Sultry days, long evenings and a healthy glow — we love summer. But your skin? It has a lot to endure. UV radiation, heat, salt water and air pollution all put extra stress on your skin. In summer your skin could use a little extra help, and it finds that help in antioxidants. And did you know the rooibos plant is a natural expert at this?
Summer = stress for your skin
Warm weather and bright sun give you energy, but they also trigger an explosion of free radicals in your skin. Those attack skin cells and speed up the ageing process.
The consequences?
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Faster breakdown of collagen and elastin
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A higher chance of dark spots
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A dull, tired-looking skin
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Slower cell turnover
It’s especially important in summer to support your skin from the inside and the outside with antioxidants.
The rooibos plant: used to heat, good for your skin
The rooibos plant grows in South Africa’s arid Cederberg region, where summers are dry and hot. To survive that extreme heat, the plant developed many antioxidants, including aspalathin, a flavonoid found almost exclusively in rooibos.
It is precisely this unique component that makes rooibos so interesting for skincare.
What antioxidants from rooibos do for your skin
Cell studies show that the antioxidants in green rooibos:
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Neutralise free radicals.
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Limit UV-related cell damage.
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Strengthen the skin’s natural defences.
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Protect collagen and elastin from breakdown.
Cells treated with rooibos extract remain more intact and show fewer signs of damage, even under stressful conditions.
Antioxidants = summer defence for your skin
Sunscreen protects your skin’s surface; antioxidants work deeper: they mop up free radicals before they can cause damage. Rooibos is an ideal ingredient for this:
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Mild and suitable for sensitive skin
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Caffeine-free (nice on hot days)
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Naturally rich in powerful antioxidants
Extra summer hacks with antioxidants
Beyond skincare, you can help your skin from within with a few simple habits:
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Eat colourful, antioxidant-rich foods (such as berries and tomatoes).
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Wear UV protection (such as SPF and a hat).
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Drink enough water and rooibos (iced) tea.
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Reduce stress — that also lowers oxidative stress.
The rooibos plant teaches us that surviving the heat is about smart protection. By bringing antioxidants into your skincare and your daily habits, you not only help your skin through summer, you keep it in good condition, too.
Curious for more summer inspiration? Then take a look at our Summer with Dore page.
