Herbs for improving the condition of the skin of the face and body have a rich history of use in cosmetology. Today they are also actively used for preventive and therapeutic purposes. If you choose the right herbal remedy for a specific problem and for a specific skin type, the effect can exceed 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 will be much easier to achieve a rejuvenating and healing effect with the help of herbal remedies if you know your skin type. We do a small dermatological educational program.
- Normalthe skin does not require serious care beyond standard cleansing and moisturizing. This type is characterized by the absence of blackheads, oily sheen and a feeling of dryness and tightness. But there is never too much prevention.
- Drythe skin is the most vulnerable and sensitive to temperature changes. The consequences of winter cold and summer heat are literally reflected on the faces of its owners. Very often a capillary network clearly appears through it, causing physiological and aesthetic discomfort.
- Fat. With this skin type in winter it is not necessary 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. Plus, it's a real magnet for all kinds of rashes and inflammation.
- Combinedthe type is common to most people. Its characteristic is oily skin in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and normal skin in the other areas.
- Sensitiveskin, like dry skin, is intolerant to the vagaries of the weather, is characterized by increased irritability and intolerance to the vast majority of cosmetics. Itching, flaking, feeling of tightness - that's all. Medicinal herbs that have an emollient and calming effect are the optimal remedy to eliminate these problems.
Benefits of herbs for skin
Using medicinal plants for cosmetic purposes, you can count on the following results:
- Saturation of the skin with all the necessary nutrients.
- Deep cleansing and tightening of pores.
- Normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, helping to eliminate oily sheen for a long time.
- Elimination and prevention of inflammation, disinfection.
- Moisturizing, smoothing and whitening skin.
- Refreshing and toning effect.
Which dermatological disorders can be treated with medicinal herbs?
The above properties of phytotherapeutic agents help to cope with the following diseases, damage and age-related skin changes:
- acne;
- dryness, irritation, flaking;
- greasy shine;
- blackheads, enlarged pores;
- sagging skin, wrinkles;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- age spots (including freckles).
A comprehensive list of herbs to take care of different skin types
Since it was probably not difficult for you to determine the skin type of your face, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the herbs suitable for their action.
| Skin type | Suitable herbs |
|---|---|
| Normal | nettle leaves, peppermint leaves, tripartite herb thread, chamomile flowers, linden flowers, large plantain leaves |
| Dry | nettle leaves, hop fruits, yarrow herb, marigold flowers, sage leaves, chamomile flowers, oregano herb, creeping thyme herb |
| Fat | wormwood herb, chicory herb, yarrow herb, marigold flowers, coltsfoot leaves, St. John's wort herb, aloe leaf juice, white birch leaves and shoots, common oak bark, linden flowers, large plantain leaves, large burdock root, nettle leaves. , butterbur root, peppermint leaves |
| Combined | peppermint leaves, St. John's wort herb, sage leaves, horsetail herb |
| Sensitive | marigold flowers, salvia officinalis leaves, chamomile flowers, peppermint leaves, blade of tripartite grass, lavender herb, linseed, viola tricolor herb, bearberry leaves |
The most beneficial herbs for the skin
As you can see, in the table above, some medicinal plants are mentioned more than once, which indicates their versatility. These herbs should be discussed in more detail.
Nettle
This pungent-smelling plant has long been used for cosmetic purposes for skin and hair care. It owes its unique properties to its rich chemical composition. Thus was born a stinging "cocktail" of nettle juice composed of silicon salts, histamine, choline (vitamin B4) and formic acid, stimulates blood microcirculation, improving skin nutrition. Vitamin A has a bactericidal effect, helping to quickly eliminate pimples, acne 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, in combination with a natural "bleach", helps to eliminate 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 organic acids helps smooth wrinkles, providing a visible rejuvenating effect. Finally, the bioavailable potassium contained in nettle provides natural hydration to the skin.
