An Antioxidant That Does It All

Antioxidant vs. Skincare

With the amounts of exposure our skin gets to everything around us, antioxidants have become a vital part of any effective routine. Antioxidants can shield the skin from damage by limiting free radical production and harm from the sun. Not only do they protect the skin, they can also fight signs of aging and calm any skin irritations. Overall, antioxidants are defenders against all types of dangers to the skin.

Common Sources of Antioxidants

The following antioxidants are the most common amongst skincare products. We have outlined where they are derived from:

• Vitamin A

  • Vitamin A can either come in the form of retinoids (from animal sources and includes retinol) or carotenoids (from plants and includes beta-carotene

  • Great for anti-aging and improving skin tone

• Vitamin C

  • Vitamin C is often found in skincare as ascorbic acid/L-ascorbic acid

  • A favorite for boosting collagen and fading dark spots, can also fight against sun damage

• Vitamin E

  • Vitamin E is a popular antioxidant found in moisturizers, creams and lotions (especially for dry skin)

  • A must have for aiding the skin’s healing process, adding hydration, and stabilizing other antioxidants

• Vitamin B3

  • Commonly referred to as niacinamide, Vitamin B3 helps improve the skin’s texture and tone

  • By reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and any hyperpigmentation, Vitamin B3 can calm and soothe the skin while strengthening the skin’s barrier

• Green Tea

  • Covered in detail within this article, green tea or EGCG has multiple benefits for the skin such as anti-inflammatory properties, hydration, and protection

• Resveratrol (red grapes or red wine)

  • Derived from red grapes or wine, resveratrol is sometimes known as the “longevity molecule” due to its anti-aging properties

  • With anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal features, resveratrol can fight aging and skin-irritations

What is EGCG?:

Just like how a warm cup of green tea can soothe the mind and body, the benefits of using green tea in skincare are abundant as well and can provide benefits from the inside out. While EGCG might not mean anything to you upon first glance, chances are you might already be applying it to your skin. Short for epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG is the most potent extract and active ingredient found within green tea. It can be used in a variety of products and mixtures as it works well with other ingredients. An increasingly used ingredient in the skincare industry, EGCG provides antioxidants, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it popular amongst product formulators. The polyphenols found in green tea can also help with sun-damage.

Tracing the Benefits of Green Tea:

A botanical derived from the leaves and buds of camellia sinensis, a tea plant, the advantages of green tea don’t just stop at antioxidants and soothing properties. The caffeine and tannins in green tea also reduce the size of blood vessels and puffiness. Both protective and remedial, green tea can provide the following wonders to your skin:

• Shielding: We mention the antioxidants properties of EGCG above, but EGCG can truly act as a shield for the skin. Protecting the skin against free radicals caused by environmental stressors, EGCG tackles both UV radiation and pollution.

• Anti-aging & healing: By reducing and preventing signs of sun damage, EGCG defends the skin against roughness, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation while also promoting skin elasticity. EGCG can also help with skin scarring and may also be able to shrink keloid scars by over 40%.

• Soothing: The anti-inflammatory properties of EGCG can keep puffiness at bay and is a hero ingredient for those that suffer from eczema, dandruff, or psoriasis. EGCG can also minimize excess sebum, making it a great option for acne-fighting skincare. EGCG has also been proven to aid the skin in moisture and hydration retention.

Adding EGCG To Your Routine:

Not only is green tea great for daily consumption, it can also be safely used on the skin on a daily basis. Suitable for all skin types, EGCG is most effective when used with other antioxidants such as Vitamin C or C. When antioxidants are used together, the effects are enhanced and can penetrate the skin at a deeper level. Hyaluronic acid is also a popular combination option for EGCG.

Some of the most popular types or products that include EGCG are cleansers, serums, moisturizers/eye creams, and face masks.

