Adaptogens – Nature’s Stress Mediators

The term "adaptogen" and its definition were first put forward by the scholar Lazarev in the mid-20th century. He used it to describe substances that non-specifically enhance the body's resistance. The concept was introduced to China in the 1960s, and today adaptogens are familiar to most people.

Modern pharmacological studies show that adaptogenic plants can act on the human body through multiple pathways and targets. They influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) and the neuro-endocrine-immune system, which allows them to non-specifically strengthen the body's resistance under various forms of external stress. Adaptogens are the material basis for the body's response to external environmental stimuli, and they can work on both the immune system and the stress response system. When the body faces outside pressure, it produces and releases more stress hormones. Adaptogens help the adrenal glands secrete more effectively and clear excess hormonal responses. By building a natural resistance to stressors, they help establish and maintain adaptive homeostasis, restoring balance and health.

Adaptogens are also the material basis for the body's response to external stimuli, and they can couple with the immune system and the internal stress response system. Under different modes of stress, they can trigger and adjust the response to different stressors. When the immune system is overactive—causing allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and similar conditions—adaptogens reduce the immune response and bring it back to normal levels. When the immune system is underactive, leading to frequent colds, bronchitis, or even pneumonia, as well as digestive problems such as ulcers or chronic diarrhoea, adaptogens help strengthen the immune response and break the cycle of illness. Their role is not simply to remove the symptoms of an existing disease, nor to act in a specific way. They work as bidirectional regulators. Compared with most conventional active substances, adaptogens have a much broader range of action. Traditionally, they have been used to treat asthenic conditions such as fatigue and weakness.

In skincare, the growing trend of plant-based products and the rise of Chinese ingredients—together with the dual appeal of plant extracts and safety-efficacy—have helped adaptogens take root quickly in the global market. Adaptogens are mainly derived from plant extracts. Common adaptogenic plant ingredients today include Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Astragalus, Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra chinensis, and others. When they act on the skin, adaptogens help protect it from external environmental stimuli and influences.

Schisandra chinensis, for example, can serve as an antioxidant, sebum-regulating agent, and skin conditioner. It helps retain moisture and reduce fine lines, which can enhance skin radiance. It also offers anti-thermal aging, anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, physiological regulation, anti-fatigue, and immune-enhancing effects. Rhodiola rosea grows mainly in the Himalayas, Tibet, and Russia. Its harsh growing environment, including extreme cold, causes the plant to produce many components that are beneficial for the skin. These help ease external stress such as skin damage caused by environmental pollution and solar radiation. Rhodiola rosea can also be used to treat depression and inflammation. It is rich in polyphenols such as flavonoids, salidroside, and tyrosol, and provides cytoprotective, anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing effects. Korean Red Ginseng is well known as the "king of Chinese herbal medicines," capable of strengthening the constitution and relieving fatigue. After being encapsulated through STAVECTOR technology, ginsenosides can improve skin penetration, delivering a highly effective skincare experience. It has multiple bio-pharmacological effects, including anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition to choosing skincare products that contain adaptogenic plants in moderation, it is important to cope properly with stress from daily life and work. Increasing appropriate physical exercise and sharing feelings with friends are also good ways to relieve stress.