Pharmaceutical chamomile
This plant is notable because it is suitable for any skin type, providing an emollient, anti-allergic, bactericidal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect. The bioactive substances in chamomile stimulate blood circulation and relax facial muscles, thus helping to reduce wrinkles. Lotions based on infusion of flowers of this plant help with sunburn, allergies and acne, eliminate 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. Furthermore, for both external and internal use. In the second option, it promotes the elimination from the body of toxic and ballast substances that cause dermatological disorders.
There is, however, one important nuance: not all chamomiles are medicinal. The real one should be bitter, which indicates the presence in its composition of a valuable essential oil component - chamazulene, which determines the lion's share of its beneficial properties. Take note!
Calendula 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 of the plant. The last group of substances mentioned, 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, cleanses, protects and tones the skin, restores its structure at the cellular level, has a brightening and anti-aging effect, improves the complexion, giving it a healthy glow. .
To maintain the natural beauty and elasticity of the skin of the body, warm medicinal baths with the addition of a decoction of calendula flowers and sea salt are perfect. And herbal treatments with warm water soothe itchy skin, have a disinfectant and healing effect, helping with any dermatological disorders. At the same time, the essential oils released during the bath have a beneficial effect on the entire organism as a whole, stimulating the immune system and improving mood.
Are you looking for a truly healthy and eco-friendly skincare product? Then we advise you to pay attention to the calendula variety Kalta, which is grown without the use of chemicals at a great distance from large cities and industrial enterprises. And, also importantly, in terms of the content of useful substances (in particular 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 its properties. A complex of flavonoids, ascorbic acid and mint essential oil, rich in menthol, has a refreshing and tonic action, eliminating puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Rhamnose stimulates the production of collagen, thus helping to eliminate 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 the fight against age-related skin changes, while resinous substances accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks.
Mint steam baths are great for cleansing the deep layers of the skin, eliminating blackheads and microvascular networks of rosacea, and improving the complexion. Furthermore, based on this plant, wonderful hydrating, softening and whitening masks can be prepared, which will have a visible effect 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 it is a leader in the content of flavonoids and tannins.
Salvia officinalis
This plant deserves special mention 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 individually or in combination with other herbs with similar properties helps to reduce prolactin and at the same time increase estrogen levels to optimal values, literally creating a rejuvenating effect, returning women to a healthy, flowery 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 is useful for preventive purposes. And as an external product, it is ideal for combination skin, narrows pores and permanently eliminates sebaceous sheen in the T-zone. Decoctions, masks, scrubs and other cosmetic herbal products based on this plant have anti-inflammatory, soothing, bactericidal and healing properties, helping to eliminate any dermatological disorders and their causative agents.
Since one of the main values of sage is its unique essential oil, for medicinal 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 yarrow will be at least in the top three. Of particular interest in this case is its antiseborrheic or, more simply, dandruff-eliminating properties. 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 and healing effect of yarrow, relieving itching and flaking of the skin on the scalp, reducing the intensity of acne on the face and body.
Yarrow masks 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 their structure is restored.
For many this will be a discovery, but yarrow is also selected and grown, thanks to which the concentration of bioactive substances contained in it increases significantly. Therefore, one of the varieties is characterized by a high content of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and essential oils.
Tripartite sequence
It is difficult to name at least one disease or violation of the integrity of the skin for which this amazing plant would not help. A decoction of herbs, used externally as a lotion or bath, effectively copes with dermatitis, allergic and acne rashes, psoriatic lesions, purulent wounds, urticaria, scrofula and seborrhea. Numerous reviews indicate that such procedures also help reduce warts.
In the form of a drink, this herb for the skin improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizing 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 invariable component of various herbal preparations.
The best recipes for the beauty and health of the skin based on medicinal herbs
We bring to your attention proven recipes based on the above herbs for the care of various skin types.
Herbal masks for normal skin
A small clarification: apply the masks in a thin layer on previously cleansed skin. Wash with warm water. If they are prepared with oil/fat, they will be hotter, but not boiling. To obtain a uniform consistency, it is recommended to grind the plant material in a coffee grinder before preparation.
