Herbs for improving the condition of the skin of the face and body have a rich history of application in cosmetology. Today, they are also actively used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. If you choose the right herbal medicine 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 types of facial skin
It will be much easier to achieve a rejuvenating and healing effect with the help of herbal medicines if you know your skin type. Let's do a little dermatology education program.
- normalthe skin does not require serious care other than standard cleansing and moisturizing. This type is characterized by a lack 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 face of its owners. Very often, a capillary network clearly appears through it, which causes physiological and aesthetic discomfort.
- Thick. With this type of skin in winter, you don't need to wrap your face with a scarf. However, all imperfections in the form of enlarged pores and characteristic shine are visible to the naked eye. It is also a real magnet for all kinds of rashes and inflammations.
- Combinedthe type is common to most people. It is characterized by oily skin in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and normal skin in the other areas.
- Sensitivethe skin, like dry skin, is intolerant to the vagaries of time, characterized by increased irritability and intolerance to most cosmetics. Itching, peeling, tightness - that's it. Medicinal herbs that have a softening and soothing effect are the optimal means to eliminate these problems.
The benefits of herbs for the skin
Using medicinal plants for cosmetic purposes, you can count on the following results:
- Saturation of the skin with all necessary nutrients.
- Deep cleansing and pore tightening.
- It normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands, helping to remove the greasy shine for a long time.
- Elimination and prevention of inflammation, disinfection.
- Moisturizing, smoothing, whitening the skin.
- Refreshing and toning effect.
What dermatological diseases can be treated with medicinal herbs?
The above properties of phytotherapeutic agents help to cope with the following diseases, injuries and age-related changes in the skin:
- acne;
- dryness, irritation, peeling;
- greasy shine;
- blackheads, enlarged pores;
- loose skin, wrinkles;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- age spots (including freckles).
A complete list of herbs to care for different skin types
Since it was probably not difficult for you to determine your facial skin type, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the herbs that are suitable for their action.
| Skin type | Appropriate herbs |
|---|---|
| normal | nettle leaves, mint leaves, string of three-part herbs, chamomile flower, linden flower, plantain leaves |
| Dry | nettle leaf, hop fruit, yarrow herb, calendula flower, sage leaf, chamomile flower, oregano herb, creeping thyme herb |
| Thick | wormwood herb, chicory herb, yarrow herb, calendula flower, yarrow leaves, St. John's wort, aloe leaf juice, white birch leaves and buds, common oak bark, linden blossom, plantain leaves, burdock root, nettle leaves, fennel root, mint leaves |
| Combined | mint leaves, St. John's wort, sage leaves, horsetail herb |
| Sensitive | Calendula Flower, Sage Leaf, Chamomile Flower, Mint Leaf, Trifolium Herb, Lavender Herb, Flax Seed, Pansy Herb, Bearberry Leaf |
The most useful herbs for the skin
As you can see, in the table above, some medicinal plants are mentioned more than once, which shows their versatility. These herbs should be discussed in more detail.
Nettles
This hot plant has long been used for cosmetic purposes for skin and hair care. It owes its unique properties to its rich chemical composition. Thus, a fiery "cocktail" of nettle juice consisting of silicon salts, histamine, choline (vitamin B4) and formic acid, stimulates blood microcirculation, improving skin nutrition. Vitamin A has a bactericidal effect, helps to quickly remove pimples, acne and irritations.
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 in combination with natural "whitening" helps to get rid of freckles and other age spots. Carotene, which this plant is also rich in, gives the skin freshness and a healthy glow. The tandem of flavonoids, tannins and organicacids help to smooth wrinkles, providing a visible rejuvenating effect. Finally, the bioavailable potassium contained in nettle provides natural skin hydration.
pharmaceutical chamomile
This plant is remarkable because it is suitable for all skin types, providing softening, anti-allergic, bactericidal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effects. Bioactive substances from chamomile stimulate blood circulation and relax facial muscles, thus helping to reduce wrinkles. Lotions made from the infusion of flowers of this plant help with sunburn, allergies and acne, remove bags and dark circles under the eyes, 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. Also, for both external and internal use. In the second option, it promotes the removal from the body of toxic and ballast substances that provoke dermatological disorders.
However, there is one important nuance: not every chamomile is a medicine. The real one should be bitter, which indicates the presence in its composition of a valuable essential oil component - hamazulene, which determines the lion's share of its useful properties. To take into account!
Marigold officinalis
Speaking about which herbs are most useful for facial care, it is impossible not to mention this wonderful plant, which is more familiar to many as calendula. Thanks to its unique composition, it is ideal for oily, dry and sensitive skin at the same time. Oleanolic acid in the composition of calendula flowers improves blood supply to cells and tissues, glycosides provide anti-inflammatory properties, and the flavonoid complex provides antioxidant properties to the plant. The last group of mentioned substances, among other things, promotes the accumulation of hyaluronic acid in the body, which is the key to the natural hydration of the skin. Carotenoids, which give the flowering part of the marigold a rich orange color, are precursors of vitamin A, whose important properties we have already discussed above.