Reference/Research Articles:

• https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-green-tea-for-skin

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23742288/

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384166/

• https://www.byrdie.com/green-tea-for-skin-4843092

• https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/skin-soothing/green-tea.html

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796122/

• https://www.100percentpure.com/blogs/feed/the-egcg-routine#:~:text=When%20applied%20topically%2C%20the%20EGCG,a%20more%20smooth%2C%20radiant%20complexion

• https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/antioxidants-for-skin

• https://www.dermstore.com/blog/antioxidants-in-skin-care/#:~:text=Antioxidants%20help%20skin%20repair%20itself,youthful%20skin%2C%E2%80%9D%20adds%20Dr.

• https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/anti-aging-wrinkles/five-super-anti-aging-antioxidants-your-skin-needs.html

• https://www.wellandgood.com/antioxidants-for-skin-benefits/

GENTLE C+ HYDRATING CLEANSING FOAM

Reintroducing the Foaming Cleanser

Cleansers For Each Skin Type:

Whether it be the end of a heavy makeup day or a relaxing no-makeup day, an effective cleanser is a necessity. Our skin collects impurities throughout the day regardless of what we do and a proper cleanser can ensure that your skin stays clear and healthy.

Facial cleansers differ from usual soap in that they are less-drying and are formulated with ingredients that are non-stripping and gentle for the delicate skin on the face. Well-formulated cleansers can successfully keep pores clear of dirt, remove sebum (a mix of oil and debris that collects throughout the day), keep dead skin cells at bay, and infuse the deeper layers of the skin with nutrients and moisturizing elements.

Cleansers can come in all forms and formulas - while it seems that new types are coming out all the time, we have broken down the most-popular forms below.

Primary Cleansers

Primary cleansers are the ones that are used everyday regardless of makeup wear. A good primary cleanser is a must and can make a huge difference on the health of your skin.

• Cream: Cream cleansers are usually the go-to type for those looking for a gentle and moisturizing cleanse. Cream cleansers can either be mixed with water or applied directly to the skin and can be easily wiped off with a towel. Suitable for sensitive or drier skin types, cream cleansers are great for maintaining the right amount of oil on the skin and for providing a non-stripping experience. Cream cleansers can also be a great option for a first cleanse product for those that are accustomed to the double cleansing method.

• Gel: Gel cleansers usually have a clear, gel-like consistency and are a great option for deep cleansing. These formulas can help unclog pores, remove excess oil, and cleanse away bacteria from the skin’s surface. Gel cleansers can sometimes also come with exfoliating properties depending on the ingredients. Gel cleansers are recommended for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

• Foaming: Last but not least, foaming cleansers are another tried and true method loved by many. Formulated with a foaming agent, these cleaners become bubbly or sudsy as they are mixed with water. The highlight of these cleansers is the foaming quality - the foaming particles can get deeper into the pores and lift even the most stubborn impurities. Foaming cleansers are great for those with an oilier skin type, but can truly work for all skin types if the right foaming cleanser is used.

Make-Up Removing Cleansers:

For those of you that wear makeup or sunscreen on a daily basis, makeup removing cleansers or a “first” cleanse is highly recommended. These cleansers break up the makeup or sunscreen on the skin and prepare the skin to fully experience the benefits of your primary or second cleanser.

• Micellar: A water-based, non-soap cleanser, micellar water has become a very popular option as well. When cleansing the face with micellar water, the surfactants in the cleanser collect into tiny clusters called micelles whenever they are mixed with oil or dirt. These tiny clusters can then be easily rinsed off the skin. Micellar cleansers can be used with a cotton pad or cleansing towel and do not require rinsing. This cleanser type is best suited for all skin types, especially when used as a first cleanse in a routine.

• Oil: Using the “oil attracts oil” method, oil cleansers have also become a staple within many routines. Oil cleansers absorb impurities that gather on the skin and are nourishing at the same time. Especially popular amongst those with dry skin or those who wear heavy make-up, oil cleansers can be directly massaged onto the skin and will rinse off without drying the skin. A tip is to always look for oil cleansers that are non-comedogenic - a few of our recommendations include rosehip, squalane, grape seed, jojoba, tea tree, and sunflower oils.

