Goji Berries: The Ayurvedic Ingredient that Can Boost Your Skincare Routine

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) have been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years to help support energy, vision, kidney and liver function, sleep and for anti-aging properties that benefit skin. Also known as wolfberries, these rich, sweet berries are commonly used medicinally. They are also found in India and around other parts of Asia, especially in China, where they are a medicinal staple. 

The goji berry is a small, red berry that contains a wealth of health benefits. The goji berry contains high levels of antioxidants as well as high levels of Vitamin B2 and Vitamin C, plus minerals, essential fatty acids and polysaccharides. 

At AVYA, we’ve incorporated goji berry extract into products like our Eye Bright Cream because of the many healing and anti-aging benefits this wonderful fruit offers. We’d like to share a little bit more with you about the reasons we’ve chosen to use goji berries to improve our formulations.

Goji berries are rich in vitamins that benefit your skin

These magnificent little berries are rich in Vitamins A and C. According to Healthline, Vitamin C is one of the four best vitamins for your skin. Vitamin C is found in high levels in the epidermis, the outer layer of your skin where it protects skin against sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin A works to increase moisture in your skin, speeds up healing, boosts skin’s immunity to bacteria and improves skin tone by stimulating the production of new blood cells. This incredible vitamin is also known to help combat breakouts by sloughing off dead skin cells preventing inflammation and clogged pores. 

Potent minerals make goji berries optimal for skincare

Goji berries are high in minerals like copper and selenium. Copper plays a key role in the synthesis and stabilization of skin proteins, and it also has potent antibacterial properties. 

Selenium is a potent mineral that works to neutralize free radicals and other skin-damaging compounds before they can lead to signs of aging. This mineral works with Vitamin E to safeguard cell membranes, the protective coating around cells, to avoid breakdown and increase regeneration. 

Antioxidant-rich goji berries are great for anti-aging 

Antioxidants protect your cells against free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or when you're exposed to daily environmental stressors like UVA or UVB radiation and pollution. Examples of antioxidants include Vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Goji berries are high in Vitamin C, dubbed by Allure Magazine as the “Holy Grail” of skincare,  and selenium making them great protection against signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. You can also read more about why we also incorporate Vitamin C in our products like our Nourishing Hand Treatment and our Anti-Aging Power Serum in this blog post.

As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture and elasticity. Goji berries are high in essential fatty acids, or EFA’s,  a component of the lipid barrier that protects the skin's surface. This barrier helps maintain skin elasticity and moisture, and protects skin from harmful bacteria. EFA’s are said to diminish the inflammation associated with acne and psoriasis and can even lessen your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Goji berries also aid in evening out your skin tone by preventing hyperpigmentation and diminishing dark spots. These little berries are powerhouses when it comes to protecting and improving skin tone and texture leaving you radiant and rejuvenated.