The combination of these and a number of other bioactive substances moisturizes, soothes, softens, cleans, protects and tones the skin, restores its structure at the cellular level, has a brightening and anti-aging effect, improves the complexion, gives it a healthy glow.
To maintain the natural beauty and elasticity of the skin of the body, warm medicinal baths with the addition of calendula flower decoction and sea salt are ideal. Medicinal herbs with hot water soothe itching on the skin, have a disinfecting and wound-healing effect, help with any dermatological diseases. At the same time, the essential oils released during bathing have a beneficial effect on the whole body as a whole, stimulating the immune system and improving mood.
Looking for a truly healthy and eco-friendly skin care product? Then we advise you to pay attention to the Kalta calendula variety, which is grown without the use of chemicals at a great distance from large cities and industrial enterprises. And what is important, in terms of the content of useful substances (in particular flavonoids and carotenoids), it is significantly superior to wild or cultivated analogues.
Mint
Another incredibly beneficial herb for any skin type. Moreover, everyone can easily name at least one of its properties. A complex of flavonoids, ascorbic acid and menthol-rich mint essential oil has a refreshing and toning effect, eliminating puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Rhamnose stimulates the production of collagen, thus 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. Mint tannins are also very useful in combating age-related changes in the skin, and resinous substances accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks.
Peppermint steam baths are great for cleansing the deep layers of the skin, removing blackheads and rosacea (microvascular) networks, and improving the complexion. In addition, on the basis of this plant, you can prepare wonderful moisturizing, softening and whitening masks, which will have a visible effect after the first use.
As for the most valuable varieties of mint from a biological point of view, it is better to give preference to the "Kip" variety, as a leader in the content of flavonoids and tannins.
Salvia officinalis
This plant deserves special attention because it is a source of phytoestrogens. As is known, the deficiency of sex hormones in women, most noticeable 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 helps reduce prolactin and at the same time increases estrogen levels to optimal levels, which literally creates a rejuvenating effect, returning women to a healthy and blooming appearance. Oral use of sage has been scientifically proven to inhibit 50% of the activity of enzymes associated with aging.
For those who are too early to think about age, drinking sage tea is useful for preventive purposes. And as an external product, it is ideal for combination skin, tightens pores and permanently removes oily shine in the T-zone. Potions, masks, scrubs and other cosmetic herbal products based on this plant have anti-inflammatory, soothing, bactericidal and wound-healing properties, helping to eliminate any dermatological diseases and their causes.
Since one of the main values of sage is its unique essential oil, for medical purposes it is better to choose a product that has the maximum content of this component.
yarrow
If we talk about which herb is best for scalp care, then white yarrow will be at least in the top three. Of particular interest in this case is its anti-seborrhoeic property, or simply put, elimination of dandruff. This is achieved thanks to the presence of essential oil in the plant, the components 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 provides the anti-inflammatory, astringent, wound-healing effect of yarrow, relieves itching and flaking of the skin on the scalp, reduces the intensity of acne on the face and body.
Masks with yarrow perfectly cleanse, nourish and soothe the skin, making it fresher, smoother and softer. Moreover, this effect is achieved after several procedures. You can rinse your hair with a decoction after washing, thanks to which its structure is restored.
For many, this will be a discovery, but the white yarrow is also selected and cultivated, due to which the concentration of bioactive substances in it is significantly increased. Thus, one of the varieties is characterized by a high content of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and essential oils.
Three-way sequence
It is difficult to name at least one disease or violation of the integrity of the skin, for which this amazing plant will not help. A decoction of the herb used externally as a lotion or bath effectively treats dermatitis, allergic and acneic rashes, psoriatic lesions, purulent wounds, urticaria, scrofula and seborrhea. Numerous reviews show that such procedures even help reduce warts.
In the form of a drink, this herb for the skin improves the work of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes the metabolism, which helps to eliminate the root causes of dermatological problems. The series owes its unique properties to a whole complex of biologically active substances, including flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, essential oil and vitamin C.
The plant is equally suitable for both clean and sensitive skin. It is an indispensable component of various herbal preparations.
The best recipes for beauty and healthy skin based on medicinal herbs
We bring to your attention proven recipes based on the above herbs for the care of different skin types.
Herbal masks for normal skin
A little clarification: apply the masks in a thin layer on pre-cleansed skin. Wash off with lukewarm water. If they are made with an oil/fat base, then warmer but not hot. To achieve a uniform consistency, it is recommended to first grind the plant material in a coffee grinder before brewing.
Recipe No. 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 No. 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of chopped dry herbs and mint leaves. The herbal mixture is poured with 1 cup (150 ml) of boiling water and left to boil under the lid for about half an hour. After cooling, add 1 teaspoon of starch or any flour for thickness. Stir. Apply the mask for 30 minutes.
Herbal masks for oily skin
Recipe No. 1
Take 1 tablespoon each of crushed dry plantain and mint leaves, infuse with 1 cup of boiling water. After it cools, drain the excess liquid and add 1 dessert spoon of liquid honey. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe No. 2
Take 1 tablespoon of chopped dry herbs St. John's wort and chamomile flowers, pour 1 cup of boiling water and leave on low heat for 10 minutes. Cool to a comfortable temperature, add a teaspoon of wheat or rice flour and mix until smooth. Keep the mask on your face until it dries completely.
