COLOSTRUM: WHY WE’RE STAYING ‘ABREAST’ OF THIS SKIN BARRIER TREND
No, you didn’t misread the headline. Colostrum or ‘liquid gold’ is THE buzz word in skincare ingredients at the moment. Showing up on the labels of skincare lotions and potions, most notably serums, here’s why this unexpected ingredient could be the ticket to the best skin of your life.
Oh, baby! Are we really doing this?
Unlike regular breast milk, Colostrum (pre-milk fluid produced by mammals shortly after giving birth) contains high levels of antibodies that help offer a nursing baby immune protection from infections and higher concentrations of nourishing fats and proteins. According to those in the know, “Colostrum is a cross between a skin-barrier-repair product and a collagen stimulator.” To cut to the chase – it’s a hard-working, high-achiever when it comes to repairing the skin and boosting collagen production.
What gives Colostrum the X-factor as an ingredient?
One of the key components of Colostrum is growth factors – bioactive molecules that play a crucial role in repair tissue, stimulating cell growth and the re-energising the critical process of collagen synthesis. By pumping (excuse the pun) colostrum into skincare and beauty products, a good product becomes a great product; helping to improve overall skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin. If this ingredient were a primary school student, it would definitely get a gold star in the results department.
Not just a pretty face…
Packed with prebiotics and antioxidants, products containing colostrum have been shown to be a skin-saver, with regular use over time, for those struggling with sensitive or irritated skin. It’s also fast becoming a go-to for treating sever sunburn and even atopic dermatitis.
With its high concentration of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, colostrum also ‘shows off’ when it comes to hydration, restoring moisture balance while improving both skin tone and texture.
It combats free radicals, too, thanks to the fact that this golden ingredient contains antioxidants, preventing premature ageing while promoting a more youthful complexion.
As protective of your skin as a mom is of her newborn…
With its antimicrobial properties, colostrum is a truly exceptional ingredient for addressing tough to live with and tough to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema. Not only does its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and promoting faster healing, but colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins (immune-supporting antibodies that kick damaging microorganisms to the curb), making it ideal for topical application in a time when a protective barrier against environmental stressors is a must in any skincare regime.
While it may not be the easiest skincare trend to wrap one’s head around, more and more skincare brands and aesthetics industry leaders are realising – and respecting – colostrum’s potential as a multi-tasking ingredient. As a result, we have no doubt that a year or two from now, colostrum will be as regular a fixture in your ‘morning and night’ skincare routine as hyaluronic acid, retinol or vitamin C. Watch this space!