Debunking the Foaming Myths:

While foaming cleansers have been around for a long time, there have been many misconceptions that have developed. Many people believe that foaming cleansers are irritating because they strip natural oils from the skin. This is actually caused by any cleanser that includes sodium lauryl sulfate or a SLS (synthetic agent). New formulations that have hit the market in the last few years have started using coconut derived or plant derived foaming agents that are gentler and pH balanced. Most natural-ingredient-based foaming cleansers don’t contain SLS and can be used for all skin types. Some benefits of natural-ingredient-based foaming cleansers can be found below:

Benefits:

• Works well for all skin types

• Provides an interactive and fun cleansing experience

• Allows a deep cleanse with every use

• Can include many antioxidants that penetrate all layers of the skin

WAN’s Way:

At WAN Cosmetics, we are big fans of a natural and effective cleanser. Our newest release, the Gentle C+ Hydrating Cleanser, embodies all the benefits of the new-age foaming cleansers. Gentle, soothing, and moisturizing, our cleanser removes impurities and prepares the skin for your routine without disturbing the pH balance or barrier of the skin. Using natural ingredients (listed below) and a mix of Vitamin C + aloe vera, this is the ideal cleanser for those that want a deep and non-irritating cleanser that repairs and rejuvenates.

Active Ingredients:

• Aloe Leaf Juice - Provides moisture and hydration

• Orange Fruit Water - Great source of Vitamin C

• Coffee Seed Extract - Adds antioxidants

• Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract - Improves circulation and increases oxygen and nutrients

• Citric Acid - Great source of Vitamin C

Moisturizing Ingredients:

• Glycerin - Provides moisture and hydration

• Aloe Leaf Juice - Provides moisture and hydration

• Sodium PCA - A naturally-occurring amino acid known as Proline found in proteins to smooth skin. It’s an important skin-identical ingredient and great natural moisturizer that helps the skin to hold onto water and stay nicely hydrated. PCA is a naturally occurring component of human skin and a part of the "natural moisturizing factors" (NMF) that maintain a healthy epidermis.

Cleansing System:

WAN Cosmetics’ unique cleansing system is made up of ingredients that are all plant-sourced, mild, and suitable for sensitive skin. We have also proactively selected ingredients that are environmentally-friendly.

• Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate - Especially well-suited for cleansing sensitive skin. It is also a mild surfactant with very good detergency and foaming power. It is produced from vegetable oils and is therefore readily biodegradable.

• Coco-Glucoside - A powerful natural cleanser and because it is derived from coconut and fruit sugars, it is gentle enough for all skin types and is perfectly biodegradable. A gentle cleanser that is biodegradable, non-toxic, residue free and well tolerated by sensitive skin.

• Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate - Well-suited for cleansing sensitive skin with good detergency & foaming power. It’s made of vegetable oil with biodegradable features.

Back to Basics:

One of the best aspects of the modern world of skincare is the vast number of options available for all types of products. With so many formulations to choose from, finding the perfect cleanser for your skin may seem like a challenge but can result in being so rewarding for your skin and routine. Knowing that it can be daunting when faced with so many choices, WAN’s recommendation is to return to the basics and to review your skin type and skin challenges as you start your search for the ideal cleanser. With a shift in the industry to providing products with healthier and cleaner ingredients, we hope that you will find a cleanser, whether foaming or not, that works well for your skin.

Reference/Research Articles:

• https://www.instyle.com/beauty/how-choose-between-foam-cleanser-cream-cleanser-micellar-water-or-oil-cleanser

• https://sukiskincare.com/blogs/suki-tribe/foaming-cleanser-vs-gel-cleanser#:~:text=The%20foaming%20quality%20is%20part,leaving%20your%20skin%20feeling%20revitalized.

• https://www.katesomerville.com/us/en/blog/gel-vs-foaming-face-wash.html

• https://theklog.co/difference-between-foaming-and-gel-cleansers/

• https://thenakedchemist.com/the-benefits-of-sodium-pca-in-skincare/

• https://www.makeyourown.buzz/blog/coco-glucoside-uses-and-benefits/

• https://www.weleda.com/ingredients/ingredients-glossary/c/coco-glucoside-coco-glucoside

• https://www.weleda.com/ingredients/ingredients-glossary/d/disodium-cocoyl-glutamate-disodium-cocoyl-glutamate