Edelweiss is so much more than just the iconic song from "The Sound of Music"...
The Edelweiss flower which also goes by the name, snow flower, means “noble and white” in German, Its scientific name is Leontopodium alpinum. It grows in the Swiss mountains between July and September annually. It is known throughout Europe as the “queen of flowers” and is the national flower of Switzerland. Due to its short growing season and remote location, the edelweiss flower was recently declared a protected species due to its risk of extinction. These flowers are now biologically grown in the southwestern part of Switzerland, at lower elevations.
The edelweiss flower has quite a history of courage and bravery. European legend has it that young men would climb 1500 - 2000 meters (4900 - 6500 feet) up a mountain to pick an edelweiss flower to present to the woman he loved. But what many people might not know is that the extract of the edelweiss flower also has many health and skincare benefits.
The extract contains substantial amounts of antioxidants, especially anti-microbial, which help to kill bacteria, fungi, and free radicals that cause damage and premature aging to skin. With a factor radical protection (FRP) number of 286, the antioxidants found in this extract have been proven to have twice the antioxidant power of Vitamin C, making it an ideal ingredient for any anti-aging product. And if that wasn’t enough, the antioxidants found in this extract also protect against oxidation of the skin caused by free radicals and the effects of smoking.
Another prime element found in this extract are the anti-inflammatory properties which aid in the treatment of skin irritations including itching, swelling, and redness of the skin caused by rashes.
In addition, extract from the edelweiss flower also possesses high concentrations of flavonoids and phenolic acids which provide sunscreen protection to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. With concentrations ranging from 3% - 5% of its composition, it’s no wonder this extract is found in many sunscreen products.
Edelweiss extract can be used in many a variety of skincare products including edelweiss cream, sunscreens, body balms, foam for baths, cleansing and moisturizing gels, and eye contour creams.
So how does this extract do all these wonderful things?
As an anti-aging ingredient, edelweiss extract stimulates the skin’s own natural processes to maintain moisture balance, along with its ability to regenerate cells. Skincare products containing edelweiss extract have been dermatologist tested to reduce wrinkles by as much as 22%.
The antioxidants in the extract soothe and moisturize skin while protecting it from free radicals, oxidation, and the sun’s harmful rays. This extract is known to have the ability to actually absorb ultraviolet rays before they can cause damage to skin. Gentle enough to use on sensitive skin, it can also be added to any sensitive skin formula facial cleanser. When used in eye creams, these powerful antioxidants work to erase puffiness and fine lines under the eyes, leaving them looking bright and youthful looking.
Sources:
Comments