Echium: A smoothing powerhouse for ageing skin

Echium is a skincare ingredient you might not have heard of – but trust us, you should get acquainted. Why? It’s extremely effective for skin that’s showing signs of ageing. Yet in an industry that regularly raves about actives, it’s only recently been getting the spotlight it deserves.

But at Pai we’re longtime fans of this ingredient. So much so, we’ve featured it in our Age Confidence range – and the customer reviews show we were onto something.

For the lowdown on this stellar skincare ingredient, read on…

What is Echium?

Also known as Viper’s Bugloss, Echium (pronounced eck-ee-um, in case you were curious) or Echium plantagineum is a shrub with striking purple-blue flowers.

In ancient Greece it was believed this powerful plant could protect against venomous snake bites, which is where the name comes from – Echis is Latin for Viper.

This resilient plant can survive droughts and fires - in the same way cacti can function in extremely dry conditions. It tends to grow in hotter climates in the Mediterranean and North Africa, but we source ours much closer to home.

The Echium extract we use at Pai is grown in Essex and Yorkshire, so on top of its skincare benefits it’s also got a low carbon footprint. We love it because it grows out of season, which means it’s a bee’s best friend as an essential source of pollen during winter.

The benefits of Echium for your skin

In skincare, it's the Echium Oil from the seeds – usually a light yellow in colour – that are used for products that are designed for mature skin. Here’s what it can do for you:

Supports the skin barrier

Echium seed oil is thought to be one of the world’s richest plant sources of omegas 3, 6 and 9 – Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Stearidonic Acid (SDA) and Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA). This incredibly effective form of ‘good fats’ or essential fatty acids can help cells regenerate, rebuild and strengthen the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss.

Soothes and calms skin

The good news is that the Stearidonic Acid within Echium Oil also happens to be great at calming stressed-out skin. Think visible flare-ups and congestion. It has anti-inflammatory properties to help settle things down. So, if your skin is freaking out and you need something that’ll give it a gentle hug, Echium is it.

Improves appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

We use Echium in our Age Confidence range because of its prowess at smoothing the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That’s all down to those omegas, which help to boost elasticity and firmness – meaning plump skin with a more even texture.

How to use Echium in your skincare routine

Echium is a smart ingredient to seek out if your skin is feeling dry, stressed, or lacklustre – especially if you’re starting to spot some fine lines or crepey texture.

Our Age Confidence range is a great place to start. In fact, here’s your full routine for smoother, supple skin:

Feather Canyon™ Smoothing Eye Cream

Our cloud-light eye cream contains three molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate skin across multiple levels. Together with Echium, it helps to smooth, calm and hydrate the most delicate skin of your face.

Salvation Jane™ Omega Rich Moisturiser

Our silky-smooth Echium face cream is also rich in Hyaluronic Acid to keep your skin feeling hydrated and plump, without irritation.

Viper’s Gloss™ Squalene Overnight Face Oil

Named after the hero ingredient itself, our face oil blends Echium with our plant-based Squalene to protect and smooth, while locking moisture in.

Shop our Echium skincare products here or book a free skin consultation for advice on how to include it in your skincare routine.