Sakura Cherry Blossoms Are Good for Your Body, Too! Here's Why

Every year, millions of tourists flock to Japan to witness the ethereal beauty of Japan’s sakura cherry blossoms. These picture-perfect flowers – Japan’s unofficial national flora, in fact – are as stunning as they are seasonal. Sakuras, in their fully bloomed glory, only last a few days, which makes timing crucial.

However, these pink flowers do more than provide just a good photo. In Japan, they symbolize renewal and hope. According to Buddhist philosophy, their rapid blooming season also represents the transience of life. In the beauty industry, sakura cherry blossoms offer a trove of benefits.

One of sakura extract’s benefits is its anti-inflammatory properties. Sakura blossoms moderate nitric oxide production, the molecule reasonable for making you puffy, in the skin. A 2014 paper in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science concludes that it may be used as a functional soothing skincare ingredient, meaning it can help alleviate redness and diminish irritation.

Antioxidants are heroes in the skincare world. They neutralize those nasty free radicals and environmental aggressors that accelerate the signs of aging. Make sure your skincare products have antioxidants on the labels to maintain youthful skin.

According to a Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry study, cherry blossoms have an anti-glycation agent. Glycation is the process that razes collagen and elastin, breaking down your skin’s quality. Sakura blossom tea is popular for this reason.

A 2019 study in Cytotechnology specifically examined the effects of sakura blossom extracts on photoaging. Apart from confirming that cherry blossoms can delay the aging process in skin cells, the researchers also learned that these flowers protected the skin against UVB-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis (cell death).

More research on sakura cherry blossoms showed that the extract hinders melanin production and has an effect similar to vitamin C when it comes to evening out hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and other skin discoloration issues. Moreover, these flowers promote cell growth which leads to a more glowing, fresh-faced appearance.

All these benefits that you read? These can translate to your hair care, too. Preventing scalp inflammation can make your hair follicles stronger, helping combat hair fall. Antioxidants also resist free radical damage on your tresses, giving you more nourished and protected tresses.

Take sakura cherry blossoms beyond your Instagram feed and into your beauty routine with these products that can help you enjoy their numerous benefits:

Sunsilk Naturals Sakura & Raspberry Radiance Shampoo – Sakura and raspberries team up to create a formula that purifies hair, coaxing out its natural shine and radiance.

Rexona Women Natural Brightening Deo Dry Serum Fresh Sakura – This deodorant-slash-antiperspirant has three times the brightening capabilities of your everyday deo stick.

Dove Sakura Blossom Body Wash – This soothing lather is inspired by Hokkaido practices. Sakura extracts and pink salt pamper your skin, making it soft and hydrated after every bath.

Compared to lemon, jojoba oil, and shea butter, sakura cherry blossoms aren’t the most popular beauty ingredient, but that doesn’t mean it’s a slouch when it comes to protecting your skin and hair. Add it to your beauty arsenal now!