Why You Need Maple Syrup Skincare in Your Life

With all the new classes of retinoids taking the spotlight in recent years and the popularity of non-invasive quickie injections as the fix-it for fine lines and wrinkles, who would’ve thought a plant-based alternative might crop up? Maple syrup extract has been on the beauty industry’s radar for a few years now, thanks to new studies and a growing list of benefits — and now, in 2020, when we’re all feeling as though we’ve aged 5 years in the last one alone, it couldn’t be better timing for this skincare saviour to start gaining traction.

A study by the University of Rhode Island produced findings that suggested red maple leaf extract can act as a “plant-based Botox” by working to prevent inflammation, lighten dark spots, and even protect the skin’s elasticity. While the majority of these studies are still in their preliminary stages, the findings so far have proven promising in making the case that plant-based solutions for anti-aging geared skincare are out there and on the rise.

While the benefits of maple syrup extract in skincare is still growing as further testing takes place, there are some major known and proven pros to this oh-so-Canadian beauty trend. With up to 24 antioxidants, like benzoic acid, gallic acid and cinnamic acid, working to counter the high sugar count found in syrup, these compounds serve to prevent chronic disease and treat inflammation. Also, much like raw forms of honey, maple syrup extract applied directly to your skin has been known to treat dryness, redness and even blemishes.

Dehydration, caused not just by a lack of fluids but also depletion of key nutrients, can leave your skin looking dull and feeling itchy. It can affect your skin tone and even cause lines and wrinkles to appear more prominent. Enter maple syrup, which, jam-packed with nutrients and antioxidants, can work to ensure your skin retains its moisture. Swap out that refined sugar for maple syrup in your next tea or with some lemon and hot water to enjoy the benefits of this surprising – and sweet – natural hydrator.

When dermatological chemist Ben Kaminsky had a revelation about maple trees and their ability to endure the the rough Canadian winters, he conducted a series of tests which would ultimately produce his first maple syrup-inspired product: menopausal skin cream. Flash-forward and Kaminsky’s beauty brand, B.Kamins, has trademarked the Bio-Maple Compound, the star ingredient in the brand’s luxury product line. As explained on their website, “Packed with naturally occurring antioxidents, minerals and alpha hydroxy acids, this revolutionary ingredient rehydrates, gently exfoliates, and creates a protective barrier on the skin. Present in all of our formulations, Bio-Maple™ compound acts as a buffer to active ingredients allowing our formulations to be aggressive and effective without ever drying out the skin.”

Rich in nutrients, antibacterial properties and anti-aging properties, a maple syrup face mask might just be the most Canadian DIY you ever take on - and your skin will thank you for it. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of maple syrup with 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel and apply to skin. Remember to apply a moisturizer after rinsing off the mask to really lock in that hydration!

Thanks to a high concentration of antioxidants found in maple syrup, the sticky substance has been known to act as a natural barrier between your skin and harsh environmental elements. <h2Gear up for the cold season ahead with this (delicious) banana and maple syrup face mask: Combine half a banana, 1 teaspoon coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of pure maple syrup and apply to the skin, leaving on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Acne is an inflammatory condition, so it’s not surprising that with the rise of maple syrup in skincare, people have begun incorporating it into their diet (in moderation) in an effort to get that skincare glow-up from the inside out. As sugar is a pro-inflammatory substance, substituting it with pure maple syrup where possible to curb the effects that too much sugar can have on your skin.

Clean, Canadian and cruelty-free, we love beauty brand Province Apothecary, whose bestselling organic Detox + Clarifying Clay Mask incorporates natural clay elements, Canadian-sourced algae and maple syrup, for the ultimate facial indulgence.

When K-beauty brand May Coop discovered the nourishing benefits of maple sap after tapping into soil at Mount Jiri, they were so blown away with the results that they released an entire product line with maple sap as their core ingredient. The quick absorption rate and high count of vitamins, minerals and amino acids made sap the star of their full range of products, including their Raw Sauce made with 93% maple tree sap.