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Sacha Inchi Skin Benefits

Superfoods aren’t just for eating. Some of them are also highly beneficial when applied topically to the skin. Enter Sacha Inchi (plukentia volubilis), an extraordinary plant that grows on vines native to the Peruvian Amazon. You could say Sacha Inchi is the new health nut for health nuts. But what makes this exotic botanical seed so special?

A Brief History of Sacha Inchi

The earliest accounts of Sacha Inchi use dates back to the Peruvian Mochica and Chimu civilizations some 3000 to 5000 years ago, confirmed by ceramic artifacts discovered from this era. It continued to be used and grown by the Chancas and then the Incas. Also known as Sacha Peanut, Jungle Peanut, or Inca Peanut, depictions of the plant have been discovered on Incan tombs.

Sacha Inchi remained a local secret until 1976. That’s when the Peruvian Minister for Agriculture opened an investigation on the Amazonian region’s potential for new types of food crops. Once Sacha Inchi’s impressive nutritional profile was recognized along with its ability to be sustainably harvested, the spotlight shone on its opportunity for growth as a functional food. Sacha Inchi was first exported to Switzerland from Peru in the mid 2000s. In January 2013, the European Union approved Sacha Inchi oil for sale as a novel food. In October 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Sacha Inchi as Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS).

A picture of sacha inchi pods unripened and a cross section of sacha inchi pods ripened and opened sitting atop a mound of dried sacha inchi nut seeds

Sacha Inchi Health Benefits

Sacha Inchi seed oil is obtained by cold press extraction using mechanical pressure. The seeds (nuts) are considered a superfood due to their impressive nutritional profile. They possess a high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids (94%), rich in Alpha-linolenic (Omega 3, 45-60%) and Linoleic (Omega 6, 25-37%) polyunsaturated fatty acids. They also contains Oleic (Omega 9, 8-12%) monounsaturated fatty acid plus Palmitic (3-5%) and Stearic (1.5%) saturated fatty acids. Sacha Inchi is also a robust source of antioxidant Vitamin E.

The human body does not produce Omega 3 or Omega 6, yet these nutrients are essential for optimal body and skin health. Omega 3 in particular is a potent anti-inflammatory essential fatty acid. Sacha Inchi seeds possess about 10 times more Omega 3 by gram weight than salmon and about 3 times more Omega 6 by gram weight than flaxseeds.

A study published in a 2011 edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry noted that Sacha Inchi contains very high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that supports the production of serotonin, the body’s natural feel-good hormone and mood stabilizer. Sacha Inchi has also been shown to help balance cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone. Since Sacha Inchi has the capability of influencing hormone levels, aiding the body with its adaptive response to stress, it is considered to be an adaptogenic herb.

A picture of dried ripened Sacha Inchi seeds

Sacha Inchi Supports Healthy Skin

Recent studies show that the body can effectively absorb essential fatty acids like Omegas through the skin and into the blood stream. When applied topically, Sacha Inchi oil nourishes the skin to help support cell membrane integrity, encourage cell regeneration, and increase skin elasticity. By reinforcing skin’s lipid balance, it also helps to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), increasing skin moisture levels. Sacha Inchi oil is readily bio-available, and requires no preservative as it natural has the ability to fight oxidation.

The Skin Science

According to GREENTECH, the company that supplies Humanist Beauty with Sacha Inchi seed oil (Organic Lipactive Inca Inchi® WO) for its Humanist Beauty Facial Oil formula:

“Linoleic and linolenic acids are essential to the formation of the epidermal lipid barrier. They are cell membrane structural fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fatty acids are eicosanoid precursors, antagonists of inflammatory reactions. Linoleic acid also contributes to reducing black heads and the associated skin irritation.”

It supports its claims by way of clinical and sensory studies.

