I remember the moment like it was yesterday. I had recently stopped breastfeeding and now had the time and mental capacity to readdress my grooming and beauty routines, starting with a much needed facial. As I fully relaxed, enjoying the feeling of being triple masked, and not, I repeat not, pumping milk, expressing milk, storing milk or doing anything related to milk, I turned to the side and saw a bottle of colostrum on the shelf. I kid you not. <\/p>\n
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If you\u2019re not familiar, colostrum is the first milk your body produces when you give birth. What I didn\u2019t realize is that it is also used in skincare and stimulates cellular repair. It\u2019s known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. I needed to know two things immediately – 1. What was the source of this product because no human mother would give up something so precious that was meant for her newborn, and 2. Does it work? In an effort to better understand the placement of colostrum in skincare, I turned to the experts. Below, everything you need to know about what mothers collectively refer to as liquid gold. <\/p>\n
So what is colostrum?<\/strong><\/p>\n Many of us know colostrum<\/a> as the earliest breast milk produced during pregnancy and the first few days after a baby\u2019s birth. It is typically a yellowish color and has a thick and concentrated consistency, made up of immune factors such as protein, sugar and fats. Colostrum contains antibodies and white blood cells that help your baby build a strong immune system. Seriously, how incredible is a woman\u2019s body? <\/p>\n In fact, all mammals produce colostrum after birth. When used in skincare, colostrum products are sourced from Bovine females. Bovine colostrum is packed with nutrition and is used to \u201csoothe, heal and fortify the skin,\u201d according to Monica McGrath, Licensed Esthetician at Victoria Roggio Beauty<\/a> in Philadelphia, PA. Bovine colostrum \u201ccan be obtained in large quantities and has properties similar to human colostrum,\u201d says Candace Noonan, Licensed Esthetician and Director of Education at DermaConcepts<\/a>, the exclusive distributor of Environ Skin Care in the US. \u201c[With] its numerous growth factors and immunoglobulins, scientific research has shown that it helps to improve the effects of homeostasis in the skin and calm the look of sensitivity,\u201d she adds. <\/p>\n How does colostrum work in skincare?<\/strong><\/p>\n When applied topically, bovine colostrum<\/a> contains growth factors, cytokines and other components that affect collagen biosynthesis, contributing to wound healing, delayed skin aging and skin rejuvenation. Two months ago, scientists published an in-vitro study<\/a> that evaluated skin health and aging by looking at telomere length. Telomeres are chromosomal \u201cend caps\u201d that protect chromosomes from degradation. As cells age, telomeres shorten due to tissue damage. In the study, the addition of bovine colostrum caused a protective effect on telomere length erosion in both normal conditions and conditions of oxidative stress after eight weeks of treatment. <\/p>\n Bovine colostrum has \u201cproperties to stimulate the benefits of the immune system, contains growth factors and many bioactive substances needed for the body to help combat natural aging effects,\u201d says Noonan. <\/p>\n What are the benefits of colostrum in skincare?<\/strong><\/p>\n According to Victoria Roggio, Founder of Victoria Roggio Beauty, \u201ccolostrum helps promote collagen production, heal skin, decrease fine lines and boost overall radiance.\u201d There is also \u201cimproved skin elasticity and texture with use,\u201d she adds. Mcgrath notes that colostrum can be a great option for acne prone skin as its \u201cwound healing and regenerative properties make it a great addition for zits that scab over and take a while to heal.\u201d <\/p>\n Noonan notes that \u201cas we age we lose growth factors in our skin that are naturally produced by keratinocytes. These growth factors help to keep the effects of skin functioning at an optimum. It is worth noting that there aren\u2019t many scientific publications examining the topical application of colostrum, however many patents<\/a> on colostrum-containing dermocosmetics are pending. This includes formulations containing horse colostrum<\/a>, which was studied in the treatment of sunburns, burns from fire, contact lesions, acne, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. In other words, don\u2019t be surprised if you start seeing more colostrum-based shelfies on the market. <\/p>\n How do I use it correctly? <\/strong><\/p>\n McGrath prefers using colostrum when the skin barrier is impaired but notes that it can also be used whenever the skin feels dry or irritated. \u201cIt\u2019s a great option for individuals looking for something versatile that addresses both aging and hydrating concerns,\u201d she adds. McGrath often uses colostrum in the treatment room at Victoria Roggio Beauty, particularly when meeting with clientele who may be using too many products at home and are experiencing an adverse reaction. The spa carries both Biologique Recherche Serum Colostrum and Environ Vita-Enriched Colostrum Gel. <\/p>\n She reaches for colostrum-containing products when she sees someone struggling with inflammation, redness or an impaired skin barrier or even a client who has been skin picking because the products can be \u201cinstantly soothing and can help repair and heal the skin.\u201d \u201cColostrum can help those who struggle with skin picking as it is restorative and can help heal scabs and wounds,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n Which products contain colostrum?<\/strong><\/p>\n – Biologique Recherche Serum Colostrum<\/a>
\nIt has been scientifically researched and shown that colostrum may replace the benefits of what is lost, and improve the effects of the overall performance of the skin. Because of its calming and soothing benefits, [it] helps to improve the appearance of redness and sensitivity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIdeal to use after sun exposure or other harsh climate conditions.
\nRecommended for very dehydrated, devitalized or mature skin conditions. <\/p>\n