Berries (for dry and sensitive skin) and roses (for oily skin) are known for their extraordinary beauty benefits. But what if we tell you that you can get the benefits of both in one amazingly effective botanical? We are talking about the flavonoid-rich red berries of the Hawthorn bush.

Also known as Thorn Apple or May-tree, Hawthorn berry is a species of the rose family. The extract of Hawthorn berries (Crataegus oxyacantha) used in our organic skin care are sustainably harvested from Hawthorn bushes growing in the sunny wooded hills of North America. Being rich in purifying active compounds, these berries are the perfect addition to an effective anti-aging skin regimen, as well as blemish treatments and are extremely beneficial when it comes to soothing sensitive skin issues.

The Benefits of Hawthorn Berry for Skin

Let’s find out some of the topical benefits of Hawthorn berries:

1. Slows Aging of Skin

The leaves, fruits and flowers of Hawthorn Berries are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and bioflavonoids such as Vitexin, Quercetin, Oligomeric Procyanidins and Hyperoside – all of which accomplish free radical scavenging, or ‘cleaning up’ of harmful toxins/oxidation responsible for cell death and premature skin aging due to slowed cellular turnover.

The Caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and acetylcholine (that work similar to DMAE, learn how) in Hawthorn berries further stimulate cellular turnover and help in the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, bunny lines, crow’s feet and other signs of aging.  

Editor’s Pro Tip: Hawthorn berry is an important ingredient used in all our organic anti-aging serums – BioScience Peptide Complex, Rejuv Serum, Collagen Boost Serum and SBR Serum.  Following a dedicated natural skin care regimen according to your unique dosha not only prevents the formation of new expression lines, but also helps in minimizing the appearance of existing wrinkles and fine lines in less than 60 days of use.

Read More: The Best Serums for Every Skin Type.

2. Calms Skin Irritations

Spritzing a few sprays of our Hawthorn-enriched Organic Hydrators / Toners can give instant relief from irritation and skin redness. Anti-inflammatory compounds in Hawthorne eases the pain and inflammation associated with hypersensitive skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.

repair sun damaged skin

3. Soothes Sunburn

Is your skin sensitive to the sun? With our Broad Spectrum SunProtect SPF 30+, you no longer need to keep yourself away from going to the beaches/ outdoors for fear of getting UV-induced skin redness, peeling or hyperpigmentation.  Being rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, this concentrated berry extract in our sunscreen, along with other calming botanicals like Comfrey and Green Tea, will help fade painful burns and soothe inflamed skin.

Remember that in addition to wearing a mineral sunscreen, it’s always advisable to take additional protective measures such as limiting exposure to the sun during the peak hours (10AM to 2PM), wearing protective clothing, using UV blocking sunglasses, etc.

4. Heals Blemishes & Acne Scars

Hawthorn berry provides has an astringent effect on the skin. Dabbing a small amount of our On the Spot Blemish Treatment containing the extracts of Hawthorn Berry and Kaolin Clay (Daytime/ Concealer treatment) or French Clay (Night Treatment) as the main ingredient, is quite effective at reducing the appearance of blemishes or sudden acne breakouts. The Zinc, Chlorogenic and Caffeic acids in Hawthorn regulate the oil glands and neutralize impurities in the pores to produce clear, blemish-free skin. When used along with a formula that contains Vitamin E, Hawthorn berry also assist in the restructuring of scar tissue to help reduce the appearance of acne scars. 

5. Tones Enlarged Pores

If you have oily or combination skin, you might be looking for a solution that treats open and enlarged pores as well. Pores accumulate dirt and become clogged, leading to complications like blemishes and blackheads.

Hawthorn berries are just one of the many vital botanicals infused into our Pore Perfect Hydrator/Toner. This toner removes the last traces of any dirt or grime from your pores after cleansing your face. Regular application will tighten and reduce pores size.

6. Reduces Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

Rich in acetylcholine and Vitamin B, Hawthorne berries speed up cellular turnover to help fade dark spots and even skin tone.

Used since the middle ages by American tribes and in ancient Chinese medicine, the benefits of Hawthorne berry extract have been time-tested to provide effective results. When choosing organic skin care containing Hawthorne berries, make sure it is 100% pure, sustainable and obtained from their natural habitats. For simplified and clean skin care, try Puraveda Organics.