Frankincense, the ancient beauty secret, has been used for centuries to protect and enhance the skin’s healthy appearance. In this month’s blog, we delve into the history of frankincense, how it’s used in skincare products, its benefits and how to choose a skincare formulation with frankincense.
What is frankincense?
Uncovering the power of frankincense in skincare is not a modern-day find–its roots date back centuries. Yet, skincare lovers are still discovering the ancient beauty ingredient today.
Frankincense is an aromatic resin from the Boswellia tree and comes in many forms, including incense, gums and–in skincare–essential oils.
What are frankincense skincare products?
From the days of Cleopatra to now, frankincense skincare products have been a mainstay in beauty routines. Frankincense oil is a concentrated resin used in skincare products to help improve the skin’s appearance and health. The active ingredient is used as an essential oil in skincare formulations.
Everyday products infused with frankincense oil include face oils, serums, creams and masks. The skincare ingredient has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, making it an ideal ingredient for reducing inflammation and fighting free radicals. It can also improve skin elasticity and promote skin hydration as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars and discolouration.
Frankincense oil skincare products also help soothe acne and other skin conditions due to their antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Frankincense essential oil can reduce the size of pores and promote an even skin tone and texture. The active ingredient is used in skincare products to cleanse, detoxify and refresh the skin, making it an essential part of any beauty regimen.
Skinfood founder Sarah Butler first discovered frankincense in skin care as an 11-year-old, after using frankincense incense sticks and diffusing the essential oil. “In 1997, I discovered Neal’s Yard Remedies and their frankincense face cream. I was hooked on the scent so much from using it in a diffuser that I started to research why it had topical skincare benefits and what they were,” says Sarah.
How popular is frankincense in skincare?
Frankincense has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with more people discovering its incredible skincare benefits. It’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and aromatherapy treatments, and the oil is known to inhibit various skin ailments.
Many people are discovering the soothing, therapeutic benefits of frankincense oil in skincare. Not only is it incredibly effective, but it’s also natural and safe to use. Frankincense can be added to soaps, lotions and creams to boost hydration and nourishment.
Why is frankincense used in skincare?
Frankincense is a much-loved active ingredient in the beauty and skincare industry. The essential oil has many benefits, including helping to tone, rejuvenate, repair, invigorate, soothe and calm the skin.
With a long history, which saw the ingredient become popular with Egyptians, frankincense is, for many, a key skincare ingredient in efficacious and sensorial skincare formulations. One thing that would surprise a skincare user about frankincense’s benefits is that “frankincense is highly prized, that’s why it was given as a gift in the Christmas story, and historically, it’s held a higher trading value than gold”, Sarah highlights.
Sarah was inspired to use frankincense as a hero ingredient in her skincare collection. “It has a fantastic ability to be both grounding and uplifting on your mood, making smelling it in cream before applying it to your face or body a great addition to your self-care experience,” Sarah shares.
Hailed as a hero ingredient, Skinfood uses frankincense essential oil in its high-quality skincare products, including its Fabulous Frankincense Serum and Fabulous Frankincense Renewal Cream, designed for all skin types, needs and concerns.
The essential oil can help promote cell regeneration and protect your skin from environmental damage such as UV rays and pollution. Frankincense is also known to have a calming and relaxing effect, reducing stress and promoting wellbeing. Try it and see the results for yourself.
How is frankincense essential oil obtained?
Frankincense oil comes from the Boswellia tree, known for its thin, peeling bark, tangled branches and clustered leaves. Frankincense resin is gathered by tapping into the bark of the Boswellia tree using a special tool.
The process involves making shallow, vertical cuts in the tree trunk and collecting the resin that oozes out. This resin is then steam-distilled to produce the essential oil. Frankincense is known for its sweet, woody, warm and aromatic fragrance.
Frankincense holds such a high market value as the trees can take up to 40 years to mature. “Although they can be tapped for resin at eight to ten years old, the process needs to be carefully managed because each time the trunk is tapped, it creates a wound, which takes time and resources to heal and makes the tree vulnerable to pests during that time,” says Sarah. “The trees also only grow successfully within the Arabian peninsula, meaning demand increases as they are in shorter supply,” details Sarah.
Why is frankincense good for the skin?
Frankincense essential oil moisturises, hydrates and promotes skin health and wellness. It contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent and antifungal qualities to enhance the skin’s healthy appearance. The active ingredient contains nourishing properties and can boost collagen production, plump the skin and decrease the visible signs of ageing.
The active ingredient is recognised for its skin-improving properties and protecting the skin against further damage, easing the effects of free radicals. Including this antioxidant ingredient in skincare formulations helps tone and brighten skin, reducing blemishes and signs of ageing. The essential oil also contains antibacterial and antiseptic qualities to reduce the effects of compromising skin concerns such as breakouts and infections, inflammation and the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
Frankincense is used in skincare formulations to reduce acne and soothe inflammation and redness. It can also help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and improve skin tone and texture. The active ingredient has a calming, soothing scent, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a natural way to relax and promote skin health.
Benefits of frankincense essential oil in facial skincare
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Moisturises and hydrates skin
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Boosts collagen production
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Possesses antioxidant properties, which help rejuvenate damaged skin and reduce the appearance of pockmarks and scars
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Regulates overproduction of sebum, helping to prevent clogged pores and spots
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Helps balance the skin as it can combat discolouration and redness, promoting a clear and even skin tone
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Possesses anti-inflammatory properties, calming inflammation and helping to manage acne-prone skin
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Possesses antibacterial properties that can kill the bacteria that cause acne, avoiding more breakouts
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Possesses antiseptic properties, helping prevent the onset and severity of infections
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A natural astringent that works to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections and conditions like acne and wounds
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Reduces signs of ageing
What skin types is frankincense good for?
Frankincense suits all skin types, from dry and sensitive to oily and combination skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for soothing redness and irritation, while its astringent properties help to balance oil production and reduce breakouts. Helpful for people with oily skin, frankincense is known for contributing towards the balancing of sebum production to help avoid clogged pores and spots.
Additionally, frankincense can help to increase the skin’s natural radiance and protect it from environmental damage. It can lock in moisture for dry skin while relieving itching and flaking. Its antiseptic properties also benefit acne-prone skin, as it helps to control bacteria. Frankincense can also help to tighten and tone the skin, making it an excellent choice for helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Choosing and using frankincense products
Try applying products that contain the highest quality frankincense oil to your face for a more radiant complexion. When choosing frankincense for skincare, it’s essential to consider the quality of the oil. Look for an essential oil with no added fillers or carrier oils.
Boswellia serrata is a popular variety known for its anti-ageing and calming properties, while Boswellia carterii is known to be especially helpful for skin conditions like acne and eczema.
Unlock the incredible power of frankincense in skincare. Reap the rewards of nature’s ancient remedy and experience the soothing effects of frankincense oil in your skincare products and wellbeing routine.