Recipe No. 3
1 tablespoon of crushed dry leaves of fennel are boiled for 10 minutes on low heat. Concentrate the cooled broth as in the previous recipe, by teaspoonful, until it becomes a thick flour. Keep the warm mixture on the skin for 20-25 minutes. To achieve a long-lasting effect, the procedure should be done at least 2 times a week.
Herbal masks for dry and sensitive skin
Recipe No. 1
Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed dry chamomile flowers with ½ cup of boiling water and leave covered for 25-30 minutes. Cool, drain excess liquid, add 1 teaspoon of honey, mix until smooth. Apply the mask for 15 minutes.
Recipe No. 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of crushed dry flowers of chamomile, calendula and hops. Steam the herb mixture with 1 cup of boiling water. Once cool, drain off excess liquid and add 1 teaspoon of full-fat sour cream, then mix well until smooth. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe No. 3
Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dry sage herb with 1 cup of boiling water. Cool to +40 °C, drain excess liquid, add ½ teaspoon of olive or sesame oil and mix until smooth. After applying such a mask, a warm and moist cotton napkin should be placed on the face. Keep the mixture for 25 minutes, rinse it with warm water and then wash with cold water.
Herbal masks for combination skin
Recipe No. 1
Pour 3 tablespoons of crushed dry chamomile flowers with 200 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse. After cooling the infusion to a comfortable temperature, moisten a layer of cotton in it and apply the resulting mixture for 25 minutes, covering it with a napkin on top. After removing the mask, wash with warm water and apply a nourishing cream to your face.
Recipe No. 2
Pour 2 tablespoons of the infused dry herb with 1 cup of boiling water. Leave for 1 hour, strain. Moisten the gauze in the finished infusion and apply it as a mask on the face. Hold for about 20 minutes. In the first week, do the procedure 2-3 times, then 1 time.
Herbal masks for skin elasticity and smoothing wrinkles
Recipe No. 1
Mix 4 tablespoons of crushed dry chamomile flowers with the same amount of full-fat kefir and 1 raw egg. Apply the resulting mass on your face for 20-25 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Recipe No. 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of crushed dried chamomile, mint, St. John's wort, yarrow, and sage. Boil the resulting mixture with boiling water, close the container tightly and leave for 30 minutes. Then drain the excess liquid, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil (for oily skin, use low-fat sour cream instead of butter). Spread the mixture evenly over your face and cover with a cotton towel on top. Keep the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe No. 3
Take 1 teaspoon each of crushed dry mint leaves and green tea, add 1 tablespoon of fat sour cream. Blend until smooth. Apply the mixture on your face for 40 minutes, then wash with warm water and soap.
Healthy and beautiful skin starts from within
The listed herbs for cleaning, moisturizing or smoothing the skin can become your faithful assistants in preserving youth and beauty for many years. However, without helping the body from the inside, cosmetic phytoprocedures will only be half the measure.
The first thing that comes to mind in this case is taking vitamins. And that's absolutely fair, because it's simply impossible to get all the nutrients you need to keep yourself in good shape and in great shape from food. It seems that the problem is not worth a penny - everything that our body lacks can easily be found in the pharmacy. It's just that all this vitamin and mineral wealth is absorbed in synthetic form extremely reluctantly. In addition, many other important problems remain unsolved, which leads to deterioration of the condition of the skin and its early aging.
The best option, taking into account all the expressed nuances, would be to take a natural complex. The first thing you should pay attention to when studying the composition of this drug is the antioxidant trio of flavonoids from the quercetin group + vitamins C and E. The fact is that all negative processes occurring in the human body are one or anotherway related to the activity of free radicals. It has been scientifically proven that 90% of the signs of premature aging and over 50 serious diseases are the conscience of these saboteur particles. Antioxidants are designed to neutralize their violent activity, the strongest of which in the plant world is the Siberian larch flavonoid. And in combination with vitamins C and E, this substance acts even more confidently and effectively. Among other things, it is an excellent vascular tonic and capillary protector, providing continuous nutrition to the connective tissue - the basis of the organs and systems of our body. Ascorbic acid is also a catalyst for many biochemical processes. In this way, it promotes the formation of collagen fibers, which is also very important for strengthening the skin and increasing its elasticity.
The multivitamin part of the complex is represented by only two components. But what kind! The royal jelly included in the preparation contains about 250 useful substances and more than 100 in the bee pollen (pollen). This list contains 20 amino acids, including essential ones, about 30 macro- and microelements, dozens of vitamins, free fatty acids, enzymes that help all of the above to be absorbed as well as possible. The icing on this nutritional cake are the hormone-like substances in royal jelly, which in particular provide a natural boost to estrogen levels. And the latter, as we already know, are extremely important for maintaining the natural beauty of women and preserving youth.
However, men should not neglect the complex either. The combination of bee products in the medicine promotes the production of own testosterone - the hormone of strength, confidence and sexual activity. So everyone is sure to win. Stay healthy and the rest will come!