What is a Botanical Serum and How is it Different than a Face Oil or Traditional Serum?
It's amazing how many beautiful and beneficial ingredients can be found within the gifts that Mother Nature has bestowed upon us. We as a population have long considered the nutritional value from fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet, replenishing our cells and bodies overall. The skin is our largest organ and we at Meadow and Bark are obsessed with the idea that in order to make it thrive, glow and reflect our true beauty, it must be properly nourished.
The Botanical Serum was our first product and it truly embodies this belief. It's an antioxidant, nourishing face oil that is packed with our proprietary Phyto-Lumen complex, along with marine and botanical extracts that include an abundance of Vitamins A,B,C,D,E & K. It has been lovingly designed and crafted with luxurious, potent botanicals that deliver a quenching superfood for your skin.
Botanical meaning it's derived from earth's plants while serum equals a non-greasy, active filled treatment that can penetrate into deeper layers of the skin.
Traditional serums incorporate mostly water mixed with emulsifiers and oils plus a host of actives to target specific concerns like wrinkles, inflammation and dull skin.
Due to their larger molecular weight, face oils are generally used as the last step prior to sunscreen in your skincare routine. They seal in the hydration and benefits of their predecessors which may include essences, serums and lotions or creams.
The M&B Botanical Serum is designed with a series of botanical oils and targeted actives that bring various molecular weights allowing the smallest particle sizes to pull the larger ones through, especially when paired with damp skin. We like to say, you can bring your own water to the party so that our forumulas are delivering maximum potency and zero fillers. For example, oils with smaller particle sizes like Grapeseed, Argan, Cloudberry and Jojoba do a great job at enabling fast absorption and bring the larger molecular weight of our Phyto-Lumen complex into deeper layers for more nourishing and glow worthy results.
What is the Phtyo-Lumen Complex?
Organically grown in raised beds by the water in Long Beach, NY are the ingredients that promote skin tightness, hydration and radiance while reducing the appearance of inflammation and fine lines. They include purslane, calendula, borage, alfalfa and coltsfoot. We grow and nurture these botanical supers throughout the spring and early summer, then clip and dry them before sun- soaking the goods for 4-6 weeks in organic, cold pressed Avocado Oil.
Benefits of purslane:
Study after study has shown the remarkable power of purslane for our skin and bodies. In the US, this green veggie with red stems has long been thought of as an aggressive weed, growing rampantly in gardens and in the cracks of sidewalks. It is high in vitamins A, C and E as well as copper, magnesium, calcium and phosphorous. Research has proven that Purslane, Ginko Biloba, Maltese Mushroom and Silymarin (found in Milk Thistle which we incorporate in our Glycolic Toner and Envy Oil Cleanser) can help activate our Telomerase which are known as the fountain of youth enzymes. Sprinkle bits of purslane into your salad for an extra dose of nourishment.
Benefits of calendula:
We love this orange, sunshine beauty for it's ability to calm and soothe inflammation. It's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants which means that it can help slow the signs of aging. It's also believed to be an effective soother for eczema and other skin conditions.
Benefits of alfalfa, coltsfoot and borage:
The combination of these herbs help to fight inflammation and revitalize dull skin. Packed with proteins and essential nutrients, minerals and Vitamins A, B, C, D & E - they have some serious anti-aging and glow clout.
Thinking of trying our Botanical Serum? Drop us a line with questions - we'd love to hear from you @ hello@meadowandbark.com
Marisa