Heartleaf houttuynia and how it can help to banish acne

Heartleaf houttuynia, (aka Houttuynia cordata) an indigenous flowering plant, is native to Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. It is mainly found in moist and shady locations. A fun fact is that it is also called Fish Wort, Fish Leaf, etc. because it's an edible plant and pretty much leaves a fishy aftertaste. It has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including cholera and dysentery, while curing blood deficiency and high blood sugar. Interestingly, Chinese scientists have also attempted to use this leaf to treat SARS.

Heartleaf houttuynia containsfourpolyphenolic flavonoids: Quercetin, Quercitrin, Hyoeroside, and Rutin. These compounds contain similar properties of being antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Due to these amazing properties, skincare brands nowadays use Heartleaf Houttuynia extract extensively.

Studies have shown Quercetin to reduce damage caused by UV rays, an additional bonus from this plant. The flavonoid performance relies on whether the extract is derived from the roots or leaves and if has been purified by water or alcohol extraction.

Heartleaf Houttuynia: How it can help to alleviate acne

What is acne? Your skin contains tiny pores that can be blocked by oil, bacteria, dead cells, and dirt particles. When this occurs, it causes the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. If your skin is repeatedly affected by this condition, you may suffer from acne. The worst of it all? When acne appears on your face, it will cause infection and over time may lead to permanent scarring.

Acne can occur almost anywhere on the body, most commonly on your face, back, chest, shoulders, and back. You should be aware of possible risk factors for developing acne. These include:

• hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy
• medications such as birth control pills
• intake of a diet with refined sugar or carbohydrates, such as bread and chips
• hereditary transference

Heartleaf houttuynia is excellent in providing a calming effect for acne-prone skin and keeps the skin healthy. Cosmetic scientists and related communities talk about heartleaf houttuynia’s benefits in treating sensitive, oily-dehydrated, allergic, and acne-prone skin. Research also suggests that heartleaf houttuynia extract contains polysaccharides, which when present in skincare, act as excellent skin hydration booster, maintaining the skin’s moisture levels, meaning it helps your skin to retain moisture for longer.

Research has also found that heartleaf houttuynia extract is excellent for acne-prone skin. With its beneficial qualities and ability to maintain the skin’s moisture, it can play a significant part in acne reduction.

Here are the major benefits of heartleaf houttuynia for the skin:

Benefits of Houttuynia cordata:

• Excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial features
  It fights acne and calms and detoxifies the skin.
• Calms sensitive skin
  In addition to calming sensitive skin, it visibly reduces redness and inflammation.
• Allergy treatment
  A study shows that heartleaf extract has strong anti-allergic effects and may treat skin allergies effectively.
• Unclogs pores and removes excess sebum
  It helps the skin combat environmental stress, eliminates excess sebum, and makes your skin appear brighter.
• Cleanses for better skin tone
  The heartleaf extract has an additional astringent property that effectively and gently cleanses, while regulating sebum production of the skin.
• Brightens skin
  It increases skin radiance by brightening a dull complexion. It imparts a feeling of supple and moisturised skin with a healthy glow.
• Slows the aging process
  This wonderful herb contains many powerful antioxidants that repair damaged skin, promoting skin regeneration, and in turn slowing down the aging process.

Product Recommendations:

Bellflower Heartleaf Houttuynia Serum

This serum is enriched with Houttuynia cordata extract (44,000ppm), Centella asiatica extract and Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf oil. It is excellent in providing a calming effect for sensitive/acne-prone skin.

Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

The Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner is a refreshing and calming toner formulated with a high concentration of heartleaf extract. It effectively hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps balance oil production, leaving the skin feeling smooth, revitalized, and less prone to breakouts.