Reveal Your Radiance and Glow with Fig Extract

It’s common knowledge that super foods are fantastic, effective ingredients in skincare, but you may be surprised to learn that a Fig is actually a superstar fruit with scientifically significant anti-ageing powers for your skin.

Fig Extract (Ficus Carica) is a rich source of antioxidants known as phenolic compounds, including gallic acid, various epicatechins, and anthocyanins which contribute to the rich, often dark colour of fig skin and the fruit inside.

Along with being an antioxidant, fig has been shown to enhance skin’s hydration by stopping water loss from its uppermost layers and has anti-collagenase effects on wrinkled skin, reducing the depth of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also visibly improve skin colour by addressing an enzyme in skin (tyrosinase) whose overproduction can lead to dark spots.

Wow, these benefits may be intriguing, but there’s more: fig extract has also been known to help relieve uncomfortably dry, tight skin, including inflamed, redness-prone skin.

What is Ficus Carica fruit extract?

Before we dive further into the skincare benefits, it's essential to understand the nutritional richness of figs. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which support overall health. Figs are a good source of vitamins A, B, and K, as well as minerals potassium, magnesium, zinc, and copper.

Their active constituents are sugars, alkaloids, saponins, gum, resin, polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, omega fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, and B6, C. Fig also contains an important enzyme ficin, which is similar to papain the enzyme present in papaya.

Fig Skin Benefits

Hydration and Nourishment

One of the primary skincare benefits of figs lies in their hydrating and nourishing properties. When applied topically, figs work wonders for parched and dehydrated skin. When used in skincare products, fig extract or oil helps to maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing water loss and enhancing skin hydration.

It has lots of sugar and polysaccharides as constituents. So, it acts as a moisture reservoir for the skin. It can draw moisture to the skin and doesn’t let it dry out.

Antioxidant Power

The fig is a treasure trove of antioxidants that combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals. These harmful molecules are often generated due to environmental factors like pollution, UV radiation, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor diet. Excessive exposure to free radicals can lead to premature ageing, fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin issues. The antioxidants in figs, such as vitamin C, E, and polyphenols, help neutralise free radicals and protect the skin from their damaging effects, promoting a youthful and radiant complexion.

Skin Regeneration

Another remarkable benefit of figs is their ability to promote skin regeneration. Rich in amino acids and enzymes, figs help exfoliate the skin gently, removing dead skin cells and stimulating the growth of new, healthy cells. This process rejuvenates the skin, giving it a fresh and radiant appearance. For individuals with acne-prone skin, this quality of figs can also aid in preventing and reducing acne breakouts.

Ficin, an enzyme is also a good exfoliant, meaning it loosens the dead skin cell layers and helps the emerging skin cell layer grow. This promotes an even skin tone and uniform looking skin.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is a common underlying factor in various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The fig possesses anti-inflammatory properties which help soothe irritated and inflamed skin. When applied topically fig extract and oil can help to reduce swelling, redness, and discomfort associated with inflammatory skin conditions.

Collagen Boosting

Collagen is the structural protein that gives our skin its firmness and elasticity. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Figs contain nutrients that support collagen synthesis, such as vitamin C and amino acids. By incorporating fig-infused skincare products or consuming figs as part of a balanced diet, you can help maintain and boost collagen levels, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Brightening and Even-Toned Complexion

The presence of natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in figs contributes to skin brightening and evening out the complexion. AHAs work by gently exfoliating the skin's surface, removing dead skin cells and promoting a smoother, more radiant appearance. This gentle exfoliation can also help fade dark spots, sunspots, and hyperpigmentation over time, giving the skin a more even-toned complexion.

Antimicrobial Benefits

Figs have inherent antimicrobial properties, making them effective in combating certain types of bacteria and fungi. This makes figs beneficial for those with acne-prone skin, as they can help reduce acne-causing bacteria on the surface and alleviate breakouts.

The microbes are another factor which can bring problems like acne and body odour. Fig extract has antimicrobial properties so, it can soothe and heal the acne-prone skin as well.

Soothing and Calming

If you've ever experienced skin irritation, you know how uncomfortable and itchy it can be. The fig's natural compounds have soothing and calming properties, which can provide relief to irritated and sensitive skin. Incorporating fig-based products can help alleviate skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, providing comfort and improving the skin's overall health.

Products with Fig

 

Vitamin C Brightening Serum with Kakadu Plum, Turmeric & Rosehip