Highlights from Asian Skincare: Part II
I’ve written before that Asian skincare brands are often neglected in most clinics in the UK, despite the fact that there is a growing appetite and interest for their unique products and formulations amongst the general public. I wanted to share some of most beloved and popular skincare ingredients from Asia, as well as take a quick look at what we know about the science behind them.
Who knows - these might be up-and-coming and trending ingredients over the next few years!
Red Algae
Rice Bran
Fermented Ingredients
Sea Kelp
Lotus Flower Extract
Green Tea
Ginseng
References
Bylka W, Znajdek-Awiżeń P, Studzińska-Sroka E, Brzezińska M. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013 Feb;30(1):46-9. doi: 10.5114/pdia.2013.33378. Epub 2013 Feb 20. PMID: 24278045; PMCID: PMC3834700.
Hu S, Wolfe S, Laughter MR, Sadeghpour M. The Use of Botanical Extracts in East Asia for Treatment of Hyperpigmentation: An Evidenced-Based Review. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Jul 1;19(7):758-763. doi: 10.36849/JDD.2020.4776. PMID: 32726104.
Kurek-Górecka A, Górecki M, Rzepecka-Stojko A, Balwierz R, Stojko J. Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care. Molecules. 2020 Jan 28;25(3):556. doi: 10.3390/molecules25030556. PMID: 32012913; PMCID: PMC7036894.
Loh, Xian Jun et al. “Pearl Powder-An Emerging Material for Biomedical Applications: A Review.” Materials (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 14,11 2797. 24 May. 2021, doi:10.3390/ma14112797.
McDermott, Maxwell et al. “Advancing Discovery of Snail Mucins Function and Application.” Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology vol. 9 734023. 11 Oct. 2021, doi:10.3389/fbioe.2021.734023
Quay ER, Chang YC, Graber E. Evidence for Anti-Aging South Korean Cosmeceuticals. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017 Apr 1;16(4):358-363. PMID: 28403270.
When it comes to skincare, acids have long been the stars of the show—think glycolic, salicylic, and hyaluronic acids. These tried-and-tested ingredients have earned their reputation for addressing common skin concerns such as acne, wrinkles, and dryness.
But did you know there are lesser-known acids that are starting to make their mark in the skincare world? While some have been used for centuries, others are still emerging in research. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to some skincare acids you may have never heard of, discuss their potential benefits, and help you decide whether they should make their way into your routine.