Frankincense, Most known in Arabic as “luban adakar” derived from the powerful bark of the Boswellia tree, has been prized since ancient times for its healing, regenerating, and even mind-centering properties. Get better acquainted with one of the most beloved ingredients in the skin care universe!
The toning and rejuvenating properties of frankincense make it one of the most important oils for invigorating the complexion, particularly for mature skin, and repairing skin damage. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities, which make it useful for healing wounds. Its distinctive aroma has a soothing effect on the nervous system than can both uplift and calm.
LET’S DIG DEEP INTO THE PRECIOUS SKINCARE INGREDIENT QUITE RIGHTLY CROWNED A HERO, AND ITS ABILITY TO TRANSFORM YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE.
Blog Content:
1. The history of Frankincense
2. Frankincense: bioactive compounds
3. Frankincense benefits in improving skin health
4. Our frankincense skincare collection
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The history of Frankincense
Frankincense is an aromatic resin from the Boswellia sacra tree. These typically grow on limestone rocks in desert areas like the Arabian Peninsula. The aromatic and medicinal compound that likely signaled luxury way back then (the word "frankincense" itself springs from Anglo-French "franc" — as in expensive — and incense), remains a costly commodity that's growing in popularity. The plant’s powerful properties have been praised since the 6th century. with many of its benefits linked to relaxation and healing of the mind, body and soul. Since ancient Egyptian times, this rich botanical oil has been used in skincare because of its natural rejuvenating properties.
For thousands of years, frankincense has been traded as a precious cultural asset, resulting in one of the oldest trade routes in the world for the valuable resin: the legendary Frankincense Route. In the Arabian Peninsula and in North Africa, frankincense was worth its weight in gold. The collection of frankincense resin remains a very laborious process to this day. The time and effort it takes to harvest frankincense contribute to its expense.
Before the advent of modern medicine, frankincense was often used by doctors of the past. It was believed that frankincense essential oil had antiseptic, toning, and disinfecting effects. They also used frankincense oil for a sedative, diuretic, expectorant, and astringent.
In more modern times, people have used frankincense oil to normalize the bowels, heal wounds on the skin, lessen the appearance of stretch marks, and to help quit smoking by curbing cravings. In China, incense is used for inflammation of the joints.
2. Frankincense: Bioactive compounds
Frankincense oil is a blessing for enriched skin and hair texture, for it is bestowed with bioactive plant-based compounds. These components include boswellic acids, terpenes, benzoic acid, phthalates, organic esters that portray powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The treasure trove of phytonutrients in frankincense essential oil make it a great natural remedy for myriad beauty woes like acne, wrinkles, dandruff. It is also incorporated into skin and hair care products, besides being extensively applied in aromatherapy.
A research published in 2006 by the American Botanical Council on the medicinal effects of the boswellic acid, extracted from the frankincense. The authors concluded that the 0.5% BA (Boswellic Acid) cream is "effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of selected clinical features of photodamaged skin." They stated that the reduction of fine lines, and increase in skin thickness suggest that "a reshaping and a new deposition of collagen and elastic fibers took place.
According to a research done in 2010, the present findings seem to indicate that the topical application of BA (Boswellic Acid) may represent a suitable treatment option for selected features of skin photoaging.
A recent study has shown also that Boswellia appears to be effective in reducing inflammation, so it may also lessen the symptoms of RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) and also found that the essential oil from boswellia impaired aggressive skin cancer cells without harming healthy skin cells.
3. Frankincense benefits in improving skin health
Heals acne scars and dark spots
Laden with natural benzoic acid and phthalic acid derivatives, frankincense oil holds powerful antiseptic and wound-healing properties. It is thus an astounding remedy for fixing distended red scars, swollen bumps and dented pits that arise during acne flare-ups. Known for its amazing healing properties, Frankincense oil has long been used to reduce dark spots, heal and prevent acne scarring and generally reducing the appearance of scars, stretch marks and general wear-and-tear on skin.
Soothes irritated skin
Because the essential oil of frankincense contains the active ingredient boswellic acid, this oil boasts of anti-inflammatory properties to reduce skin redness and irritation. Frankincense can keep skin clean and calm it down during acne breakouts. Its soothing effect also ensures good skin tone due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Gives your skin a natural radiance and glow
As it heals and soothes, it gives skin a natural glow, allowing the healthy new skin cells to shine and improving skin's natural radiance. Because it’s a natural antioxidant too, it made perfect sense as a key ingredient in our Eclat Serum, a botanical-packed powerhouse that hydrates, nourishes and enhances skin appearance and health.
Improves Skin Elasticity
In the same study, frankincense benefits include the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, defense mechanisms against blemishes, and appearance as someone ages. It may help tone and lift skin.
No Wrinkles, No Worries
The bioactive ingredients of Frankincense slows down the process of ageing. The oil rejuvenates the skin by revitalizing the synthesis of collagen. Using skincare products containing Frankincense oil regularly will significantly minimize the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and also boosts the synthesis of collagen to rejuvenate skin texture and reveal a flawless, youthful complexion.
Soothes dry skin
Frankincense essential oil possesses fantastic emollient qualities, thanks to its gel-like yet light consistency. Owing to the vast array of plant-based oils and fats, this aromatic potion works wonders in resolving dry skin by regenerating patches of rough, flaky, peeling tissues. Frankincense essential oil is a proven and effective solution for mending damaged skin in inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and rosacea.
4. Our Frankincense skincare collection
The frankincense we use is sustainably sourced from the Boswellia sacra trees that grow wild in the Dhofar region of Oman, a country on the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula, which provides optimal growing conditions for the Boswellia tree and yields exceptionally fine and high quality frankincense resin. It’s distilled locally, supporting local collectors and businesses.
There are many ways to use this miraculous botanical in cosmetic, either by using the essential oil of the Frankincense, or hydrosol or maceration. We use these 3 forms of Frankincense in our Rejuvenate & Glow products to get the maximum benefits out of this precious ingredient.
We have based many of our skincare products entirely upon Frankincense — the latest addition being our new Frankincense Rejuvenate & Glow full set. Our first product launched with Frankincense was back in 2021, it was the amazing collagen soap. We have received so many positive reviews on this particular product, that we decided in 2023 to launch a complete skincare routine with Frankincense including Rejuvenating Face Polish, a Brightening Toner, Eclat Serum, Rejuvenating cream and Frankincense & Myrrh Body Scrub. Our customers who had adopted the Rejuvenate & Glow set in their routine experienced an improved skin texture, minimized pores, fading away of dark spots and a remarkable glow and radiance. We had many customers who claimed retrieving their young looking skin and not needing to wear make on daily basis.
Don't wait any longer! Get your Rejuvenate & Glow set and revitalize your skin!
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20136919/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326599#summary
http://herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/issues/bin_392/review120691-392/