First, an in vitro keratinocyte regeneration simulation supporting +19% improved cell regeneration vs. control at 95% confidence level:

Chart showing cutometer results: skin suppleness: +66% vs. control. Radar chart showing sensory test results: Comfort 83%, Flexibility 88%, Softeness 94%, Moisturization 85%.

Next, an in vivo cutometer study supporting 66% increased skin suppleness after 28 days and a sensory test indicating improved perceived skin aesthetics:

Keratinocyte Regenration Simulation: +19% vs. Control. Reconstructed epidermis microscopic imagery vs. control.

GREENTECH has also conducted skin safety tests to determine that its ingredient is non-irritating, hypoallergenic, non-mutagenic and non-pro-mutagenic, and non-phototoxic.

Sacha Inchi Cultivation

While many other botanical oils are produced through plantations, Sacha Inchi is a forest crop, thriving in heavily forested areas. Its seed oil is produced through eco-friendly harvesting that encourages reforestation. In 2003, an Inca Inchi cultivation and industrialization development program was initiated in Peru called OMEGA Programme. This program supports the reforestation of the Amazon and operates in the context of fair and sustainable trade. This helps thousands of families living in the Peruvian Amazon, and GREENTECH is a founding member of this initiative. Hence, the Sacha Inchi oil used in Humanist Beauty products is both sustainably sourced and fair trade.

In addition to the OMEGA Programme, there are other charitable and fair trade initiatives fostering sustainable Amazonian Sacha Inchi cultivation. Your purchase of Herban Wisdom Facial Oil not only helps support the local Amazonian indigenous people, it contributes to the greater movement towards building a regenerative economy founded upon positive social and environmental impact.

If you’d like to receive a sample of Herban Wisdom Facial Oil, click here to order. The sample is free, there’s just a small charge for shipping and handling.

Why Are Adaptogens Trending?

A simple guide to understanding adaptogens and how they work

If you’re interested in natural skincare or all-natural remedies to improve well-being, you’ve probably run across the term “adaptogens.” After all, healthier lifestyles incorporating superfoods, plant-based ingredients, and holistic wellness practices are gaining widespread momentum, and adaptogens as of late has been a big part of the trend. Here, we’ve encapsulated the lowdown on adaptogens and why they’re so special.

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are herbal compounds that help the body “adapt” to physical, emotional, and environmental stressors. Counteracting the effects of acute and chronic stress, adaptogens act as a physiological resistance mechanism. Found in plant-based herbs and mushrooms, these miracle compounds assist the body to promote optimal, normalized function.

A brief history of adaptogen research

In the early 1900s, Nanai hunters were the first to introduce Russian scientists to berries and seeds that could help night vision. During war times, pilots consumed these “tonics” to increase energy, improve vision, and avoid body fatigue. The results led to what we know about modern-day adaptogens. The term “adaptogen” was introduced into scientific literature by Russian toxicologist Nikolay Lazarev in 1957 to refer to substances that increase the “state of non-specific resistance” in stress.

Although modern doctors and scientists have since popularized the term “adaptogen”, Ancient practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine herald the first recorded use of herbal tonics referred to as rejuvenators, qi tonics or rasayana, herbs that are today classified as adaptogens. These tonics were used to normalize the body from ailments ranging from sexual weakness to thirst, shortness of breath to body fatigue, exhaustion to diabetes, and stress management to overall vitality.

How do adaptogens work?

Adaptogens interact with four primary systems within the body:

1) Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis or Endocrine system

2) Central nervous system

3) Immune system

4) Sympatho-adrenal system (fight or flight)

On a day-to-day functional level, our system is constantly “resisting” stressors: working out, deadline pressure, running late to an appointment. During these uncomfortable moments, our body releases hormones, such as adrenaline, to resist these stressors and produce a feeling of confidence, strength, or prolonged energy. Adaptogens fuel this natural reaction, giving you natural resistance and extended results.

Research conducted by Dr. Alexander Panossian, Research Projects Director at the Swedish Herbal Institute, indicates that adaptogens work on a cellular level, influencing the body’s cortisol release. His studies highlight the effects of adaptogens on the body’s ability to respond to stress, to produce energy and stamina, and to reduce fatigue.

