How to achieve youthful skin with New Zealand native botanicals

In New Zealand, we're fortunate to have nature on our doorstep. Everywhere we look, we find a bounty of ingredients that nurture, nourish, rescue, hydrate, and protect. Used for centuries because of their therapeutic and medicinal purposes, these precious native botanicals are now making their way into premium anti aging skincare. Here are four of our favourites for younger looking skin.

Harakeke flax

Why we love it: Rich in omegas, this hydrating New Zealand botanical promotes skin-softening and healing.

Also known as Phormium tenax, harakeke is a native New Zealand flax with a vast array of uses. The leaves have traditionally been woven into mats, bags, ropes and fishing lines, while the gel extracted from its leaves has been used to treat burns, boils, wounds and skin disorders such as eczema. 

How harakeke flax encourages youthful skin

Cool and clear, harakeke flax gel is used in anti aging skincare to enhance hydration - critical for youthful skin. They key lies in natural plant sugars called polysaccharides. These help prevent trans-epidermal water loss, a natural process where skin loses moisture. Harakeke is also naturally astringent, which is good news for oily and blemished skin. Astringents can help cleanse skin and regulate oil, encouraging a blemish-free complexion.

Discover the benefits of harakeke flax oil in Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser.

Mamaku black fern

Why we love it: Renowned for encouraging fresh cell growth, this beautiful fern promotes firmer skin.

Found in the water-drenched forests of New Zealand, this powerful plant is iconic for its distinctive curved shape, known as “koru”. Mamaku black fern helps to regenerate native bush by feeding the soil with nutrients, while its umbrella-like fronds help to protect new growth.

How mamaku black fern encourages youthful skin

Those same principles apply to the use of this beautiful fern in natural beauty for youthful skin. Antipodes uses mamaku black fern extract in serums and moisturisers for its ability to help boost water and encourage cell turnover. And because it may help to encourage collagen production, it’s a key ingredient in the best skincare for aging skin.

Discover mamaku black fern in Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum.

Kawakawa

Why we love it: Deeply soothing, this antioxidant-rich plant offers protection from irritation.

With vibrant green leaves, you’ll find kawakawa in damp bush in New Zealand’s coastal areas. Its bark and fruit are known for their medicinal properties, as well as their ability to calm inflammation and indigestion. 

How kawakawa encourages younger looking skin

In natural anti aging skincare, kawakawa is used as a skin tonic. This effective anti-inflammatory ingredient helps calm and balance, soothing blemishes for clearer, more youthful skin.

Discover kawakawa extract in Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream.

Pohutukawa 

Why we love it: Resplendent in ruby red, this iconic plant nourishes skin for a youthful glow.

You can’t miss a Pohutukawa tree. Its vibrant ruby red flowers blossom in summertime, bringing delight to coastal and suburban New Zealand alike. All parts of the tree contain their own special benefits. Pohutukawa nectar can be used in honey, and its bark can be used for medicinal purposes thanks to the presence of ellagic acid, a natural phenol antioxidant.

How Pohutukawa encourages youthful skin

In skincare, Pohutukawa helps condition and moisturise for younger looking skin. It's an effective ingredient in anti aging skincare and particularly helpful for dry and dehydrated skin.

Discover Pohutukawa bloom in Aura Manuka Honey Mask.

From collagen production to plumping, protecting and firming. To find the best skincare for aging skin, sometimes you need look no further than your own backyard. New Zealand native botanicals inspire us not just for their beauty. They contain a wellspring of nutrients and antioxidants that foster younger looking skin.

Explore the full Antipodes® range and build your regime with New Zealand botanicals here.