Bamboo is one of the most loved plants in the world. It grows in abundance, it’s multifunctional, it’s beautiful, and pandas love. We love it as it contains several bioactive compounds that are greatly beneficial for the skin. Read on to find out why we use bamboo in our ChitoCare beauty Body Scrub.

Some Bamboo Basics 

There are over 1500 different species of bamboo around the world, and more are being discovered every day. Bamboo is native to every continent except for Antarctica and Europe, making it one of the most prolific and hardy plants out there, withstanding temperatures as low as -20°C! It was also the only plant to survive the Hiroshima atomic bomb in 145. It is sustainable, grows fast and needs no agricultural chemicals to thrive. 

The Chinese have used it for everything – from housing and landscaping, to medicine, musical instruments, fabric, food and weapons for millennia. It is most recognizable today as the plant behind chopsticks, luxurious flooring and panelling, and as a decorative evergreen that brings a sense of serenity to any room or garden. It was even used by Thomas Edison to conduct electricity. 

Bamboo Skin Benefits 

In recent years, bamboo has become a favorite among skin care professionals for its many skin health benefits. The species of bamboo used for skin care is called Bambusa Arundinacea. Compounds are extracted from the plant’s leaves and stems, known as culms. Bamboo salt, extract, sap and charcoal are all used in skin care products to deliver amazing benefits to the skin.  

Bamboo stems are particularly practical as an exfoliation agent and have been developed as a natural alternative to chemical granules and peels. A light white powder is obtained directly from the stem and leaves and incorporated into peeling lotions, exfoliants, scrubs and creams.  

Antibiotic & Cleansing

Clearing away impurities and dull skin cells is crucial for allowing new cell growth and keeping your skin plump and radiant. Bamboo powder naturally cleanses oily and combination skin and effectively absorbs excess sebum that can often lead to acne breakouts. 

As bamboo has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities, it can act as a natural antibiotic and tonic, cleansing and purifying the skin. This makes bamboo products excellent for sensitive or acne-prone skin. 

Soothing Antioxidant Effect

Bamboo stems contain vitamins, flavonoids, amino-acids and antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals that cause premature aging, droopy skin and wrinkles. Exfoliating with bamboo stem will invigorate your skin, reduce redness, itching and cellulite and improve its overall appearance. 

Bamboo also contains a powerful compound that enhances skin healing, called methanol. It has a soothing and cooling effect, promotes cell rejuvenation and has a moisturizing effect, keeping skin hydrated, smooth and supple. 

High Silica Content

Most importantly, bamboo has a high concentration of silica – as much as 70%. Silica is a mineral found naturally in our bodies. It is an essential nutrient that helps our body produce collagen, that in turn makes up the structural building blocks of our connective tissue, found in bones, teeth, hair, skin nails, tendons and more. Silica contributes to our skin’s overall firmness and ability to heal wounds. As we age, silica production decreases, so replenishing skin with natural silica helps keep skin firm, soft and youthful looking. 

How Can I Make the Most of Bamboo? 

Bamboo and its derivatives are a safe and organic way to offer your skin the revitalization it needs. As a natural and sustainable ingredient, granules made from bamboo stem are a fantastic alternative to exfoliants containing plastics or synthetic materials that damage the environment and are often not compatible with our skin’s natural microbiome. 

Keep your skin feeling soft and silky with ChitoCare beauty Body Scrub, containing bamboo stem powder, chitosan, caffeine and walnut shell powder. It gently exfoliates and nourishes without drying out or irritating the skin. 

After use, your skin will be fully prepped to absorb other nutrients, such as coconut oil and aloe vera. Apply ChitoCare beauty Body Lotion after the shower for superior moisturization, and protect your hands from the elements with ChitoCare beauty Hand Cream.