Recipe no. 1
Mix 1 tablespoon of dried chopped 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 herb and mint leaves. Pour 1 cup (150 ml) of boiling water over the herbal mixture and let it steep under the lid for about half an hour. After cooling, add 1 teaspoon of starch or flour per thickness. Mix. Apply the mask for 30 minutes.
Herbal masks for oily skin
Recipe no. 1
Take 1 tablespoon each of chopped dry plantain and mint leaves, brew with 1 cup boiling water. After cooling, drain excess liquid and add 1 dessert spoon of liquid honey. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe no. 2
Take 1 tablespoon of chopped dried herb of 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 or rice flour and mix until smooth. Keep the mask on your face until completely dry.
Recipe no. 3
Boil 1 tablespoon of chopped dried coltsfoot leaves for 10 minutes over low heat. Concentrate the cooled broth, as in the previous recipe, with a teaspoon until it becomes a thick flour. Keep the mixture warm 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 no. 1
Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed dried chamomile flowers into ½ cup of boiling water and leave covered for 25 to 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 chamomile, calendula and hop flowers. Prepare the herb mixture with 1 cup boiling water. After cooling, drain excess liquid and add 1 teaspoon of full-fat sour cream, then mix thoroughly until a paste-like consistency is obtained. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe no. 3
Pour 2 tablespoons chopped dried sage into 1 cup 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, you need to apply a warm, damp cotton napkin to your face. Keep the mixture for 25 minutes, rinse it with warm water, then wash with cold water.
Herbal masks for combination skin
Recipe no. 1
Pour 3 tablespoons of crushed dried chamomile flowers into 200 ml of boiling water and let it brew. After cooling the infusion to a comfortable temperature, moisten a layer of cotton wool and apply the resulting mixture for 25 minutes, covering it on top with a napkin. After removing the mask, wash with warm water and apply nourishing cream on your face.
Recipe no. 2
Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dried herb into 1 cup of boiling water. Leave for 1 hour, filter. Moisten gauze in the finished infusion and apply it like a mask to the face. Keep for about 20 minutes. In the first week, do the procedure 2-3 times, then 1 time.
Herbal masks for skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction
Recipe no. 1
Mix 4 teaspoons of crushed dried chamomile flowers with the same amount of whole 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 chopped dried chamomile, mint, St. John's wort, coltsfoot and sage. Prepare the resulting mixture with boiling water, close the container tightly and leave for 30 minutes. Then drain excess liquid, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil (for oily skin types, use low-fat sour cream instead of oil). Distribute the mixture evenly on your face and cover with a cotton cloth. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes.
Recipe no. 3
Take 1 teaspoon of chopped dried mint leaves and green tea, add 1 tablespoon of fatty sour cream. Mix until smooth. Apply the mixture to your face for 40 minutes, then wash with warm water and soap.
Healthy, beautiful skin starts from the inside out
The herbs listed for cleansing, 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 a half measure.
The first thing that comes to mind in this case is taking vitamins. And this is absolutely right, since it is simply impossible to get from food all the necessary nutrients to keep yourself fit and in great shape. It would seem that the problem is worthless: everything that our body lacks can be easily found in the pharmacy. It's just that all this wealth of vitamins and minerals is absorbed in synthetic form with extreme reluctance. Furthermore, many other major problems remain unresolved, leading to skin deterioration and premature 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 any negative process that occurs in the human body is one way or another 'other associated with free radical activity. It is scientifically proven that 90% of the signs of premature aging and over 50 serious diseases are on the consciousness of these saboteur particles. Antioxidants are intended 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 works even more safely and effectively. Among other things, it is an excellent vascular tonic and capillary protector, ensuring 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. Therefore, 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! In the royal jelly contained in the preparation there are about 250 useful substances and more than 100 more in 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 best as possible. The icing on the nutritional cake are the hormone-like substances contained in royal jelly, which in particular contribute to a natural increase in estrogen levels. And the latter, as we already know, are extremely important for preserving the natural beauty of women and preserving youth.
However, men should also not ignore the complex. The combination of bee products in the drug promotes the production of one's own testosterone, the hormone of strength, confidence and sexual activity. So everyone will definitely win. Stay healthy and the rest will follow!