Stamina® Cosmetics is an adaptogenic skincare line created to enhance skin resilience, brilliance and wellness. Our goal is to counteract the deterioration of skin wellness due to various internal and external stressors and therefore, preserve the skin’s strength and beauty. We pursue this via Stamina® Complex, the adaptogen-based, effective skin care ingredients, which advance our skin balance and energy.
What are Adaptogens?
As the name implies, adaptogens help our bodies adapt to deleterious changes inside and out. These are pharmacologically synthetic or botanical-derived compounds with the ability to enhance the body's fortitude against various stressors. The term adaptogen was introduced into scientific literature by toxicologist, Nikolay Lazarev, in 1957 to refer to substances that increase the “state of nonspecific resistance” in stress. In overview, adaptogens are amphoteric, capable of determining whether the targeted physiology of the body, such as our skin, is under or over performing and adjust towards the better balance.
Hence, skin adaptogens are conductors of skin signaling to orchestrate the most beautiful skin symphony.
The systemic use of natural adaptogens is well known in human history to treat various mental and physical ailments, such as Ginseng in Chinese medicine and Ashwagandha in Indian Ayurvedic practices. The research of adaptogens has amplified over the last 50 years when the utility of these agents to increase the body's resistance to stress and enhance physical endurance was recognized by the professional sports and military organizations. More recently, the research and applications of topical adaptogens are permeating the skincare world. Commonly considered as skin superfoods, skin adaptogens are the ergogenic wonders!
What are the Skin Offenders?
Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies and enacts the crucial functions of external protection and internal homeostasis. Henceforth, it is constantly bombarded with different intrinsic and extrinsic stressors that challenge its performance. Internally, our skin is affected by psychological stress via hormones like cortisol as well as physiological stress via poor lifestyle habits such as inadequate sleep and nutrition. Externally, our skin is exposed to damaging ultraviolet (UV), high intensity visible light (HEV) and infrared radiations, environmental pollution such as smog and smoke, microbes, skin allergens or irritant exposure from personal skin care products or PPE masks, etc., which have negative biological consequences. Skin fatigue, reactivity, or sensitivity presents as a vulnerable and unhealthy state and appearance of the skin and expedites its aging process. Stressed skin can manifest as frequent breakouts, blemishes and irritations. To learn more about stress and skin weakness and how to make our skin more robust by prolonging its functional life span, click here.
So what can we do to promote skin resilience and fight the culminating skin deterioration? We can tap into the power of adaptogens to enhance skin strength, skin endurance, and skin ergogenic power.
What are the Skin Benefits of the Skincare Adaptogens?
Whether they are clean synthetic molecules, aka actoprotectors, or naturally-derived extracts, adaptogens have a powerful role to play in skin health and beauty. Integrating Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome
of alarm, resistance, and exhaustion stages as responses to stress, the skin adaptogens contribute to improving all three of these stages. The ultimate value of the skin adaptogens is to decrease skin sensitivity while enhancing skin endurance via these vital mechanisms of action:
- Reinforcing Skin Barrier by increasing hydration and reducing water loss and nurturing microbe equilibrium.
- Fortifying Immunoprotection by moderating immune function and/or antimicrobial effects.
- Counteracting Oxidative Stress of free radicals which damage skin integrity, by serving as antioxidants.
- Mitigating the Neurological, Hormonal, and/or Inflammatory signals that can lead to skin stress and imbalance.
- Enhancing Skin Cell Metabolism to withstand skin fatigue due to increased pressure demands.
- Promoting Skin Healing after injury to maintain its main protection function.
- Reduce Skin Senescence by revitalizing healthy skin‘s performance.
Through the strategy of uplifting skin stamina and reducing skin exhaustion, adaptogens can preserve its graceful health and beauty.
What is a Stamina® Complex and How Can it Boost Skin Stamina®?
Stamina® Complex is a blend of clean adaptogenic ingredients in Stamina Cosmetics skincare.
Our Stamina® Calming Mist and Sleeping Serum contain the Hypochlorous Acid, an adaptogen with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing capabilities. This makes them an ideal breakout and blemish fighting duo.
Our Stamina® MPP Mask includes adaptogens such as Aloe Vera and Calophyllum Inophyllum ( Tamanu Oil), Camellia Sinensis ( Green Tea) and Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) and etc., which have a synergy of adaptogenic skin properties: moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, soothing, and healing. The application of this Stamina® Complex-containing facial mask leads to brighter, smoother and stronger skin.
Furthermore, our intention of enhancing skin stamina and wellness is reflected in the adaptogenic ingredients in our Stamina® Intention Moisturizer. Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola or Tiger Grass), Cordyceps Sinensis (Chinese Caterpillar), Curcuma Longa (Curcumin), Paullinia cupana (Guarana), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil), Rheum Rhaponticum (Siberian Rhubarb) and etc., are the array of potent skin adaptogens encompassing the best of skin resiliency mechanisms including hydration, skin barrier strengthening, immunoprotection, antioxidant, as well as acceleration of skin healing and metabolism.
Here are some other resources on the adaptogens and their skin stamina, balance and wellbeing.
Finally, the best skincare practice which we encourage at Stamina® Cosmetics, is to integrate it into a daily mindful, meditative, and affirmation-based experience, we coined Stamina® Synergy. This way your mindful skincare can be a meaningful part of your wellness journey.
Be Well,
DR MBK
