Part 1: Herbal Products and Plants that are Great for Your Skin
What does skincare mean to you? For most of us, the first thing we think of is all the ways we can care for our skin from the outside – masks, serums, moisturizers, exfoliants, and facials. But there is a lot more that goes into looking after our skin than just the products we use. Topical skincare works best when combined with important factors like exercise and diet. Healthy, radiant skin requires a holistic approach, and by adding medicinal plants to our diet, we can supply our bodies with the goodness they need to heal and rejuvenate.
When we are happy and healthy, we shine from the inside out, and when we’re not, it can leave our skin looking dull, which takes its toll on our emotional and mental well-being. Often our skin is a representation of what is happening inside our bodies. Luckily, nature has provided us with some amazing gifts to support a healthy glow.
There are so many wonderful herbal products that are great for your skin, I couldn’t fit all the information into one blog without it becoming a small book, so I divided it into two parts. There’s a link to Part Two at the end of this blog.
Four of the best herbal products and plants to revitalize your skin
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a common house plant, also known as the plant of immortality because of the many many benefits it offers for our skin. This cactus-like plant grows in desert regions around the world, and its leaves produce a gel that is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12. When applied topically, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the swelling, pain, and soreness of wounds and injuries. It can also speed up the time it takes a wound to heal and reduce scarring. Aloe vera supports the production and release of collagen (no need for those pricey serums that promise the world when you’ve got this spikey friend in your garden). This amazing plant helps with sunburn as well as first- and second-degree burns. I can personally attest to the wonders this plant works after I’ve spent too many hours in the sun. If that wasn’t enough, aloe vera has an antioxidant effect that can help repair sun damage and slow down the aging process of our skin. It protects our skin from the damaging effects of radiation therapy and effectively treats fungal and bacterial infections. Aloe vera contains 98% water, making it great for moisturizing, soothing, and hydrating the skin. The aloe vera plant can be applied directly to your skin, or you can make a soothing face mask using fresh aloe vera gel and honey. Mix the gel from your aloe plant with 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply the mask to your face and relax for 15 minutes before rinsing it off and patting your skin dry.
2. Turmeric
This yellow spice is a firm favorite. Inflammation is the root cause of many skin woes like rosacea, acne, eczema, and premature wrinkles. Inflammation breaks down the collagen in our skin which spurs on chronic conditions. Luckily, turmeric is full of anti-inflammatory properties. Tumeric works by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory genes, which block the inflammatory response pathway. It also contains an abundance of antioxidants. This is helpful because we are constantly exposed to free radicals, which can accumulate and cause oxidative stress. Turmeric has been shown to increase our body’s natural antioxidant capacity, boosting our defense against free-radical damage. Just like aloe vera, turmeric is also packed with benefits. It is antimicrobial and has the ability to balance the good and bad bacteria on the skin, which is especially helpful with acne. Thanks to all of its other characteristics, turmeric has been shown to soothe skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to help with wound healing by reducing inflammation and neutralizing oxidation, allowing our skin to repair itself faster with less residual damage. And last but not least, turmeric is great for brightening the skin and lightening dark spots and pigmentation. Turmeric can be ingested through capsule supplements, or you can make a face mask by mixing 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt, and 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric to make a paste. The trick to avoiding staining is to use enough yogurt to make a thick paste and only a small amount of turmeric. Apply the mixture to your face, leave it on for 20 minutes, and then wash it off. Turmeric might still temporarily leave a yellow residue on your skin, but that is normal, and it will go away in a few hours, especially if you use a gentle toner and a cotton pad to wipe down your skin once you’ve washed the mask off.
3. Horsetail
Horsetail is a plant that grows wild in Europe and North America. It is most commonly found in cleansing products like body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. It contains antioxidants with skin-smoothing properties. It helps to wash away dead skin cells and promotes new skin cell generation, which means it helps us look younger. Ancient cultures have used horsetail for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years because it contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Horsetail extract works wonderfully to keep skin clean and free from unhealthy bacteria. Horsetail is a superb source of silica, which promotes collagen production. Collagen helps our skin look and feel smooth, wrinkle-free, and radiant. As we age, collagen production declines, and our skin is left without that youthful look. Because of the high silica content in horsetail, it’s best for supporting the skin’s natural collagen production. Is anyone else thinking they need an aloe vera and horsetail mix for those pesky wrinkles? You can brew a cup of horsetail herbal tea to use as a toner to calm your skin. Horsetail is also available in capsule form.
4. Garlic
Although garlic has a pungent smell, experts recommend incorporating this herb into your daily diet because of its many powerful health benefits. Garlic is antifungal, making it great for treating stubborn acne and blackheads. This tasty spice also comprises antibacterial properties that can purify the build-up of cellular waste mainly responsible for skin ailments. Garlic is full of iron, Vitamins B6 and C, calcium, and manganese, which help prevent oxidative stress from free radicals that contribute to premature aging. You can apply garlic to your skin by mincing 2 fresh garlic cloves. Mix the garlic with 1 tablespoon of tap water or rose water. Apply the mixture to the affected areas of your skin and leave for a few minutes. Rinse with normal water and gently pat your skin dry. At least you’ll be safe from mosquitoes and vampires as well!
In summary
The skin is your body’s largest organ, and fortunately, supporting it is easy once you know where to start – and that’s from within. Herbal products and plants are the best choices when looking after your skin properly because they are filled with essential nutrients and don’t contain any harsh chemicals. Herbs and plants can heal your skin issues and give you a natural glow. However, it’s always important to chat to your healthcare practitioner before using anything new. Check out part two of this blog for more amazing herbs and plants that are miracle workers for your skin.
Click here for Part Two, where we discover four more amazing herbal products and plants to revitalize your skin.