Herbs that improve the condition of the skin of the face and body have a rich history of use in cosmetology. Today it is actively used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. If you choose the right herbal remedy for a specific problem and a specific skin type, the effect can exceed even the most modest expectations. Do you want to look younger than your age and literally radiate health? Then this article is for you.
Main facial skin types
It is much easier to achieve the rejuvenating and healing effect with the help of herbal remedies if you know your skin type. Let's do a little dermatology education program.
- Normalthe skin does not require more serious care beyond the usual cleaning and moisturizing. This type is characterized by the absence of blackheads, an oily sheen, and a feeling of dryness and tightness. But prevention is never too much.
- Drythe skin is the most vulnerable and sensitive to temperature fluctuations. The consequences of winter cold and summer heat are literally reflected on the faces of the owners. Very often, a capillary network is clearly visible on it, which causes physiological and aesthetic discomfort.
- Fat. With this type of skin, you don't need to wrap your face with a scarf in winter. However, all the shortcomings are visible to the naked eye in the form of enlarged pores and characteristic shine. In addition, it is a real magnet for all kinds of rashes and inflammations.
- Combinedtype common to most people. It is characterized by oily skin in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and normal skin in other areas.
- Sensitivethe skin, like dry skin, does not tolerate the vagaries of the weather, it is characterized by increased irritability and intolerance to the vast majority of cosmetics. Itching, peeling, tightness - that's it. Herbs with emollient and soothing effects are the most optimal for eliminating these problems.
The benefits of herbs for the skin
Using medicinal herbs for cosmetic purposes, you can expect the following results:
- Saturation of the skin with all necessary nutrients.
- Deep cleansing and tightening of pores.
- It normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands and helps eliminate greasy shine over a long period of time.
- Elimination, prevention, disinfection of inflammations.
- Moisturizing, smoothing, whitening skin.
- Refreshing and toning effect.
What dermatological diseases can be cured with herbs?
The above properties of phytotherapeutic agents help to cope with the following diseases, damage and age-related skin changes:
- acne;
- dryness, irritation, peeling;
- greasy shine;
- blackheads, enlarged pores;
- sagging skin, wrinkles;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- age spots (including freckles).
A complete list of herbs for different skin types
Since it was probably not difficult to determine the type of facial skin, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the herbs suitable for their effect.
| Skin type | Appropriate herbs |
|---|---|
| Normal | nettle leaves, peppermint leaves, trifolium, chamomile flowers, lime blossom, plantain leaves |
| Dry | nettle leaf, hop fruit, yarrow, calendula, sage leaf, chamomile flower, oregano herb, creeping thyme herb |
| Fat | wormwood, chicory, yarrow, calendula flowers, horsetail, St. John's wort herb, aloe leaf juice, silver birch leaves and buds, common oak bark, linden flower, plantain leaves, burdock root, nettle leaves, buttercup root, peppermint leaves |
| Combined | peppermint leaf, St. John's wort herb, sage leaf, horsetail |
| Sensitive | calendula, salvia officinalis leaves, chamomile flowers, peppermint leaves, three-pronged herb garland, lavender grass, linseed, tricolor violet grass, bearberry leaves |
The most useful herbs for the skin
As you can see, some herbs are mentioned more than once in the table above, which indicates their versatility. These herbs need to be discussed in more detail.
Nettle
This pungent plant has long been used for cosmetic purposes for skin and hair care. Its unique properties are due to its rich chemical composition. Thus the stinging "cocktail" of nettle juice, which consists of silicon salts, histamine, choline (vitamin B)4) and formic acid, stimulates blood microcirculation, improves skin nutrition. Vitamin A has a bactericidal effect, helping to quickly clear acne, pimples and irritation.
