March 16, 2021 

“Given the sensory nature of beauty products, some form of stress relief has always existed in skincare, but the year is 2021, and we aren’t just talking aromatic bath salts anymore. Therapeutic blends of adaptogens and skincare saviors have found their way into everything from chakra-balancing body mists to stress-relieving moisturizers for inducing a state of zen for your skin,” writes Hasina Khatib in Vogue. 

For consumers ready to improve their skin, skincare products formulated with adaptogens are a popular and appealing option to soothe stressed out complexions, via the power of naturally harvested ingredients.

Adaptogens are “super” plants, herbs, and mushrooms that can help improve the body’s response to stressors. 

“Adaptogens come in various forms of plants and herbs, which, when eaten, rebalance the body’s stress responses. They effectively help the body adapt to stress, be it work stress, the changing of the seasons (which can affect the immune system) or emotional stress,” explained Amy Lawrensen and Naomi Buff in Brydie. “They’re also nourishing for the adrenal glands, can stabilize blood sugar, and aid with immune system regulation. They also help restore blood pressure to a healthy level and even rebalance hormones.”

For skincare, adaptogens are most frequently used in formulations designed to reduce the negative impact of stress on the skin.

There are dozens of adaptogens found in the natural world, but several ingredients are most likely to pop up in anti-stress skincare formulations.

Some of the most popular adaptogens to include in skincare products are:

• Ashwagandha – an herb purported to have stress reducing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and skin softening properties. 
• Schisandra – this fruit-bearing vine can help promote firmer looking skin.
• Maca – helps boost collagen production and manage hormones, which could improve acne outbreaks.
• Reishi mushrooms – packed with beta-glucans, these mushrooms combat environmental stressors and tame inflammation.
• Rhodiola Rosea – this superherb supports collagen and elastin production.
• Triphala – a combination of three myrobalans, or fruit-bearing trees, amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki, triphala can help speed the healing times of bruising and sunburns.

Stress is notoriously damaging to the skin, and the past year has been exceptionally stressful for the majority of consumers.

In fact, according to a survey of of 1,000 women across the US, more than 80% noticed an increase in one skin problem or more since COVID-19 hit, according to market research firm Dynata for DeVries Global.

Unfortunately for tapped out consumers, stress can exacerbate skin conditions like:

• Acne – the stress hormone cortisol causes the hypothalamus to produce the corticotrophin-releasing hormone, which could spur oil release from sebaceous glands.
• Puffy, baggy skin around the eyes
• Dry skin – stress can reduce skin barrier functionality 
• Rashes and skin irritation – including the worsening of conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or contact dermatitis
• Wrinkles and fine lines – stress can change proteins and decrease elasticity, leading to more fine lines

In these unprecedented times, it’s no surprise that consumers are clamoring for skincare solutions, like formulations with adaptogens, to help minimize the visible signs of stress. 

The future of adaptogen and superfood based skincare products looks bright, as consumers continue to seek out more green, clean, and natural options to improve their skin.

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