INGREDIENT FOCUS: WHAT IS WITHANIA SOMNIFERA ROOT EXTRACT?

Withania Somnifera is an herbal extract that helps to defend skin from the effects of digital pollution and screen-emitted visible light. Although this a new and revolutionary use in modern skincare, the ingredient itself is quite old — over 4,000 years old, in fact.

Where does it come from?

Withania Somnifera is an adaptogenic plant in the Solanaceae (or night shade) family. This annual evergreen shrub grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.

Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall wellbeing. You can take adaptogens by adding them to food or beverages or take them as tinctures. Adaptogens bring your body back to a steady balance by managing both physical and mental stressors.

What else is it known as?

Its botanical name is Withania Somnifera, but it’s also known by several other names, including ‘Ashwagandha’, ‘Indian Ginseng’ and ‘Winter Cherry’.

What is it used for?

It is arguably one of the most important herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. Classified as a rasayana in Ayurveda, it is expected to promote physical and mental health, restore the body, and energise and calm at the same time.

Ashwagandha root is the most prolific adaptogen, thought to strengthen the body’s ability to cope with stress.

What are the benefits of Withania Somnifera Root Extract?

It contains chemicals that might help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system. Since Ashwagandha is traditionally used as an adaptogen, it is used for many conditions related to stress. Adaptogens are believed to help the body resist physical and mental stress.

Recent research shows that the benefits of this unique ingredient have been found to repair and prevent the damage caused to the skin by blue light.

Clinical Study

In a clinical study, it was found that the extract of the roots of Withania Somnifera was capable of recuperating cellular vitality and function to mitochondria*.

It repairs damage to fibroblasts**, which are no longer affected by screen light exposure.

*Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the skins cells for cellular functions and are responsible for cellular respiration and energy creation (ATP), needed for cellular functions.

**A fibroblast is a type of cell that contributes to the formation of connective tissue, a fibrous cellular material that supports and connects other tissues or organs in the body. Fibroblasts secrete collagen proteins that help maintain the structural framework of tissues.

It has been clinically proven to be effective at protecting from screen-emitted blue light by restoring ATP function# in the cells, bringing back mobility and communication properties.

#ATP (Adenosine 5′-triphosphate) is the principal molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells. It is often referred to as the energy currency of the cell and can be compared to storing money in a bank.

Test Results:

Withania Somnifera Root Extract has been clinically proven to protect the skin from blue light, it helps the wellness of the skin, and repairs the damage from blue light previous damage. The more you use it the better the skin will be fixed.

What other benefits does it offer?

Its potent antioxidant properties may also help to protect against the ageing process in the skin. It is also known to promote the production of vital compounds and proteins for healthy skin such as hyaluronic acid for skin hydration, elastin for skin suppleness, and collagen for skin strength. In hair care, Ashwagandha is believed to help improve scalp circulation and strengthening the hair, as well as having anti-dandruff benefits.

Which Pevonia products can this ingredient be found in?

Pevonia incorporated this extract in their superb sunscreen formulation when they reformulated the product in late 2020.

Hydrating Sunscreen SPF40

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• Hydrating Sunscreen
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• Blue Light Shield
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• Safe for Oceans & Reefs
• Non-Chalky, Non-Greasy
• Superfood – Withania Somnifera (Indian Gingseng Root) super antioxidant
• Carbon-Reduced Impact Recyclable Packaging (featuring 50% less plastic than previous packaging)

Delightfully easy to apply and ultra-moisturising, this silky-soft emulsion is unlike typical mineral sunscreens so there’s no chalky, filmy, or greasy residue. Offering crucial daily indoor/outdoor protection to all skin tones, it is oceans and reefs safe, so it protects the environment as well! Pevonia’s proprietary SunShield technology helps to safeguard all skin tones from sunburn, accelerated ageing, age spots, dark spots, and dehydration caused by exposure to UV, infrared, and blue light rays. SPF40.

To find out more about Blue Light, as well as protecting your skin from the UV and infra-red rays – take a look at our Blog here.