This Under-the-Radar Mediterranean Flower Fends off Acne, Fine Lines, and Discoloration in One Fell Swoop
The brand's products are formulated with immortelle (helichrysum), a type of sunflower native to the Mediterranean region. In countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia, the plant's flowers and leaves have traditionally been used to cure cuts, bruising and inflammation, and the scientific community seems to agree with the nonnas of the Mediterranean about the ingredient's benefits.
- Ada Ooi, Ada Ooi is a Celebrity Facialist and Founder of 001 Skincare.
- Ridah Syed, Ridah Syed is a Senior Medical Aesthetician at Skinfluencer London.
A 2017 report from the American Botanical Council outlines that plant's essential oils have "anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, fungicidal, and astringent effects," while a 2019 study published in the Ukrainian Biopharmaceutical Journal confirms that the herb has "high antioxidant properties."
Antioxidants, in general, are known to promote cell turnover and protect the skin against the cell-damaging free radicals that cause signs of aging. Because immortelle is so rich with these skin-defending superstars, Ada Ooi celebrity facialist 001 Skincare founder, notes that “it can be used in skin-care products to help reduce fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging."
What's more, findings from the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that the ingredient also offers strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This, combined with the fact that immortelle is rich in fatty acids, means that it "acts as a natural moisturizer, and has the potential to fight breakouts without drying the skin or causing further irritation," says Ooi.
With so many complexion-boosting benefits, it makes sense that pros recommend immortelle for all skin types—including dry, combination, and acne-prone. “Even the most sensitive skins can benefit from its endless advantages,” says Ridah Syed, senior medical aesthetician at Skinfluencer London. “It can increase cellular turnover, making it a key ingredient to aid the improvement of lines, wrinkles, and scarring, and rebuild the barrier function.”
Imortella's line features a range of imortelle-infused products, all of which are made in small batches without silicones, parabens, colors, or fragrances. I put a few of them to the test on my combination skin, and was impressed with how well they repaired and restored my complexion after a long, cold winter in a polluted city. What's more, they've continued to serve as the perfect reminder of my Croatian holiday, right here on my bathroom counter. Keep scrolling to shop them for yourself.
The Intense Repair Facial Oil with immortelle, rosehip, pomegranate extract, and vitamin E promises to restore skin radiance, even out the complexion, and act on visible signs of skin aging. I used it at night, massaging a few drops on my cleansed face and neck before sleep, and woke up with soft, radiant skin. It’s a total game-changer for someone who struggles to incorporate oils in her regimen (including an ill-thought experiment with coconut oil) without breaking out: The Facial Oil left my skin clear as a baby’s, and it actually got rid of a few small bumps I got on my forehead after drinking too much the night before.
The Overnight Fine Line Treatment contains immortelle, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which helps it penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. I used it after the Facial Oil a few nights a week and it worked like a charm, reducing redness and smoothing out my complexion. It’s creamy in texture, whereas I was expecting a more serum-like consistency, but it was easily absorbed and complemented the Facial Oil really well.
When I got back from Croatia, I immediately noticed the effect that being back in the region rated among the worst in Europe for air pollution had on my skin, and tried out this Pink Oat Mask to remedy the situation. With hyaluronic acid, pink clay, and oat extract, this mask is enriched with probiotics, prebiotics, and natural alpha-hydroxy acids to stimulate cell renewal and remove impurities, toxins, and pollutants. It’s deeply hydrating, and left my skin feeling cleansed but not stripped, which is a common side effect of other mask treatments.
While I’ve loved all of Imortella’s products, the brand’s Regenerative Hydrating Cream is hands-down my favorite. With immortelle, argan oil, primrose oil, and red algae gel, it aims to stimulate collagen synthesis and revitalize skin, and it does… just that. Absorbing quickly but leaving the skin silky and soft, it’s also very light in texture, which is perfect for combination and oily skins like mine: finding a summer moisturizer that won’t sweat out within an hour is often an impossible quest for me, but this works great to nourish my skin without leaving it greasy or shiny.
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