Who needs expensive and chemical-laden skincare products when nature has answers to all your skin issues? Elderberry, the superfood, is one such example of nature’s wonders.
It is an incredible fruit that supports your heart, immunity, and digestion. Moreover, elderberry has tremendous benefits for your skin.
What Is Elderberry?
Scientifically called Sambucus nigra, elderberry is a medicinal plant of bluish purple color. It has an extensive history as a folk and traditional medicine used by Egyptians, Europeans, and Native Americans. And to this date, it is used for various ailments and health issues.
Elderberry is a many-benefits-at-one-place kind of plant. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, called it his medicine chest. The plant increases your immunity and protects you against various diseases. It is also remarkable in wound healing and inflammation.
Furthermore, elderberry has proven beneficial for your skin. Let’s get on with what wonders it can do to your skin!
1. How Does Elderberry Improve Your Skin?
Here is a list of six incredible skincare benefits that elderberry provides.
2. Fights Acne And Breakouts
If you have oily skin, elderberry is good news for you! It rids the skin of the excessive oil and keeps it clear and smooth.
The antifungal and antimicrobial properties of elderberry help prevent acne and breakouts. Acne results from the oil or dead skin cells blocking the hair follicle. Using elderberry takes the excess fat off the skin, thus preventing acne.
It also relieves the pain and swelling associated with acne. Elderberry calms and soothes the skin with its pain-relieving properties.
It is also helpful in warding off other skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis. Thus, elderberry is your go-to natural option for skincare!
3. Protects Against UV Damage
UV rays from the sun produce several harmful effects on your skin, including freckles, spots, and uneven skin texture. This is where the elderberry comes in handy!
One of the incredible benefits of elderberry is its ability to fight off damage caused by UV rays. Research suggests that the elderberry produces an apt anti-inflammatory reaction and recovers the skin cells damaged by UV rays.
It contains many beneficial components, such as Flavonoids, Phenolics, and Anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, protecting you against the free radical damage caused by UV rays. Moreover, flavonoids and phenolics are also backed by research in minimizing the photo-aging effects.
4. Reduces Wrinkles
Elderberry is rich in flavonoids, bioflavonoids, vitamins, and quercetin. The bioflavonoids in elderberries reverse the wrinkles and prevent more from forming.
Moreover, the vitamin A, B, C, and E present in elderberry improve microcirculation (blood circulation in the smallest vessel). It makes the skin firm and even textured.
Elderberry also possesses an astringent property that tightens your skin and reduces pore size. Thus, the elderberry is the way for young, clear, wrinkle-free skin.
5. Supports Cellular Growth:
Sambucus nigra- elderberry- has a high level of Anthocyanins. These Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants that protect your skin cells against free-radical damage. This way, elderberry protects and regenerates your skin cells.
Thus, it prevents the aging of your skin and supports your skin health. Anthocyanins also possess anti-cancer properties that safeguard your skin.
According to a 2020 study, elderberry is applicable for wounds and burns. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that provide optimal cellular function and keeps your skin healthy.
Smoothes and softens the skin
Elderberry keeps your skin soft and smooth by restoring your skin’s natural fats.
The natural fats of your skin are lipids, including cholesterol, ceramide, and fatty acids. This lipid barrier protects your skin from external dangers like dirt, pollution, and UV damage.
The molecular structure of elderberry is similar to your skin’s cholesterol. Thus, it works in place of the compound and keeps your skin healthy and supple.
When your skin’s lipid layer is intact, your skin remains safe from impurities, dirt, and free radicals. Moreover, a high amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients enhances the benefit of elderberry for your skin.
How To Take Elderberry?
While there are no significant adverse effects of elderberry, it is advised not to eat it raw. Elderberry contains a compound, Sambunigrin, which is cyanogenic. It means that it releases cyanide when chewed or digested, causing harm to your body.
Thus, it would be best always to cook or boil the berries before consuming them. It breaks down the sambunigrin and reduces its toxicity.
You can also get top-quality elderberry supplements, such as elderberry gummies, syrups, or capsules. These supplements have non-toxic levels of sambunigrin, giving away only the benefits!
Takeaway!
You might have heard about the benefits of elderberry for your heart or digestion, but it is incredible for your skin too. It supports the growth of skin cells, maximizes their function, and protects them from danger.
Elderberry is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, thus imparting maximum benefit to your skin. From warding off the UV damage to making your skin glow, it is what your skin needs!
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