What is Adaptogenic Skincare? The Natural Way to Support Stressed Skin
Adaptogenic skincare is a natural, smarter and gentler way to care for your skin and wellbeing for when life gets busy.
It feels like we all have a chaotic routine day to day and our skin often reflects how we feel inside. Stress, environmental factors and a lack of downtime can leave your complexion looking dull and irritated. That’s where adaptogenic skincare steps in. Powered by plant-based ingredients that support your skin’s natural ability to cope with stress, these formulas are designed to calm, restore and protect your complexion.
To help you find the right adaptogens for your skin, we share what adaptogens are, how they work in skincare, and the most powerful adaptogenic ingredients to look out for. Whether you're new to the concept or have already found the right products for your routine, we’re here to help you find what works for you.
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are natural substances (often herbs or mushrooms) that help your body adapt to stress. For many years now, these ingredients have been integrated into traditional practices like Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, and now they're breaking into the skincare world too.
They work by bringing your body back into balance, which is why they’ve become such a valuable addition to both wellness and beauty routines. In skincare, they help to soothe inflammation, strengthen your skin barrier and support your skin’s ability to repair itself.
Common adaptogenic herbs include: ashwagandha, rhodiola, reishi mushroom and holy basil. These ingredients are included based on the results they deliver to naturally support skin health and your overall wellbeing.
What is Adaptogenic Skincare?
Adaptogenic skincare is a new generation of skin support. It’s powered by the very same herbs and fungi that have been implemented into wellbeing routines for centuries, so we know they can be trusted. These ingredients help your skin respond better to stressors like pollution, UV exposure, lack of sleep and hormonal shifts, without causing further damage or irritation.
Simply put, adaptogenic skincare is about resilience. It's ideal for anyone experiencing sensitivity, redness, flare-ups or dehydration, particularly when these issues are linked to stress levels or your lifestyle. This helps your skin feel calm, comfortable and in control again.
What is the Most Powerful Adaptogen?
When it comes to the most powerful adaptogen, it really is relative and depends on your personal needs. But, key ingredients that consistently take the top of the list is ashwagandha and rhodiola.
Ashwagandha is well known for lowering cortisol levels and for its calming benefits, making it a natural remedy for inflamed or reactive skin. Rhodiola, on the other hand, is great for its energising effects, helping your skin to bounce back after stress or fatigue.
In skincare, these ingredients help to boost radiance and calm signs of stress, which for many of us, is exactly what we need!
What is the Best Adaptogen for Your Skin?
So, what is the best adaptogen for your skin? It depends on what your skin’s asking for:
- Ashwagandha: Helps to calm inflammation, balance oil production and protect against environmental aggressors.
- Rhodiola: Combats stress-induced skin issues, promotes collagen production, brightens skin tone, and protects against environmental stressors.
- Reishi Mushroom: Strengthens your skin barrier and provides antioxidant protection.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi): Detoxifies your skin and helps reduce stress-induced breakouts.
- Turmeric: A natural anti-inflammatory that supports a more even tone and calmer complexion.
- Liquorice Root: Gently brightens the skin and helps tackle pigmentation.
Each adaptogen brings something transformative to your health and wellbeing, and many skincare formulas blend several together to support multiple skincare needs at once.
Adaptogenic Supplements vs. Skincare: What’s the Difference?
While adaptogenic ingredients work wonders in your skincare, their benefits don’t just work at surface level. Adaptogenic supplements can also support your skin health from within, helping to regulate stress, support hormone balance and boost immunity, all of which can impact the way your skin behaves.
Topical skincare products support your skin externally, while supplements support from within. Together, they can create a more holistic, long term approach to your skin health.
Tried & Tested Adaptogenic Skincare We Love
The Rejuvenated Skin Perfecting Complex Supplement is formulated with ashwagandha, zinc and vegan amino acids, helping to calm inflammation and balance stressed skin from within. This is the perfect fix for those prone to flare-ups or hormonal breakouts.
Venn Skincare Probiotics Cica Complex Biome Booster is a potent blend of probiotics and prebiotics designed to balance your skin's microbiome, soothe irritation, and strengthen your skin barrier.
The CENTRED Tender Love and Hair – Menopause Hair Vitamins is a unique formula that supports your scalp and hair health. With a blend of Tri-Adaptogen botanicals (including ashwagandha), these vitamins are designed to rebalance your body from the inside out. A great choice to use throughout menopause to support hormonal shifts.
Dr.Vegan Debloat & Detox Supplement combines milk thistle, burdock and turmeric, all with adaptogenic properties. This supplement creates a great support for your gut health and reduces internal inflammation, ideal for if you're looking to clear your skin.
Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser with Pre + Probiotics is a gentle cleanser enriched with Greek yoghurt and probiotics to nourish and comfort stressed skin.
Adaptogenic Skincare: Finding the right products for you
Adaptogenic skincare is moving us towards smarter, more supportive products that deliver the best natural results for our wellness as well as our skin. If your skin often feels ‘off’, or you’re navigating stress, hormonal changes or sensitivity, introducing adaptogens might just be the best introduction into your skincare routine.
If you’re unsure on what adaptogenic skincare products or supplements are the best suited for your skin concerns, our skin experts are on hand to guide you in the right direction. Click here to book in for a consultation.
Shop Adaptogenic Skincare and Supplements
A combination of skin calming botanicals, vegan amino acids and healthy good bacteria supports natural beauty, soothes skin and promotes collagen synthesis. Suitable for multiple skin conditions including acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.
The innovative Probiotic Cica Complex Biome Booster uses VENN’s proprietary combination of probiotics and prebiotics to help balance your skin’s micro biome.
Looking for more natural skincare support? Don’t miss our recent post sharing the Top 5 Natural Ingredients To Add To Your Skincare Routine, sharing the best tips to maximise your natural skincare routine and deliver the best results for your skin.
