Our most effective formulas yet: how Frankincense Intense™ benefits both skin & wellbeing
From its visible effects on the skin to the promotion of overall wellbeing, here we explore the benefits of frankincense: the hero ingredient in our newly reformulated Frankincense Intense™ Collection.
What is frankincense?
Frankincense is a hardened resin that comes from the trunk of the Boswellia sacra tree. In Oman, experienced collectors make small cuts in the bark of the trees, which produces a liquid resin. This liquid hardens to a crystallised resin, which is carefully sliced off by the harvesters and taken to a local distillery where the precious essential oil is extracted. This oil goes on to feature in some of your favourite frankincense products.
What does frankincense do for our skin?
In terms of its visible effects, frankincense essential oil has been shown to have toning, balancing and rejuvenating properties to keep skin feeling soft, supple and firm. When developing our Frankincense Intense™ Lift formulas, we worked with a renowned Italian research institution to transform the by-product of the frankincense distillation process into an exclusive skincare ingredient: Frankincense Active Phyto Complex. Extracted using a breakthrough zero-waste process, the boswellic acids and polyphenols in this active ingredient are proven to have a profound antioxidant effect.
What does frankincense do for our overall wellbeing?
Treasured for its soothing fragrance, frankincense has a distinctive warm, woody scent and has been used in aromatherapy practices for centuries. In clinical conditions, frankincense has been proven to promote relaxation and improve overall wellbeing. We conducted breakthrough clinical research* into the therapeutic benefits of this ancient ingredient, which showed that after 3 weeks of use frankincense promoted a sense of relaxation and calm.
*Based on an innovative, placebo-controlled scientific study set up to measure the wellbeing and de-stressing properties of the frankincense aroma after 3 weeks.
The role of scent in skincare
Age well, stress less
It’s our mantra when it comes to skincare, and by now, many of us will be all too aware of the effects that stress can have on our skin: redness, dryness, irritation, congestion, ageing – stress has been shown to exacerbate existing skin conditions and even trigger new skin concerns.
When inhaled, scents like frankincense carry sensory information through the olfactory nerve to the limbic system, the part of the brain that regulates emotion.
Stimulating this area helps us feel calmer and more grounded, reducing stress and thereby improving skin health.
Combined with modern skincare science, frankincense not only offers myriad beauty benefits but a pathway to improve our skin health through stress reduction.
In short: it creates a more holistic approach to skin wellness.
Creating an aromatherapeutic skincare routine
Beyond its benefits for our skin and wellbeing, embracing products that harness the powers of aromatherapy will elevate your skincare steps from a simple routine to a slow and indulgent ritual, something to be savoured rather than rushed through. Here, we’ve outlined a complete age-well, stress-less routine, powered by frankincense. Breathe deep. Exhale. Unwind — and let this ancient ingredient work from the outside and in.
Step 1: Cleanse & refresh
Massage Frankincense Intense™ Triple Action Melting Cleanser onto damp or dry skin, then rinse clean with warm water. This cleanser has a unique triple-texture effect which melts into a conditioning oil on contact skin and transforms into a creamy milk cleanser when it meets water.
Step 2: Mist & mask
While your skin is still damp, spritz with our Rejuvenating Frankincense Hydrating Facial Mist, then allow to air dry. This extra hit of hydration will prime your skin and allow the rest of your products to absorb more easily. Then apply Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Overnight Mask in a thin, even layer using your fingertips. Use as an overnight treatment or in this instance, as a 30-minute mask for an instant boost – rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Step 3: Prepare & prime
Apply a few drops of Frankincense Intense™ Hydrating Essence to your fingertips, then gently glide over your face and slowly pat until absorbed. Adding another hydrating layer at this stage of your routine can improve the performance of the rest of your products.
Step 4: Relax & restore
Apply a few drops of Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Serum (for the first signs of ageing) or Lift Serum (for the second signs of ageing) to your face and neck. Take a moment inhale the therapeutic aroma.
Step 5: Treat & finish
Dab a small amount of Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying or Lift Eye Cream around the eye area. Finish with our Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying or Lift Cream.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Want to know more about or newly reformulated Frankincense Intense™ Collection? You can find out everything about its enhanced results, improved sustainability credentials and learn how the formulas target the first and second signs of ageing, here. Alternatively, you can view the full collection online or at your nearest Neal’s Yard Remedies store.