How Do Adaptogens Work?

Adaptogen evolution

Three general characteristics were defined in 1969 by pharmacologists Brekham and Dardymov of what constituted a true adaptogen:

  • Nontoxic —not harmful and has minimal to no side effects.
  • Nonspecific —builds adaptive energy, with ability to both raise and lower, to keep the body in balance when affected by multiple stressors.
  • Normalizing —enhances natural homeostatic mechanisms to help return stressed physiological systems to normal.

The original list of adaptogenic herbs included Panax Ginseng, American Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Siberian Ginseng (or Eleuthero), Schisandra, Rhodiola, Shilajit, Rhaponticum (or Maral Root) and Cordyceps. As research evolves, however, the definition and list of true adaptogens continues to evolve. For example, many researchers would today classify botanicals like Sacha Inchi, Turmeric, Reishi, Licorice Root, Holy Basil, Amla, Bacopa, Goji Berry, Jiaogulan, Gotu Kola, Aloe Vera, Maca, and Shatavari as adaptogens.

Final Thoughts

In full transparency, the Humanist Beauty Herban Wisdom™ Facial Oil is made with natural extracts that more progressive investigators would classify as adaptogenic such as  Licorice Root and Sacha Inchi. You can find the whole list of ingredients used here.

Adaptogens and adaptogenic agents are not without controversy, with some citing poor clinical testing methodology and a lack of solid proof of efficacy. Others point to the thousands of years of use in TCM and Ayurveda as substantiation enough. Due to their proven activity on rebalancing cortisol-related responses, it stands to reason that topical application of adaptogenic substances on inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne or edema or erythema could be beneficial to calming and soothing the skin. Though most adaptogens are perfectly safe when used in skin care, it is important to read the product labels, and if there are concerns, consult with a skin specialist, if possible, before use.

Three Amazing CBD Skin Benefits

Three Amazing CBD Skin Benefits

Plus Three Things to Look for In CBD Skincare

It’s a part of life…at one point or another, we all have experiences that impact the look and feel of our skin, whether it’s symptoms of stress, hormonal imbalance, unhealthy diet, over-exposure to the sun, or the natural progression of aging. With all the news about CBD (cannabidiol) and the benefits of CBD for skin, we’re here to clear away the hype and get to the truth about why CBD is actually really amazing for the wellness of modern skin conditions. In essence, there’s a reason why cannabis has been heralded for thousands of years as one of the greatest plant medicines on earth. It’s because there are very specific ways the compounds in the cannabis plant work to heal living tissue, including the human epidermis.

Interestingly, if you have sensitive, oily skin, acne, eczema, or premature signs of aging such as wrinkles and skin laxity, these are conditions that cannabidiol has been scientifically shown to address and remedy, naturally.

Here are three benefits of CBD for skin. Adding whole hemp CBD to your daily skincare routine can help to decrease stress, reduce inflammation, and promote anti-aging in your skin. It’s important to remember that Humanist Beauty is not here to provide medical advice. We leave that to your doctor, therapist, or practitioner. We’re here to help share information with you so that you can then make informed decisions along with your medical professional about what’s right for you.

#1 CBD Skin Benefit: It Can Decrease Signs of Stress

In our ever-evolving, chaotic society, stress finds a way into each of our lives. We are often overwhelmed with work tasks, family responsibilities, social media distractions, and external societal constructs to behave or look a certain way. These growing forces can produce a stress response in the body, inducing the release of cortisol in the brain which can in turn sensitize skin and make it more reactive. One method to combat these internal and external effects is the use of adaptogens, including CBD oil for skin, which are a class of medicinal herbs that promote physical, chemical, and biological harmony.

