Incenso & Skin Care: Quando il rituale incontra la cosmetica

Used since ancient times in Ayurvedic medicine and by Egyptian civilizations, incense is today a precious ingredient in numerous cosmetic and dermocosmetic treatments. Its soothing, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it ideal for a variety of applications, from treatments for sensitive skin to anti-aging solutions.

Origins and Composition of Incense

Frankincense, derived from the Boswellia tree, belonging to the Burseraceae family, is an oily gum-resin that is extracted from the bark of trees through incisions. The liquid that comes out solidifies upon contact with air, forming the characteristic golden yellow granules. The resin can be processed in various ways to obtain different preparations, including essential oils, hydroalcoholic extracts and boswellic acids, used both in food supplements and cosmetic products.

Properties and Benefits for the Skin

The therapeutic properties of frankincense are mainly linked to its complex chemical composition. The pure resin contains boswellic acids and terpenes, known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellic acids are able to reduce inflammation in tissues by inhibiting enzymes such as 5-lipoxygenase, responsible for the production of inflammatory substances, and elastases, which degrade elastic fibers. These effects help not only to contain inflammation, but also to improve the regeneration of connective tissue, making frankincense useful for treatments against psoriasis, acne, rosacea and eczema.

In addition, frankincense also has an antimicrobial and healing action, useful for rebalancing the bacterial flora of the skin and accelerating the healing of small wounds or skin lesions.

Specific Treatments and Applications

Thanks to its many beneficial actions, incense is used in various types of cosmetic treatments:

Sensitive and irritated skin: Its ability to reduce redness and itching makes it an ideal ingredient for treatments intended for sensitive skin or skin affected by rosacea, eczema or psoriasis.

Acne-prone skin: The antibacterial and astringent properties of incense make it particularly useful for acne-prone skin, helping to purify and rebalance the skin.

After sun: Incense is also a valuable ally in post-sun exposure treatments, thanks to its ability to soothe and regenerate skin damaged by UV rays.

Anti-aging: Inserted in anti-aging serums and creams, incense works to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

Incense and Aromatherapy

In addition to its cosmetic properties, incense is also a powerful ally in aromatherapy. Its scent stimulates the production of serotonin and GABA, improving mood and promoting a state of mental calm. Incense is often associated with the concept of "elevation", stimulating intuition, serenity and open-mindedness, for this reason it is often used in places of worship such as churches and temples and in numerous rituals.