Unsure of how to use mugwort? Or haven’t even heard of this natural botanical before? We asked TONIC15 Skin School specialist and one of The 15, Dr. Ayah, to give us the lowdown on the science behind this hero skin-gredient.

Dr. Ayah is a trusted aesthetic doctor and dentist with a passion for all things skin. Having spent more than a decade studying biomedicine, biochemistry, anatomy, dentistry and physiology at university, she’s skilled in many a complexion concern.  

After graduating, she decided to align her two interests – science and skincare – by completing studies in medical-grade skincare, facial treatments and aesthetics. We’re thrilled she’s working with us through #SkincareSchool, decoding products, formulas and five-star ingredients such as how to use mugwort.

“Mugwort is a medicinal herb used in traditional medicine and cultivated in Eastern Asia,“ says Dr. Ayah.  Artemisia princeps, most commonly known as Korean Mugwort, is a real superhero ingredient. “It’s widely used to treat inflammation, bacterial infection, circulatory disorders and many other ailments. It’s particularly good at solving skin issues too, including, desquamation (the scientific term for skin cell shedding) psoriasis, dryness, itching, and redness.”

There are many means to a damaged skin barrier. What we can’t change is our genetics and aging. They’re both big factors in how our skin barrier holds up over time. Thankfully we can prevent some factors. Case in point? Washing your face too often or using a harsh cleanser can damage the natural lipid barrier of your skin.

Over-exfoliating is also a culprit. Choose gentle skin-sloughers and use them no more than one to two times a week. If you live in a big city, pollution and poor air quality can really disrupt your skin’s balance and your fragile skin barrier as well. But perhaps the most common factors are lack of sleep and stress. Who hasn’t felt like their skin was looking dull after a bad night’s sleep?

We encourage you to start small when it comes to solutions. Just fifteen minutes of me-time, every day can really help to recharge your batteries and your complexion too.

“This is where Mugwort really shines!” says Dr. Ayah. “It helps alleviate the symptoms of many conditions by increasing the production of proteins which form the skin’s barrier – for example, Filaggrin and Loricrin. That means you’ll have fewer ‘holes’ in the skin, your water levels will be better maintained, and you’ll get less inflammation.” Simply put, it makes your skin look healthier with a lot less redness and irritation.

“Mugwort is also an excellent antioxidant. Free radicals are unstable molecules created by pollution, the sun and our environment. They cause damage to the underlying proteins within our skin which can lead to a loss of elasticity and firmness, an increase in pigmentation and irritation. By helping to fight free radicals, Mugwort works to soothe, heal and nourish the skin at the same time.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Ayah is an aesthetic doctor and dentist with a passion for all things skin. Having spent more than a decade studying biomedicine, biochemistry, anatomy, dentistry and physiology at University, she’s skilled in many a complexion concern.

While studying, Dr Ayah worked as a makeup and skincare consultant for numerous brands at Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. After graduating, she decided to align her two interests – science and skincare – by completing studies in medical-grade skincare, facial treatments and aesthetics.

Over the years, Ayah has developed a personal passion for K-beauty and how it amalgamates the worlds of beauty and science. When she’s not discussing aesthetic treatments with friends and family, you’ll find her either playing with mounds of makeup to create bright and colourful looks or helping people through life coaching. She, like all of us at TONIC15, is a big believer in the power of self-care, education and kindness.

With her science-based skill set and knowledge of all things skin, Dr Ayah will be working with us through #SkincareSchool decoding ingredients, products and formulas.