Every ingredient that we choose to use in our skincare products is chosen for skin boosting benefits, but many of them also are great for overall wellness. Today we are highlighting a hydrating ingredient found in our Moonbounce 2% Bio Retinol Sea Moss Plumping Moisturizer — slippery elm bark.
Moonbounce 2% Bio Retinol Plumping Moisturizer
Starnectar Barrier Protect Jelly Cleanser
Reflexology Spoon
Slippery elm bark is an ingredient that has had many applications, for your skin and beyond, throughout history. From herbal supplements to targeted treatments, this remarkable ingredient is making a resurgence in modern skincare practices… and for good reason.
This isn’t just another trendy add-on — slippery elm bark is rooted in tradition and backed by science, bridging the all-important gap between age-old wisdom and contemporary needs.
This North American native tree has something to offer every woman who values natural products and holistic wellness. So, let’s dive into the world of slippery elm and discover how it can make a real difference in your life, both inside and out.
What Is Slippery Elm Bark?
Slippery elm, scientifically known as Ulmus rubra or red elm, is distinguished by its slimy, red inner bark. Native to North America, this tree has been widely used by Native Americans and later in Western herbal medicines.
The inner bark of the slippery elm tree has been used for various purposes, from soothing a sore throat to providing relief for gastrointestinal issues. So, where does skincare come in?
The antioxidant and demulcent properties of the slippery elm have more recently been subjects of scientific evidence — slippery elm is more than just a folk remedy.
The term “slippery” in slippery elm refers to the texture of the inner bark, which, when mixed with water, turns into a slick, gel-like substance. This is more than just a quirky feature, though — it's a super powerful characteristic that makes slippery elm versatile.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Slippery Elm?
Beyond the aesthetics, slippery elm bark plays a significant role in supporting women's overall well-being. As a natural demulcent, slippery elm is thought to be able to help soothe the membranes of the esophagus and digestive tract.
Because of this, ingesting slippery elm may provide relief from a wide variety of digestive concerns, easing discomfort and aiding overall digestive health. Slippery elmsupplements have been used to ease constipation, for one thing, and the mucilage in slippery elm is believed to form a protective layer on the gastrointestinal tract, reducing stomach acid and alleviating feelings of heartburn.
The inner bark of slippery elm has also found its way into over-the-counterlozenges to soothe a sore throat, thanks to its calming properties. In some cultures, slippery elm has even been used in poultices to aid with wound healing and in breastfeeding to soothe irritated membranes.
As with all herbal supplements, though, consulting with a healthcare provider or healthcare professional before usage is best.
How Can Slippery Elm Help Your Skin?
So, we’ve talked all things health and wellness… but what can slippery elm do for your complexion? Good news — a lot.
The mucilage that comes from slippery elm is the heart and soul of its skincare benefits. Derived from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree, the mucilage's unique structure is largely responsible for all that beneficial plant goodness we just talked about.
Mucilage is a complex carbohydrate loaded with antioxidants, and it binds to the skin's surface to create a barrier against environmental damage. Mucilage also soothes and hydrates the skin, making slippery elm an intriguing (dare we say irresistible) ingredient in the world of natural skincare.
Easing Dry Skin
Dry skin, whether caused by environmental factors or underlying health issues, can quickly become more than just a nuisance. It can lead to discomfort, itchiness, and even more serious skin problems.
When dry skin strikes, what’s a gal to do? That's where slippery elm comes in. Thought to help with calming dry and irritated skin, slippery elm acts as a natural moisturizer and soothing agent.
Poultices made from slippery elm powder have historically been applied topically for quick relief… and these are not new practices — traditional herbal remedies have long utilized slippery elm in this way. With its antioxidant properties, slippery elm not only soothes the skin but may also provide support against free radical damage, which can further exacerbate skin concerns.
Supporting Healing Processes
Slippery elm has long been a go-to for supporting overall healthy healing, too. Slippery elm works in tandem with the skin's membranes to support compromised areas, potentially helping keep them clean and healing properly.
Natural Moisturizing Effect
Slippery elm has an impressive ability to lock in moisture, meaning it can hydrate your skin, leaving it soft and supple. Slippery elm’s mucilage is rich in polysaccharides, so it provides a natural nourishing effect.
Whether you’re dealing with skin concerns or simply want to enhance your skin's natural glow, slippery elm's moisturizing abilities could be a game-changer in your skincare routine.
In addition to these benefits, slippery elm is known to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, and it stands as an alternative to synthetic ingredients. By embracing slippery elm in your skincare, you can tap into centuries-old wisdom and provide your skin with the natural nourishment it craves.
How To Use Slippery Elm Bark in Your Skincare Routine
Caring for your skin with natural nourishing ingredients should be a joy rather than a chore. Slippery elm bark, with its rich mucilage content, can be the perfect addition to your daily skincare regime. Let’s walk through a simple skincare routine to help address your dry skin using the power of slippery elm.
Cleanse Gently
Cleansing effectively without stripping your skin of natural oils and necessary oil can be complex — but not when you use our Starnectar™ Barrier Protect Marshmallow Jelly Cleanser.
This unique cleanser combines the soothing properties of marshmallow root, licorice root, and orange peel. When combined with lukewarm water, it creates a gentle lather that dissolves makeup without stripping natural oils, providing both antioxidant and demulcent effects. This herbal remedy is a delight to the skin, offering a warm, mildly sweet, woodsy scent and aligning with sustainable healthcare and wellness practices.
Prepare Your Skin
Move on to toning with our Empress Sweet Fern Hydrasoothe Face Mist. This botanical-rich mist is our founder-recommended prep step before using our slippery elm-enriched moisturizer in the next step.
Utilizing vitamin-rich sweet fern, this powerful botanical is renowned for purifying the environment by clearing contaminants. When applied to your skin, it helps support the lymphatic system, invigorating circulation for a bright, vibrant complexion.
Damask rose is known for promoting a healthy skin barrier, plumping, and hydrating. Hand-gathered from Bulgaria, these live rose petals are plucked at dawn for the best chance of calming irritated and red skin while opening the heart energetically. Douglas fir, known to cleansethe skin and support cellular turnover, includes fragrant and nutrient-dense fir needle tips, wild harvested on organic land.
Our cold-pressed ingredients act as a fresh, whole plant in a bottle — untouched by heat, preserving the integrity of the plant's biome.
Moisturize With Slippery Elm
Finish your routine with Moonbounce™ 2% Bio Retinol Irish Sea Moss Plumping Moisturizer. At the core of this product is a proprietary complex of bio retinol, derived from rock samphire, and irish sea moss. Together, they work harmoniously to minimize wrinkles and firm skin — all without irritation.
Our formula also boasts the calming vibration of Moonstone, providing not just a tactile experience but a spiritual one, too. Bio retinol, the plant-based alternative to retinol, ensures the product remains gentle and non-irritating. It has an incredible ability to deeply hydrate and plump the skin, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and firm the skin's texture.
Don’t just taske it from us — an impressive 95% of users agreed that their skin felt deeply moisturized after only two uses, according to a 42-person consumer study. Simply scoop the product with our reflexology spoon, and apply it to freshly cleansed skin.
Treat Your Skin Right
The hidden benefits of slippery elm bark extend far beyond mere skincare. They resonate with the intrinsic needs and concerns of women. Whether it's calming skin or nurturing overall wellness, slippery elm is a natural remedy worth exploring.
By embracing its traditional wisdom and incorporating it into modern skincare products, we unlock a new dimension in self-care that's both empowering and soothing. The potential of slippery elm in the skincare industry is vast and waiting to be fully uncovered. Whether you're a skincare novice or an enthusiast, there's room for slippery elm in your regimen, tailored to your unique beauty as a woman.
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In addition to these benefits, slippery elm is known to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, and it stands as an alternative to synthetic ingredients.
