Saururus Chinensis (Chinese Lizard’s Tail) in Skin Care
Saururus chinensis is an East Asian plant also called Asian Lizard’s tail, Chinese Lizard’s tail, or Sam-baekcho in Korean. Saururus chinensis from the Lizard tail plant is a new antiaging cosmeceutical ingredient that is also found in creams to treat hyperpigmentation.
Is Saururus Chinensis the best ingredient for your skin? The best way to find the right products is to shop by your Baumann Skin Type.
East asian plant species that is quickly becoming popular in western skin care
Versatile natural benefits from varied chemical structure
Safe for most skin types, and increasingly available
Skin Benefits of Saururus chinensis
Saururus chinensis has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities that make this Lizard tail Plant ideal for soothing sensitive skin while treating wrinkles and dark spots.
Saururus chinensis is used to treat:
Acne
Aging Skin
Eczema
Hyperpigmentation
Melasma
Psoriasis
Rosacea
If you’re just looking for the best products with Saururus Chinensis, here are my favorites:
Is Lizard Tail Plant Extract Good for Your Skin?
The Asian Lizard Tail Plant has the following properties:
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Moisturizing
Skin Lightening
To find out if that’s what your skin needs in your daily routine, take our free quiz here!
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Research on saururus chinensis
Evidence Based Research on Saururus Chinensis in Skin Care Products
Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis
Choi et al. showed that the leaves of S. chinensis prevented eczema skin rashes in mice. The lizard tail plant was thought to work by stimulating the Th1 cell immune response and modulating Th1/Th2 imbalance. (1)
Protection of Skin Against Skin Cancer
Lee et al. showed that Lizard Tail plant extract slowed growth human cancer cells. (2)
Anti-inflammatory Benefits of Saururus Chinensis
Sauchinone is found in Lizard Tail Plant. Bae et al. demonstrated that sauchinone gives S. chinensis some of its soothing properties by lowering tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α synthesis by inhibiting the c-Raf-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 phosphorylation pathway. (3) Zhang et al. showed that an extract of S. chinensis leaves blocked expression of inflammatory genes by blocking the TAK1/AP-1 pathway. (4) The Asian Lizard tail plant blocks various different inflammatory pathways which explains its soothing and calming effects on sensitive skin.
You can learn more about inflammatory pathways in skin here.
Antioxidant properties of saururus chinensis
Antioxidant and Photoprotection Benefits of Saururus Chinensis
Sauchinone, found in the Lizard Tail plant, protects human skin cells (keratinocytes) from sun damage and blocks the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1 ) enzymes that usually occur after UVB exposure and cause a break down of type 1 collagen in the skin. Sauchinone has antioxidant activity and suppresses extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 MAPK signaling through the activation of oxidative defense enzymes. (5)
Skin Whitening and Lightening Effects of Chinese Lizard Tail Plant
Manassantin A and B found in S. chinensis blocks melanin synthesis by down-regulating the expression of tyrosinase or the TRP1 gene and inhibiting expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) (6, 7). This cosmetic ingredient also blocks melanosome transport by interrupting the interaction between melanophilin and myosin Va. (8) Lizard tail extract also inhibits the melanogenesis signaling pathway activated by α-MSH, causing dose-dependent inhibition without causing cytotoxicity. The depigmenting activity of S. chinensis extracts may occur as a result of elevated activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). (2)
Conclusion
Lizard Tail extract is an exciting new skin care ingredient that blocks inflammation, damage form sun, aging, and production of skin pigment. It is ideal for skin types that suffer from inflammation and pigmentation such as sensitive skin with dark spots. The best way to know if this is the best ingredient for YOU is to know your Baumann Skin Type and shop for products based on your skin type.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.