Vitamin C improves the elasticity of the skin and increases the tone of the capillaries that nourish it. Vitamin K has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect and, combined with a natural "whitener", helps to get rid of freckles and other age spots. Carotene, in which this plant is also rich, gives the skin freshness and a healthy glow. A tandem of flavonoids, tannins and organic acidshelps to smooth out wrinkles, providing a visible rejuvenating effect. Finally, the bioavailable potassium in nettle provides natural hydration to the skin.
pharmaceutical chamomile
This plant is remarkable because it is suitable for any skin type, provides a softening, anti-allergenic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect. The bioactive substances of chamomile stimulate blood circulation and relax facial muscles, thus helping to reduce wrinkles. Body lotions made from the infusion of the plant's flowers help against sunburn, allergies and acne, eliminate bags under the eyes and dark circles, accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks, and form an invisible protective film on the skin.
This herb is also ideal for cleansing the skin of the face. Moreover, for both external and internal use. In the second option, it promotes the removal of toxic and ballast substances from the body that cause dermatological disorders.
However, there is one important nuance: not all chamomile is medicinal. The real one should be bitter, which indicates that a valuable essential oil component - chamazulene - is present in its composition, which determines the lion's share of its beneficial properties. Make a note of that!
Calendula officinalis
When talking about which herbs are the most useful for facial care, it is impossible not to mention this wonderful plant, known to many as marigold. Thanks to its unique composition, it is ideal for oily, dry and sensitive skin. The oleanolic acid contained in the composition of the marigold improves the blood supply of cells and tissues, the glycosides are anti-inflammatory, and the flavonoid complex provides the plant with antioxidant properties. Among other things, the last mentioned group of substances promotes the accumulation of hyaluronic acid in the body, which is the key to the skin's natural hydration. Carotenoids, which give the flowering part of the marigold its rich orange color, are precursors of vitamin A, whose important properties have already been discussed above.
The combination of these and many other bioactive substances hydrates, soothes, softens, cleans, protects and tones the skin, restores its cellular structure, has a brightening and anti-aging effect, improves the complexion and gives a healthy glow. .
Warm spa baths with the addition of calendula decoction and sea salt are perfect for preserving the natural beauty and elasticity of the body's skin. Hot water herbal treatments soothe skin itching, have antiseptic and wound-healing effects, and help with any dermatological disorder. At the same time, the essential oils released during bathing have a beneficial effect on the entire body, stimulate the immune system, and improve mood.
Are you looking for a really healthy and environmentally friendly skin care product? Then we advise you to pay attention to the Kalta marigold, which is grown without the use of chemicals at a great distance from large cities and industrial enterprises. And what is also important, in terms of the content of useful substances (especially flavonoids and carotenoids), it is significantly superior to wild or cultivated analogues.
Peppermint
Another incredibly beneficial herb for any skin type. Moreover, everyone can easily name at least one of their qualities. The complex consisting of flavonoids, ascorbic acid and mint essential oil, rich in menthol, has a refreshing and toning effect, eliminates under-eye puffiness and dark circles. Ramnose stimulates the production of collagen, thereby helping to get rid of wrinkles and preventing the appearance of new ones. The rejuvenating effect is enhanced by the amino acid arginine, also present in the plant. The tannins in mint are also very useful in the fight against age-related skin changes, and the resinous substances accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks.
The mint steam bath is excellent for cleaning the deep layers of the skin, removing blackheads and rosacea (microvascular) networks, and improving the complexion. In addition, you can make wonderful moisturizing, softening and whitening masks from this plant, which will be visible after the first use.
As for the most valuable mint varieties from a biological point of view, it is better to give preference to the "Kip" variety, as the leader in flavonoids and tannins.
Salvia officinalis
This plant deserves special mention because it is a source of phytoestrogens. As is known, the lack of sex hormones in women, which is mostly observed during menopause, negatively affects the health of the fair sex in general, and the condition of the skin in particular. Taking sage alone or in combination with other herbs with similar properties reduces the prolactin level and at the same time raises the estrogen level to the optimal value, which literally has a rejuvenating effect, restoring the healthy and prosperous appearance of women. Oral use of sage has been scientifically proven to inhibit 50% of the activity of age-related enzymes.
For those who think about age too early, consuming sage is useful for preventive purposes. As an external product, it is ideal for combination skin, tightens pores and permanently eliminates the sebum shine in the T-zone. The decoctions, masks, skin scrubs and other cosmetic herbal products based on this plant have anti-inflammatory, soothing, bactericidal and wound-healing properties and help eliminate dermatological disorders and their causes.
