Edelweiss is the name of the song sung at a pivotal moment in the movie version of The Sound of Music, but this alpine flower is just as tough as the Von Trapp family.
Despite its small and delicate appearance, the white flower is able to withstand the harsh climate of the Alps, which makes its antioxidant properties such an effective ingredient in skin care formulas.
It is not surprising that brands are interested in the benefits of this flower and that edelweiss appears in more and more products. To get all the details on this herbal ingredient, we spoke to a dermatologist and a cosmetic chemist. Discover all the benefits of edelweiss for the skin as well as how to include this ingredient in your skincare routine.
What are the benefits of edelweiss for the skin?
Edelweiss is a multitasking skincare ingredient with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and protect skin from UVB rays.
A 2020 study demonstrated that edelweiss extracts provide strong antioxidant activity in response to UVB, anti-inflammatory effects, and increased moisturizing activity. In vivo data demonstrated that topical application was correlated with improved wrinkles, skin elasticity, dermal density, and skin thickness compared to placebo.
Besides skin care, edelweiss is also used for medicinal purposes. Edelweiss is actually a fairly rare plant that grows in the Alps and Carpathians. It has been used traditionally for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, particularly for gastrointestinal problems, bronchitis and other inflammatory conditions.
Experts say edelweiss is increasingly in demand due to new sourcing technology that minimizes potential environmental damage. Edelweiss plants are protected against overharvesting and overharvesting. Recent advances in biochemistry, bioengineering, and molecular biology have made it possible to grow stable plant calli — or plant cell cultures — to biosynthesize desired molecules. Extraction and purification are simplified and the yield of polyphenolic molecules can be higher compared to mature plants.
Edelweiss: everyone is concerned.
Another great advantage of this ingredient is that practically anyone can use it. Anyone concerned with anti-aging and skin health support who wants to try a hot new ingredient with limited but promising data can use it.
Although there are no prevalent side effects associated with the use of edelweiss, as with any new ingredient, it is best to err on the side of caution and perform a patch test before use. completely incorporate into your skin care routine. You can also consult a board-certified dermatologist.
How to use edelweiss in your skin care routine?
More good news: edelweiss goes well with most ingredients. As an ingredient with great anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cell-strengthening properties, it pairs with almost every other ingredient.
This ingredient is safe to use daily, and cosmetic chemists say you’ll get the most out of it when using leave-on products like serums, creams, and face oils.
A brief user guide:
Given the conditions in which it grows, edelweiss is a plant that is not easy to harvest. Brands that harvest the flower and use its valuable extracts to enhance their products should do so responsibly and with great care. It’s best to choose brands that source their plants ethically and sustainably to protect your skin and the planet.
Creams, serums and oils infused with Edelweiss extracts can be part of your daily skincare routine, and regular use will help you see the results: supple, hydrated, youthful and radiant skin.
