by Colleen
Skullcap root, which has been around for centuries and is traditionally used in Chinese medicine, is now showing up in beauty products and for good reason. It is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and brightening effects on the skin. It is even being studied for it’s potential anti-cancer properties as it seems to hinder the production of melanin in the skin. This makes it an interesting ingredient to include in sunscreens and brightening treatment skin creams. I first read about it when researching the ingredients in La Roche Posay’s Anthelios AOX serum where it is listed as Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract. I admit to a slight obsession with reading ingredient labels and when I’m not sure what an ingredient is I feel propelled to find out more about it. Companies spend mucho money on packaging and ingredients and wouldn’t just throw in some random ingredient for good measure.
As with every ingredient, more studies need to be made to prove it’s effectiveness, but I say bring on the antioxidants, the more the merrier and the better I hope my skin will be in the future. (no looking like Magda, that overly tanned friend of Mary’s in “Something about Mary”!)
Here are some products containing the skullcap root: