The rise of the super naturals

From futuristic stem cell ingredients to Nasa technology, skincare has never been so smart. And the latest beauty trend sees the cutting edge combine with the natural.

Known as “green science”, we’re seeing the skin-kind properties of plants, seeds and fruit extracted in the laboratory to create exciting and effective new skincare.

The result? The super-naturals – top-performing products using powerhouse ingredients from the natural world.

It’s certainly a rich harvest.

So to help you work out which ones are for you, here we share the cream of the crop.

Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice

NETTLE

Nettles are a natural astringent that can tighten and firm the skin, regulate natural sebum production and deep-cleanse the pores. Nettle has been dubbed “Botox in a bottle” for its ability to treat signs of ageing and is also fast becoming as popular as turmeric as the new health go-to ingredient.

■■TRY: Nettle Venom

Serum, £55 (heavenskincare. com), was developed by facialist Deborah Mitchell. It contains nettatoxin, derived from the extracted sting of the nettle. This tricks skin into thinking it has been stung, which encourages its natural repair mode, softening wrinkles and plumping skin.

PUMPKIN SEED

Pumpkin seed oil is rich in vitamin E, zinc and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which help the skin retain moisture and fight free radicals. High amounts of zinc and vitamin E improve skin tone, speed healing and renewal, and fight acne. It can also inhibit the enzyme that slows hair growth, protecting hair follicles and boosting shine.

■■TRY: Dealing with hair loss or wanting thicker hair? Monpure Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum, £83 (monpure.com), is one of the first brands to use pumpkin seed extract to stimulate hair follicle growth and boost

scalp■■health.

WATERMELON SEED

Packed with linoleic oil, an omega-6 essential fatty acid, along with vitamins A, B6, C and E, watermelon seed oil (specifically Kalahari melon oil) is a must-have for skin. Hydrating, it’s also great for lips and hair. The antioxidant lycopene in watermelon fights free radicals to slow ageing and helps prevent sunburn by absorbing UVA and UVB rays.

■■TRY: Revolution Watermelon Hydrating Eye Gel, £7.99 (Superdrug), is refreshing and lightweight with a gel texture that soothes and plumps the delicate skin around the eyes.

SQUALANE

Derived mainly from plants including olives, rice bran and sugarcane, squalane is this year’s most talked about ingredient. Squalene (with an e) is naturally hydrating and is produced by the sebaceous glands in our skin.

But, as we age, our bodies produce less. Enter Squalane (with an a), the skincare equivalent which can help replenish the skin’s depleted stores.

The ultimate hydration fix, it locks in moisture for a smoother, more radiant complexion.

■■TRY: Q+A Squalane Facial

Oil, £10 (qandaskin.com), is a multi-tasking oil that doesn’t feel sticky or heavy on the face and is ideal for blemish-prone skin. It can be used on the hair and body too.

GINGER

This spicy root is as good for your skin as it is delicious. A powerful anti-inflammatory and packed with antioxidants, it can help flush out toxins, boost blood circulation and add radiance.

Antiviral and antibacterial, it can also help treat fungal skin infections, and, rumour has it, soften the appearance of cellulite. ■■TRY: Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser, £39 (lookfantastic.com), combines a blend of kombucha, prebiotics and fermented ginger. The result? A multi-tasker that can be used as a daily moisturiser, a hydrating make-up primer or as a glow-giving highlighter.

EDELWEISS

This little white Swiss flower is mainly associated with The Sound of Music, but it spells good news for your skin too.

Twice as potent an antioxidant as vitamin C, it helps boost collagen, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and puts the spring back into thinning skin.

■■TRY: The Body Shop Drops of Youth Concentrate, £28 (thebodyshop.com), uses stem cell technology to harness the skin-perfecting properties of edelweiss. Use a few drops on cleansed skin to boost health and glow.

ELDERBERRY

A powerhouse for fighting free-radical damage, and with

potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the elderberry plant has historically been used for treating pain and decreasing inflammation. But lately, it’s making its mark as a great acne fighter.

Elderberry is also rich in vitamin A, which can help fade age spots, as well as vitamins C and E. ■■TRY: Revolution Skincare Cleansing Jelly, £4.80 (lookfantastic.com), is lightweight and cooling, and contains elderberry to break down excess oils, fight dryness, and calm and condition the skin.

BLUEBERRY SEED

Blueberries are a healthy snack, but did you know that they can also work wonders for your skin?

Blueberry seed oil – made from cold-pressed blueberries – is a powerhouse anti-ager, high in essential fatty acids omegas 3 and 6, which reduce redness, as well as line-softening vitamin E and glow-giving vitamin C.

■■TRY: Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce

Gentle Cleanser, £10 (cultbeauty.co.uk), is an antioxidant-rich cleanser and deep cleansing mask in one, that leaves skin renewed.

For more of Lesley’s tips, visit lesleyreynolds.com