Yerba mate in cosmetics: health and beauty with Ilex paraguariensis

Ilex paraguariensis is a plant that has been appreciated for hundreds of years since the Guarani Indians first started using it for its stimulating properties. Over time, it was discovered that yerba mate also positively affects health and beauty. Today, we invite you to explore a handful of useful information about the application of Paraguayan holly in cosmetics.

Summary:

1. The impact of yerba mate on health and well-being
2. How does yerba mate affect beauty?
3. Yerba mate and kombucha – a healthful combination

The impact of yerba mate on health and well-being

Ilex paraguariensis is a plant rich in vitamins and minerals. Yerba mate prepared from this plant is an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, and others. It also contains minerals, including significant amounts of calcium, iron, and phosphorus, as well as other elements such as chromium, manganese, potassium, and zinc. Special attention is drawn to the antioxidant substances that help the body combat free radicals responsible for the development of cancer. Yerba mate also contains flavonoids that support the functioning of the nervous and circulatory systems. Another benefit of yerba mate is its high caffeine content, which not only provides excellent and long-lasting stimulation and sharpens concentration but also positively affects skin appearance. It stimulates skin microcirculation, enhances its elasticity, and reduces dryness. For many people, infusions of Ilex paraguariensis replace coffee and energy drinks – a much healthier alternative! However, it should be remembered that despite its richness in beneficial substances, yerba mate cannot replace the components of a balanced diet. Mate tea also shines in cosmetics. Yerba mate extract used in natural cosmetics finds wide applications.

How does yerba mate affect beauty?

There is a wide range of cosmetic products with yerba mate on the market, and as interest and the trend for drinking this South American infusion grow, so too does the availability of cosmetic formulations containing mate in their ingredients. Most commonly, Ilex paraguariensis is an additive in anti-swelling and slimming agents. Products with yerba mate also positively influence the skin, hair, and nails. This is thanks to the presence of vitamins A and E, often called “youth vitamins”, as well as the aforementioned antioxidants, which combat free radicals and delay the ageing process. The complex of substances, vitamins, and minerals present in Ilex paraguariensis plant also benefits digestion regulation. Because of this, the addition of yerba mate can contribute to the slimming properties of a given product and provide excellent support during diets. Saponins found in yerba mate – cleansing substances – mean that mate is often added to soaps and bath liquids. This ensures a gentle, natural cleanse. Saponins foam in water similarly to soap, which is why plants containing these chemical compounds were formerly used for washing or laundry as a soap substitute. By drinking yerba mate, you supply your body with the components necessary for proper functioning, and by using cosmetics containing mate tea, you improve your skin's appearance and function. However, remember that visible results require consistency!

Yerba mate and kombucha – a healthful combination

In 2021, a group of Polish scientists conducted research into the properties of the fermented drink kombucha. Typically, black or green tea is used as a base for fermentation. This time, researchers utilised an infusion of Ilex paraguariensis leaves – yerba mate we are familiar with. The study evaluated the properties of the ferments, the content of biologically active compounds, and the antioxidant potential. They also examined the ability to inhibit the activity of enzymes important to the skin ageing process, anti-inflammatory properties, and effects on skin hydration. Yerba mate, on its own, is a rich source of many vitamins and minerals essential for the body and beneficial to its functioning. In combination with kombucha, it works even better – not only when consumed but also when applied to the skin, improving its condition. For this reason, kombucha and yerba mate extracts are increasingly included in creams, ointments, and balms designed to hydrate the skin and prevent excessive water loss. This, in turn, enhances skin regeneration – accelerating wound healing and slowing the ageing process.

Sources of information:

1. Wikipedia: Maté.
2. S. Daniells, Kombucha Yerba Mate extracts show potential for skin health benefits, cosmeticsdesign.com, 2021.
3. A. Ziemlewska, Z. Nizioł-Łukaszewska, T. Bujak, M. Zagórska-Dziok, M. Wójciak, I. Sowa, Effect of fermentation time on the content of bioactive compounds with cosmetic and dermatological properties in Kombucha Yerba Mate extracts, Scientific Reports, 2021.