How does CBD work and is CBD oil good for your skin? Essentially, the CBD cannabinoid molecules bind with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help balance the body’s natural nervous function, decreasing stress, regulating sleep, reducing pain and inflammation, and supporting the immune system.  A Pubmed review highlights that existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Did you know skin, the body’s largest organ, has its own endocannabinoid system? The living, breathing skin is a fussy organ, highly affected by one’s inner state. When stress overwhelms the skin organ, the body can produce excessive perspiration and oil sebum. Furthermore, when the body’s inner state is off-balance, the endocannabinoid system sends unwanted signals to the skin that can influence skin ailments associated with stress such as psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. When applied topically, CBD cannabinoid molecules target skin’s own natural endocannabinoid receptors. They help reduce skin’s stress response, create harmony, and improve skin equanimity, allowing blood circulation to flow more optimally.

CBD is a powerful, plant-sourced constituent that has been scientifically shown to calm the body’s inner state, nourish and protect the skin, and work with the body’s endocannabinoid system, restoring homeostasis to support holistic mind-body-soul wellness. One of the benefits of CBD on skin, either as a preventive measure or an alleviating solution to stressed, sensitive skin, is that all-natural, whole hemp CBD oil for skin can help soothe, soften, and calm this essential organ that can so often seem to have a mind of its own.

#2 CBD Oil on Skin Can Reduce Inflammation

Believe it or not, skin inflammation is a leading cause for many of those itchy, red, unwanted skin ailments we all dread. So what causes inflammation on the skin? According to Healthline, “Skin inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including immune system dysfunction, an allergic reaction, or an infection.” Effectively, when unhealthy cells or infectious microbes invade the immune system, our skin senses an attack. The sebaceous glands secrete excess sebum, often resulting in conditions like skin sensitivity, acne, and dermatitis.

Research has firmly established that acne is an inflammatory condition. According to the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology, “Acne is an inflammatory and multifactorial skin disease. Different external and internal factors, including air pollution, aggressive skincare products, medication, mechanical, hormonal and familial factors and, more recently, lifestyle and stress, have been suggested as having an impact on acne.”

Whole hemp CBD can be applied topically to help inhibit and soothe skin’s inflammatory response. CBD endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, “have been found in the immune system, suggesting that these receptors play an important role in balancing the system”. CBD has been shown to exhibit analgesic properties, helping to relieve pain, reduce redness, and most importantly, decrease inflammation. So the next time your skin starts to act out, consider applying whole hemp CBD oil for skin. The best option when using CBD oil for skin conditions is to select full-spectrum whole hemp, which also includes a range of cannabinoids (including CBD) and terpenes, thereby allowing a greater chance for the synergistic “entourage effect” to take place and increasing the likelihood of CBD skin benefits.

#3 CBD Oil for Skin Can Support Anti-Aging

As we age, our bodies’ metabolism slows down. Nutrients from our diets don’t get delivered as optimally as before due to slower circulation. Accumulating intrinsic and extrinsic damage erodes the collagen and elastin fibers in our skin. Skin starts to show more wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation, sagging, and dehydration. This is an area of promise with regard to the benefits of CBD on skin.

MedlinePlus explains, as we age, our skin also becomes thinner and loses fat, making it less plump and smooth. Are there CBD skin benefits that can help?? Whole hemp-based CBD is rich in fatty acids Omega 6 and Omega 3 that are vital in a proactive skincare regimen. Hemp fatty acids trigger collagen signaling that nourishes the skin’s dermis layer, promoting elasticity and rejuvenation. Since collagen loss is a primary reason for maturing skin, topical application of CBD can be an effective way to provide natural support for skin’s own natural collagen.

We have all heard about the danger of sun exposure. Though nourishing to mental health and an important source of natural Vitamin D, the sun takes a considerable toll on prematurely aging our skin. The sun causes free radical damage and apoptosis (cell death), issues that can be addressed by antioxidants and healthy sunscreen. CBD possesses naturally abundant antioxidant activity. Though it should not be used as an SPF to help protect skin from UVA or UVB rays, one of the benefits of CBD on skin is that it help defend skin from the oxidative damage that sun, pollution, and other cell disruptors can have on deep dermal cell tissue that can become visible as premature signs of aging.

