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Every day, our skin is exposed to millions of dust, dirt, and pollution particles, not to mention the impurities we transfer onto our face when we touch it. But these arent exclusive to the outdoors; they exist within our homes as well. Even the gases and particulate matter from cooking oil and air fresheners can settle onto our skin. Such constant exposure to external aggressors can take a heavy toll on our skin, clogging our pores and making our skin dull, dry, and aged, especially for city dwellers.

But we all want radiant, supple, hydrated, and youthful skin, right? How can we achieve it? While most of us go above and beyond the basics when it comes to taking care of our skin, certain ingredients can work wonders. One such ingredient is Edelweiss.

For those who have watched 'The Sound of Music', the name Edelweiss, derived from German (Edel, meaning noble, and Weiss, meaning white), would ring a bell. But there's a lot more to this small, seemingly delicate flower. Before we delve into why it's invaluable in the beauty industry, let's learn more about this gem from Plabita Sharma, Head of Training & Customer Experience, The Body Shop India

Flower power

A small, beautiful, white star-shaped flower, Edelweiss grows in Alpine environments at altitudes as high as 1500-3000 meters above sea level. For a plant of its size, the Edelweiss is incredibly resilient and stands strongly rooted in limestone-rich areas despite extreme environmental and climate conditions like strong winds, frost, and volatile temperatures. It is by no means a new discovery by mankind. The Edelweiss has existed for centuries and has been used widely in traditional medicine for abdominal and respiratory ailments. In several folk customs, presenting this flower to a loved one symbolizes dedication. Packed with goodness, the Edelweiss is just as powerful when it comes to skincare.

Your skin's best friend

The Edelweiss flower is the perfect example of the adage, "You don't need to be big to be strong." With its excellent ability to protect itself from the sun's harmful UV rays, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, it's no wonder that it's the beauty industry's best-kept secret. The flower produces its own antioxidant and DNA-protecting agent called leontopodic acid that allows it to protect itself from harsh environmental conditions and thrive in the rugged mountainside. With greater antioxidants than alpha-tocopherol, a form of Vitamin E present in green, leafy vegetables and nuts, the Edelweiss protects the skin's barrier from pollutants and helps delay aging, and prevents wrinkles.

Furthermore, given the kind of pollution we face every day, our skin can become prone to bacterial infections, irritation, and allergies. Edelweiss extract can protect your skin from such infections, thanks to its strong antibacterial properties that can avoid skin inflammation, infections, and allergies. And since the flower can protect itself from the harsh rays of the sun, as mentioned before, the same extends to our skin as well.

Apart from protecting the skin from environmental aggressors, this little wonder flower replenishes it with the required elements like collagen and moisture, leaving it supple and hydrated. Edelweiss also restores blood flow, which is critical to the skin's health. The remarkable properties of the plant penetrate through the skin to moisturize even the deepest layers, giving your skin a unique glow.

A brief guide on usage

Given the conditions it grows in, Edelweiss is a plant that is not easy to harvest. Brands that harvest the flower and use its precious extracts to enhance their products need to do so responsibly and with immense care. It's best to opt for brands that source the plant ethically and sustainably to protect your skin and the planet. Creams, serums, and oils infused with Edelweiss extracts can be a part of your daily skincare routine, and regular usage is bound to help you see the results  supple, hydrated, youthful, and radiant skin.