I believe everyone is familiar with Rhodiola, as it is a common traditional Chinese medicine and can also have many health benefits for our bodies. In fact, Rhodiola can not only be taken, but its extract can also be added to skincare products, which is also very beneficial for our skin. So, what is the role of Rhodiola extract in skincare products?
Rhodiola is the dry root and stem of the Sedum genus plant in the Sedum family. It belongs to a traditional Tibetan medicine and was also included in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It mainly grows in high-altitude areas ranging from 3000 to 4000 meters and is known as “plateau ginseng”. Rhodiola grows in high-altitude and strong ultraviolet regions. Due to its long-term adaptation to harsh natural growth environments such as hypoxia, strong winds, dryness, and high cold, it has developed strong vitality and extensive environmental adaptability, as well as special physiological functions.
The role of Rhodiola extract in cosmetics
- Anti aging
Rhodiola extract stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis, promotes the division of fibroblasts and their synthesis and secretion of collagen, and also secretes collagenase to decompose the original collagen, but the total amount of secretion is greater than the amount of decomposition. Collagen forms collagen fibers outside the cells, and the increase in the content of collagen fibers indicates that Rhodiola has a certain anti-aging effect on the skin.
- Whitening
Rhodiola extract can reduce the generation of melanin in the skin, improve the pigmentation state of the skin, and achieve skin whitening effects by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase and reducing its catalytic rate.
- Sunscreen
Rhodiola extract has a protective effect on cells, and its protective effect is stronger under light conditions. This is because Rhodiola glycoside absorbs light energy and converts it into non-toxic energy for cells, thereby providing protection. Rhodiola glycoside can significantly inhibit the increase of inflammatory cytokines caused by ultraviolet radiation, and has a significant protective effect on skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.
The main active ingredient in Rhodiola extract is salidroside, which has antioxidant, whitening, and radiation resistant effects; Cosmetics mainly use the dry roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola grandiflora, a plant of the Sedum family.