Skincare brands have been looting consumers all around the world with their extravagant products that come loaded with harmful chemicals, determined to destroy our skins in the long run. Now that does not mean you should give up entirely on skincare. In fact, look for the better and healthier alternatives that you can rely on for a lifetime in terms of outcome and affordability.
Foods and nutritional supplements have been a common alternative to these products but their results aren’t as quick. Though the naturally youthful and glowing skin deserves all that hard work and patience, you should not have to go through it when you can speed it all up -with spices and herbs for skin care!
Some herbs and spices are quite famous for their health benefits and are in use for a long time. Some of them are even found in historical records. However, not many people know about their amazing skincare results.
Now that the bean’s been spilled, let’s find out what herbs are good for skin care and ways to use them. The article below discloses all the major herbs and spices for skincare and some of the most effective methods to use them.
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Herbs For Skin Care
Using herbs you have grown in your home is such a fun way to be intimately invested in your beauty care regimen. This list of herbs for skin care is a great resource for creating your own herbal beauty routine.
1. Basil
Commonly used in salad, basil is an excellent herb for skin care. It has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which strongly inhibits acne formation. The powerful oils in the herb offer fantastic deep skin cleansing. It is especially great for oily skin. It also clears away all the dirt and unclogs pores.
Some experiments have also confirmed the moisturizing and softening effects of basil extract. Its active ingredients are also believed to act as a sunscreen, though we still need more evidence to prove that. The nutrient-rich basil oil effectively contributes to reducing wrinkles.
Some researchers have also noticed the antifungal properties of basil. However, it reacts differently to different types of fungus. Thus, if you a fungal infection, immediately reach out to a dermatologist.
2. Aloe vera
For its excellent overall health and skin benefits, aloe vera is called the plant of immortality, wonder plant, a lot of other magical names. It has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties that enable it to quickly heal your skin from any damage or hurt. For this reason, it is also quite widely used in the healing of wounds. You can also use it to treat skin burn including sunburn, and irritated skin.
Not only is it among the best herbs for skin problems but also safeguards your skin from further environmental attacks. You can also use it as a natural sunscreen. It is also effective against acne, blemishes, and dead skin and keeps the skin perfectly moisturized by penetrating deeply into it.
The great thing about aloe vera is that it is easily available in most parts of the world. You can grow an aloe plant in your garden or get a grown one from the nearest plant nursery. Although some artificial aloe gels are also available in the market, it is better to use natural extract.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its skin rejuvenating effects since the beginning of the concept of cosmetics and beauty. It contains strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that bring an exceptional glow to the skin.
Curcumin – the major chemical compound that grants turmeric is amazing health skin benefits – also contributes to the healing of wounds and recovery of tissues and collagen. Its effect against rashes, acne scarring, and breakouts will surely leave you in awe.
4. Lavender
Lavender oil from the lavender plant is the main magical potion. It can be taken orally, topically, and can be inhaled during aromatherapy. The active ingredients in lavender oil are your skin’s knights in shining armor that kill the bacteria and save your smooth, glowing skin from breakouts.
When used as a toner, the oil also unclogs the pores and mitigates the chances and symptoms of inflammation, including irritation and redness.
Its antifungal properties marvelously clear away any dry or scaly patches on the skin. Some researchers even found it helpful in the treatment of eczema. Skin lightening and battling wrinkles are added benefits.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile is also amazing in treating skin redness, roughness, and blemishes. It exhibits excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are so potent that chamomile is even used in the treatment of various chronic skin conditions including eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
The antioxidizing agents fade the dark spots on the skin bring out a natural glow that is way more gorgeous than a highlighter. Some people use cold chamomile tea bags to reduce puffiness and lighten the dark circles around the eye.
The anti-aging effects are the most prominent of all. Protecting from environmental damage and free radicals, chamomile aids cell regeneration which reduces scars, wrinkles, and fine lines.
6. Thyme
Loaded with extraordinary benefits, thyme is one of the best herbs for skin care. It has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties that protect your skin from various potential infections. It is also an excellent remedy for acne, scars, wounds, cuts, sores, burns, and skin rashes.
Thyme oil keeps the skin hydrated and soft, reducing the chances of roughness and itchiness. Moreover, it slows down aging, granting you tighter and younger skin.
7. Mint
For the extraordinary health benefits mint contain, it should already be an uncompromised ingredient of your diet. The great thing about mint is that you consume it in a variety of ways without giving up on any of its benefits -drink mint tea, make a face pack, make detox, and whatnot.
Being an awesome skin-soothing herb, mint can remedy a variety of skin conditions like roughness, dryness, wounds, cuts, burns, and sun damage. Its astringent nature leaves you with a naturally toned skin that is free of dead cells and dirt. It also contributes to minimizing the pores and making your skin more supple and hydrated by retaining moisture.
Vitamin A and salicylic acid in the mint regulates the secretion of oil on the skin, which also reduces the chances of acne outburst. Furthermore, it slows down engagement, lightens dark circles, and brightens the complexion.
8. Dandelions
Dandelions are packed with vitamin AC and E and powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative stress and fight the signs of aging. They fade away fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen for healthier and more supple skin. Their skin soothing and refining benefits are second to none. They help reduce redness and irritation and are quite helpful for acne-prone skin. With an optimum quality of zinc and magnesium, dandelion offers anti-inflammatory and skin detoxifying properties. For these reasons, dandelion is also seen to be a common constituent of many facial serums and moisturizers.
9. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is another magical herb that is considered to be one of nature’s most amazing gifts. For its extraordinary health benefits, it has been used as an ayurvedic medicine to treat various mental and physical ailments. Its idea is to treat from the inside, which ultimately polishes the outside.
Rich in bioactive compounds including alkaloids, withanolides, etc., Ashwagandha acts as a deep cleanser that removes dirt and unclogs pores and a lasting moisturizer that protects your skin from rough, scaly patches. It promotes the production of skin’s natural oil and other essential compounds like collagen for strength, elastin for suppleness, and hyaluronan for hydration.
The high quantity of antioxidants present in this herb effectively fights blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. It can be used in powdered form or as a cream.
10. Calendula
Calendula is a common ingredient in most skincare products to enhance their beautifying potentials. It exhibits extraordinary anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial activities that rejuvenate your skin and protect it from external damage. It is also used to treat rashes, eczema, and wounds.
The glowy, radiating, and fresh skin Calendula ensures is hard to find with any other herb. It tones and moisturizes the skin and slows down aging by resisting fine lines and dullness.
11. Sage
With a high amount of calcium and vitamin A, sage aids with cell regeneration which significantly fights aging signs -wrinkles and fine lines and grants your youthful skin. It improves blood circulation, mitigates redness, and reduces the chances of broken capillaries. Improved blood circulation wipes out toxins from the skin, which reduces cellulite.
Skin type is not an issue with sage -oily or dry – its amazing properties are sure to give you glowing and clean skin. It promotes sebum production which prevents dryness, and acne. The sage oil is particularly known for its therapeutic properties – astringent, antiseptic, and relaxing effects.
12. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is native to the US, where it is one of the most famous herbs for skin problems. The active tannins in this shrub act as an astringent which dries out your acne and clear your skin of any blemishes.
Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help with the treatment of various inflammatory skin conditions including redness and rashes and prevent breakouts. It also speeds up skin recovery from sunburn, razor burn, cuts, bruises, and bug bites.
Ways To Use Herbs In Natural Skin Care Routine
There are different ways you can use these herbs and spices for your skin treatment. They can be taken orally or applied topically – which is usually preferred for faster results. For topical uses, you can make face wash, toners, and moisturizers. Below are some quick and easy ways to use natural herbs for skin care routine.
Lavender Chamomile Face Wash
This face wash is not only full of all the good things that herbs provide for skin care, but it also smells divine!!
Things needed
- Dry chamomile – 3 tea bags or 2 tbsp.
- Dry lavender – 2 tbsp.
- Raw honey – 1tbsp.
- Tea tree oil -10 drops
- Carrier oil (whichever you like -jojoba, grape seed, etc.) – 1 tsp.
- Castile soap – ¼ cup
- Boiled water – ¾ cup
Method
- Place lavender and chamomile in a bowl and pour boiled water over it. Let it cool.
- Add tea tree oil, carrier oil, and raw honey. Whisk the content gently to mix it all up.
- Add soap and slightly stir the mixture to fuse all the content, but do not go too harsh because we don’t want much forth.
- Your face wash is ready! Pour it into a soap jar and start cleaning the beautiful face reading this.
- Remember to gently shake the jar before using. You can also use it as a simple hand wash.
Aloe Vera Lotion
We’ve already sung the praises of aloe vera for skin care, so there is no wonder this miracle moisturizer was added to our list of favorite DIY lotions.
- Emulsifier (olivem 1000) – 3 grams or 1.5 tsp.
- Almond oil – 10 grams or 2.5 tsp.
- Shea butter – 0.5 grams or 1/8 tsp.
- Rosehip seed oil – 2 grams or ½ tsp.
- Water – 70 ml or ¼ cup
- Natural aloe vera gel – 7 grams or 2 tsp.
- Honey – 4 grams or ½ tsp.
- Vitamin E oil (optional) – 0.5 grams or 1/8 tsp.
- Geogard Ultra (or Microguard) – 1.5 grams or ½ tsp.
Method
- Squeeze aloe vera gel into a jar.
- Melt olivem, almond oil, shea butter, and Rosehip seed oil together – preferably through the double boiler method. Stir until you get a homogenous mixture.
- Boil water in a separate container and pour it into a heat-proof jar. Add Geogard Ultra into it and stir thoroughly to mix it up. Add honey and vitamin E oil and stir again.
- Slowly combine the water mixture with the melted oil content. Make sure the water is at least 70C and the oil should not be cooler than 60C. You can use a frother to get a smooth paste that is slightly runny to be easily spread out on the skin.
- Pour this cream into a jar and start using.
Mint Toner
Often one of the forgotten steps in a skin care routine. This mint toner will leave you feeling fresh and ready for the day!
Things needed
- Mint – a few leaves
- Water – ½ cups
- Lemon juice – ½
Method
- Thoroughly wash the mint leaves and boil them with water. Turn off the flame when the water turns yellowish-green.
- Cool the mixture down to room temperature.
- Strain the liquid into a bowl to remove the leaves.
- Squeeze the half lemon into the liquid and mix them thoroughly.
- Pour the liquid mixture into a bottle for easy use.
Conclusion
Skincare does not have to be super expensive as shown by the big brands. You can use natural herbs for skin care that are not only abundant but also effective and cheap like turmeric and lavender. The amazing benefits of aloe vera beat all those expensive beauty products. You can use them in different ways -as a moisturizer, toner, face wash, soap, etc.