Since one of the main values of sage is its unique essential oil, for medicinal purposes it is better to choose a product that contains the maximum content of this component.
Yarrow tail
If we talk about which herbs are the best for scalp care, yarrow is at least in the top three. In this case, its anti-seborrheic property is particularly interesting, or to put it more simply, it gets rid of dandruff. This is achieved thanks to the essential oil found in the plant, the ingredients of which together provide an antibacterial, cleansing, moisturizing and soothing effect.
At the same time, the complex of tannins, organic acids and the natural form of vitamin K ensures the anti-inflammatory, astringent and wound-healing effect of yarrow, relieves itching and peeling of the scalp, and reduces the intensity of acne. on the face and body.
Yarrow masks perfectly cleanse, nourish and soothe the skin, making it fresher, smoother and softer. In addition, this effect can be achieved after several procedures. After washing, you can rinse your hair with a decoction, thanks to which its structure is restored.
For many, this will be a discovery, but yarrow is also selected and cultivated, thanks to which the concentration of bioactive substances in it increases significantly. Thus, one variety is characterized by a high content of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and essential oils.
Three-way series
It is difficult to name at least one disease or violation of the integrity of the skin that this wonderful plant does not help. A decoction of the herb, used externally as a lotion or bath, is effective in treating dermatitis, allergic and acneic rashes, psoriasis lesions, purulent sores, urticaria, scrofula, and seborrhoea. Many reviews show that such procedures even help reduce warts.
This herb in the form of a drink improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes metabolism, which helps to eliminate the root causes of dermatological problems. The unique properties of the series are due to the entire complex of biologically active substances, including flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, essential oil and vitamin C.
The plant is suitable for both clean and sensitive skin. It is an unchanged component of various herbal preparations.
The best recipes for beauty and healthy skin based on herbs
We recommend the proven recipes based on the above herbs for the care of various skin types.
Herbal masks for normal skin
A little clarification: apply the masks in a thin layer to previously cleansed skin. Wash off with lukewarm water. If they are oil/fat based, then warmer, but not hot. In order to achieve a uniform consistency, it is recommended to first grind the plant material in a coffee grinder before cooking.
Recipe number 1
Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed dry nettle leaves with the same amount of warm milk and half a raw egg yolk. Mix until smooth and apply for 15-20 minutes.
Recipe number 2
Take 1 tablespoon of chopped dry herbs and mint leaves. Pour 1 cup (150 ml) of boiling water over the herb mixture and let it cook, covered, for about half an hour. After cooling, add 1 teaspoon of starch or any flour for thickness. Mix. Apply the mask for 30 minutes.
Herbal masks for oily skin
Recipe number 1
Take 1 tablespoon of crushed dry plantain and mint leaves, boil with 1 cup of boiling water. After cooling, drain the excess liquid and add 1 dessert spoon of liquid honey. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe number 2
Take 1 tablespoon of chopped dry herbs, St. John's wort and chamomile flowers, pour 1 glass of boiling water and keep on low heat for 10 minutes. Cool to a comfortable temperature, add a teaspoon of wheat flour or rice flour and mix until smooth. Keep the mask on your face until it dries completely.
Recipe number 3
Boil with 1 tablespoon of crushed dry horsetail leaves for 10 minutes on low heat. As in the previous recipe, thicken the cooled broth with a teaspoon until it becomes a thick flour. Keep the warm mixture on the skin for 20-25 minutes. To achieve a long-term effect, the procedure should be performed at least 2 times a week.
Herbal masks for dry and sensitive skin
Recipe number 1
Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed dry chamomile flowers into ½ cup of boiling water and leave covered for 25-30 minutes. Cool, drain the excess liquid, add 1 teaspoon of honey and mix until smooth. Apply the mask for 15 minutes.
