When considering the essential skincare powerhouses we couldn’t be without, retinol always remains front of mind. A form of Vitamin A, retinol is an indispensable protagonist in skincare, adored for its ability to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone, as much as its contribution to a clear complexion. It is so effective, in fact, that we find ourselves constantly looking for ways that we can increase our skin’s intake, sourcing new and innovative formulations to ensure we maximise the benefits and reap the rewards.
Recently, Emma Lewisham, a brand that has long led the new frontier of innovative, natural skincare, released an independent biomedical research study to unveil the benefits of a plant-derived alternative to retinol, directly compared to its synthetic counterparts. Here, independent labs measured Emma Lewisham’s enhanced award-winning Supernatural Face Oil (formulated to achieve the same results as retinol) against a 1% synthetic retinol, which is considered a high over-the-counter-concentration in product formulations. Researchers found the Emma Lewisham oil to have 32% higher fibroblast proliferation (the process that makes collagen) than the retinol tested, alongside another leading brand. It was also proven to stimulate cellular collagen production, the building blocks of good skin. With this recent research — conducted here in New Zealand — Emma Lewisham’s entirely natural (but still highly nuanced) formulation has come out on top, an unsurprising result for those who have tried it.
Trinity Bioactives’ Director of Research, Dr Paul Davis, explains that the enhanced formula was the standout performer when it came to the biological processes that lead to collagen production and skin rejuvenation. “This is impressive and shows that Emma Lewisham’s formulating philosophy, which is rooted first and foremost in the physiology of the skin, demonstrates an ability to work with the skin to enhance its own bioactivity potential and achieve amplified results.”
By boosting collagen production, promoting cell turnover, and reducing the activity of enzymes that break down collagen, Vitamin A has become an essential ingredient in our skincare routines. The ritualistic nature of its use helps to revitalise and enhance the overall health and look of the skin, allowing the formidable agent’s most loyal converts to tap into the confidence of an effervescent glow.
The Supernatural Face Oil itself, one of the foremost products in Emma Lewisham’s range, differs from traditional retinol in many facets. Formulated to imitate the effects without the harsh processes, it is a more nourishing and gentle product, which means that the skin can absorb the properties it needs without undue stress and irritation — and the abundance of complications that one faces when incorporating retinol into a routine for the first time. It allows flexibility in routine and virtually no necessary downtime, just an improved glow from the get-go.
The enhanced formula, comprised of 15 scientifically-backed ingredients, finds its strength in binding innovative chloroplasts with bakuchiol to create a powerful complex on the skin. The plant extract has garnered such notoriety for the retinol-like results on the skin by binding to the skin’s Vitamin A receptors and evoking a cellular response. Additionally, for those who need it, this plant-based Vitamin A oil is safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Soon-to-be and new mothers have often been left out of this skincare category at a time when they may need it the most, yet this natural formulation raises no cause for concern — whereas any chemically-derived counterparts should be avoided entirely.
So, while the efficacy of ‘natural’ and plant-derived ingredients has seemingly been up for debate, finally there is tangible, measurable proof that this approach to beauty is better. After all, with what we know about some skincare ingredients, wouldn’t we all prefer a natural alternative? For me, this is proof that the natural approach is more than enough. And so, with greener ambitions, we will be lathering our faces in Emma Lewisham’s enhanced Supernatural Facial Oil as part of our daily routines — one step that is nothing less than essential for lasting radiance.
