pores and promoting a smoother complexion. Pōhutukawa extract is often used in skincare products to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
Pōhutukawa plant contains polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and quercetin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect and rejuvenate the skin. These bioactive compounds contribute to skin regeneration, collagen production, and reducing inflammation, making pōhutukawa a beneficial ingredient for skincare products. Pōhutukawa & Pink Clay Body Bar
6. Kūmarahou
Kūmarahou extract is known for its cleansing and detoxifying properties. It helps to remove impurities and excess oil from the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with oily or congested skin. Kūmarahou extract also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to calm and soothe irritated skin.
Kumarahou contains saponins which have natural cleansing properties, helping to remove dirt and impurities from the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can help soothe irritated skin and protect it from environmental damage. Kumarahou can promote a clearer, brighter complexion and overall skin health.
7. Horopito
Horopito extract is a natural antimicrobial and antifungal agent. It helps to fight against bacteria and fungi that can cause skin infections and irritations. Horopito extract is often used in skincare products to promote a healthy and balanced skin microbiome.
Horopito contains polygodial, a powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compound that can help combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation in the skin. It also has antioxidant properties that can protect the skin from free radical damage, promoting a healthier, more youthful complexion. Horopito can help improve overall skin clarity and tone.
8. Rewarewa
Rewarewa extract is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for those with sensitive or reactive skin. Rewarewa extract also has moisturizing properties, which can help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
Rewarewa extract contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin from environmental damage, reduce redness and inflammation, and promote skin healing. It also has antibacterial properties that can combat acne-causing bacteria, resulting in clearer and healthier skin. Rewarewa extract can improve overall skin health and appearance.
9. Haritaki
Haritaki extract is known for its rejuvenating and anti-aging properties. It helps to promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Haritaki extract also has antioxidant properties, which can help to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Haritaki is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, helping in collagen production, skin renewal, and reducing the signs of aging. It has antibacterial properties that can help in treating acne and other skin conditions. Haritaki can improve skin texture, tone, and overall skin health.
10. Poroporo
Poroporo extract is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy skin. It helps to nourish and hydrate the skin, promoting a radiant and youthful complexion. Poroporo extract also has soothing properties, which can help to calm and relieve irritated skin.
Poroporo plant is rich in alkaloids, such as solasodine and solanine. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect skin from free radical damage. Glycoalkaloids, like solasonine and solamargine provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Poroporo is rich in polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and protect soothe and calm mature skin. Vitamin A and C promotes collagen production and brightens and tones. While mineral Zink regulates oil production.
11. Kowhai
Kowhai extract is known for its brightening and clarifying properties. It helps to even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Kowhai extract is often used in skincare products to promote a more luminous and radiant complexion.
The active botanical ingredients found in kowhai plant are Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Alkaloids have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Flavonoids help calm, protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage and have anti-inflammatory properties. Saponins are natural cleansers and tannins act as an astringent that can help tighten and tone the skin. Kowhai Body Bar
12. Mamaku
Mamaku extract is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for skin health. It helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, improving its overall texture and appearance. Mamaku extract also has soothing properties, which can help to calm and relieve dry or irritated skin.
Mamaku extract contains high levels of antioxidants and vitamins that help rejuvenate and nourish the skin. It promotes collagen production, reduces inflammation, and helps in skin hydration. Mamaku extract also has anti-aging properties, helping to improve skin elasticity and texture, resulting in healthier and younger-looking skin. Unfurl Night Cream
13. Totarol
Totarol, a potent antioxidant found in Totara trees, protects the skin from free radical damage, reducing signs of aging. Its antibacterial properties help combat acne and promote clear skin. Totarol also has anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe irritations and redness, making it beneficial for various skin conditions.
14. Horohia
Horohia plant is rich in bioactive ingredients like flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote skin repair, resulting in healthier and more radiant skin.
Incorporating NZ native plant extracts into your skincare routine can provide a wide range of benefits for your skin. Whether you're looking to soothe sensitive skin, fight acne, or reduce the signs of aging, there is a native plant extract that can help.
Extracts from NZ natives are derived using traditional methods like steam distillation or cold pressing to preserve their potency. It’s important that sustainable and respectful harvest and processing practices of these flora to ensure the health and longevity of native plants by harvesting in small quantities and promoting natural regeneration.
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Until next time, keep it clean,
Bumble & Birdie NZ Taupō Crew