Recipe number 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of crushed dried chamomile, calendula and hop flower. Boil the herb mixture in 1 cup of boiling water. After cooling, drain the excess liquid and add 1 teaspoon of fatty sour cream, then mix thoroughly until it becomes a paste. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe number 3
Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dry sage into 1 cup of boiling water. Cool to +40 °C, drain the excess liquid, add ½ teaspoon of olive or sesame oil and mix until smooth. After applying such a mask, a warm and wet cotton napkin should be applied to the face. Keep the mixture for 25 minutes, rinse with warm water and then wash with cold water.
Herbal masks for combination skin
Recipe number 1
Pour 3 tablespoons of crushed dry chamomile flowers into 200 ml of boiling water and let it brew. After the infusion has cooled to a comfortable temperature, moisten a layer of cotton wool in it and apply the resulting mixture for 25 minutes, covering it with a napkin on top. After removing the mask, wash it off with warm water and apply a nourishing cream to your face.
Recipe number 2
Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dry herb into 1 cup of boiling water. Let stand for 1 hour, filter. Moisten a gauze cloth in the finished infusion and apply it to the face as a mask. Keep it for about 20 minutes. In the first week, perform the procedure 2-3 times, then 1 time.
Herbal masks for skin elasticity and smoothing out wrinkles
Recipe number 1
Mix 4 teaspoons of crushed dried chamomile flowers with the same amount of fat kefir and 1 raw egg. Apply the resulting mass to your face for 20-25 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Recipe number 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of crushed dry chamomile, mint, St. John's wort, porcini mushroom and sage. Boil the resulting mixture with boiling water, close the container tightly and let it stand for 30 minutes. Then drain off the excess liquid and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil (in case of oily skin, use low-fat sour cream instead of oil). Spread the mixture evenly over your face and cover it with a cotton cloth on top. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes.
Recipe number 3
Take 1 teaspoon of crushed dry mint leaves and green tea, add 1 tablespoon of fat sour cream. Mix until smooth. Apply the mixture to your face for 40 minutes, then wash it off with warm water and soap.
Healthy and beautiful skin starts from within
The listed herbs for cleaning, moisturizing or smoothing the skin can become faithful helpers for many years in preserving youth and beauty. However, cosmetic phytoprocedures, without helping the body from the inside, will be only half a measure.
In this case, the first thing that comes to mind is taking vitamins. And that's completely fair, because it's simply impossible to get all the nutrients you need to stay in good shape and in great shape from food. It seems that the problem is worthless - everything that is lacking in our body is easily found in the pharmacy. Only this wealth of vitamins and minerals is extremely reluctantly absorbed in synthetic form. In addition, many other important problems remain unsolved, which leads to the deterioration of the condition of the skin and premature aging.
The best solution, taking into account all the accented shades, is to use a natural complex. The first thing to pay attention to when studying the composition of the drug is the flavonoid antioxidant trio from the quercetin group + vitamins C and E. The fact is that the negative processes occurring in the human body are somehow related. with the activity of free radicals. It has been scientifically proven that 90% of the signs of premature aging and more than 50 serious diseases are on the conscience of these saboteur particles. Antioxidants are designed to neutralize their fierce activity, the most powerful of which in the plant world is the flavonoid of the Siberian larch. In combination with vitamins C and E, this substance works even more confidently and effectively. Among other things, it is an excellent blood vessel strengthener and capillary protector, which ensures uninterrupted nutrition of the connective tissue - the basis of the organs and systems of our body. Ascorbic acid is also a catalyst for many biochemical processes. Thus, it promotes the formation of collagen fibers, which is also very important in strengthening the skin and increasing its elasticity.
The multivitamin part of the complex is represented by only two components. But what! The royal jelly in the preparation contains about 250 useful substances, and bee pollen (pollen) contains more than 100. This list contains 20 amino acids, including essential ones, about 30 macro- and microelements, dozens of vitamins, free fatty acids, and enzymes that promote the best possible absorption of the above. The icing on this nutritional cake is the hormone-like substances found in royal jelly, which in particular provide a natural increase in estrogen levels. And the latter, as we already know, are extremely important for preserving women's natural beauty and preserving their youth.
However, men cannot ignore the complex either. The combination of bee products in the medicine promotes the production of your own testosterone - the hormone of strength, self-confidence and sexual activity. So everyone will surely win. Stay healthy and the rest will follow!