Anti Aging Facial Serum

Wisely Choosing Your CBD Oil for Skin

What’s important when choosing a CBD product to enhance your daily skincare routine? Here are three things to investigate before investing in CBD oil for skin conditions.

#1 Investigate the Ingredients.

Whole hemp oil versus hemp seed oil is the first major distinction. Don’t be fooled into purchasing a skincare product just because its name gives the impression of having CBD in it. If you look closely at the ingredient lists of many CBD or Canna- (fill in the blank) products, you may discover that they only contain Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, which is plain old hemp seed oil. Though hemp seeds are a source of natural oil that can act as a decent moisturizer, hemp seeds do not contain CBD and therefore do not offer CBD skin benefits.

Look to see how much CBD is in the formula you are purchasing. Though there is currently no consensus on how much is needed  per application to gain the benefits of CBD on skin, it stands to reason that if you are purchasing a 1 fl oz bottle (approximately a month’s supply or 60 applications used twice daily) and it only contains 100 mg of CBD, you are only getting about 1.67 MG per application, which is not very much and you won’t get the benefits of CBD for skin. Additionally, if a product does not overtly state how much CBD is in its formula, it may only contain 0.1% in the entire package, which is the minimum amount needed to legally make a marketing label claim. Therefore, you may just be buying the idea of a CBD skincare product, not a skincare product that has a meaningful dose in it with a greater chance of supporting true CBD skin benefits.

#2 Investigate Quality. 

Since federal regulations have relaxed on the sale of CBD topicals in the United States, there has been a surge of CBD supply from countless questionable sources. Be aware of “stock” products from companies that simply churn out formulas for brands hoping to profit off of the rise in popularity of CBD skin care benefits. Be aware of the absence of testing practices that otherwise ensure products are safe, consistently high quality, and offer true CBD skin benefits. Be aware of extremely low pricing that may suggest the CBD is not pure or comes from a less transparent supplier. Be aware if the product is packaged in a clear container that sunlight could easily degrade the contents and their CBD skin benefits.

Instead, look for products that are transparent with its testing practices and sourcing. You should be able to easily find all Certificates of Analysis (COA) from the original supplier and on the final formula, indicating that the formula is free of mycotoxins, heavy metals, dirt, filth, and bacteria. Additionally, the final formula should also have a COA to confirm the CBD potency claimed on its package. Seek out formulas that are mindfully designed to offer clean, pure, safe ingredients in totality. Look for packaging that protects the formula from air and sunlight that can break down the active ingredients contained inside over time.

#3 Investigate the Impact. 

Today, many brands selling CBD products are in business purely to turn a profit. It is less common to find CBD brands with a purpose of supporting the greater good. Now more than ever, we are recognizing the ill effects of media and commerce on the wellness of all people and the planet. Take a look at where you are spending your money. Know that when you make a purchase, you are voting with your dollars to perpetuate the impact fostered by that business. Finding companies that are B Corporation Certified is a good way to support brands that are doing everything they can to support social and environmental wellness. In the entire world, there are only 10 Certified B Corporations that sell CBD products. Humanist Beauty happens to be one of them.

At the end of the day, science, research, and formulas only take us so far. It’s important to be informed and feel good about the products you are using in your daily life. Uncover the love behind the scenes to feel the connection with the intent behind the products you use and the humans who make those products for you.

Take the time to read the About Us page on our website.

Look beyond the product, and connect with the philosophy.

We hope you’ll be inspired by both the benefits of CBD for skin and the intention behind the Humanist Beauty brand.

We’re not just about selling CBD skincare, we are actually people loving the earth, cherishing the environment, exploring true self, and exposing the natural beauty that is all of our Humanity. Enjoy.