Herbs for improving the condition of the skin of the face and body have a rich history of use in cosmetology. Today, they are actively used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. If you choose the right herbal remedy for a specific problem and 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.
The main types of facial skin
It will be much easier to achieve the effect of rejuvenation and healing with the help of herbal medicines if you know your skin type. Let's do a little dermatology educational program.
- Normalthe skin does not require serious care except for standard cleaning and hydration. This type is characterized by the absence of blackheads, greasy shine, 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.
- Fat. With this type of skin in winter, you don't need to cover your face with a scarf. However, all imperfections 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 is common to most people. Its characteristic feature is oily skin in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and normal skin in other areas.
- Sensitivethe skin, like dry skin, is intolerant to 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. Medicinal herbs that have a softening and soothing effect are the optimal remedy for eliminating these problems.
Benefits of plants for the 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 narrowing of pores.
- It normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands, helping to remove greasy shine for a long time.
- Elimination and prevention of inflammation, disinfection.
- Moisturizing, smoothing, skin whitening.
- Refreshing and toning effect.
Which dermatological disorders can be treated with medicinal herbs?
The above-mentioned properties of phytotherapeutic agents help to deal with the following diseases, damages and age-related skin changes:
- 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 for the care of different skin types
Since it was probably not difficult for you to determine the type of facial skin, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the plants that are suitable for their action.
| Skin type | Suitable herbs |
|---|---|
| Normal | nettle leaves, peppermint leaves, triple herb row, chamomile flowers, linden flower, large plantain leaves |
| Dry | nettle leaves, hop fruit, yarrow, calendula flowers, sage leaves, chamomile flowers, oregano, thyme |
| Fat | Wormwood, chicory, yarrow, calendula flowers, yarrow leaves, St. John's wort, aloe leaf juice, birch leaves and buds, common oak bark, linden flower, large plantain leaves, large thistle leaves, , shallot root, peppermint leaves |
| Combined | peppermint leaves, St. John's wort, sage leaves, horsetail grass |
| Sensitive | Calendula flowers, Salvia officinalis leaves, Chamomile flowers, Peppermint leaves, Trifolium grass, Lavender grass, Flax seeds, Tricolor violet grass, Bearberry leaves |
The most useful 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 plants should be discussed in more detail.
Nettles
This spicy plant has long been used for cosmetic purposes for skin and hair care. It owes its unique properties to its rich chemical composition. Thus, the stinging "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 feed it. Vitamin K has an antiseptic anti-inflammatory effect, and in combination with a natural "whitener" 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 organic acids helps to smooth out wrinkles, providing a visible rejuvenation effect. And finally, the bioavailable potassium found in nettle ensures natural hydration of the skin.
pharmaceutical chamomile
This plant is exceptional because it is suitable for any type of skin, providing a softening, anti-allergic, bactericidal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect. The bioactive substances of chamomile stimulate blood circulation and relax facial muscles, thus helping to reduce wrinkles. Lotions made from the infusion of the flowers of this plant help with sunburn, allergies and acne, remove bags and dark circles, accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks, and create an invisible protective film on the skin.
This plant is also ideal for cleaning the skin of the face. Moreover, both for external and internal use. In another option, it promotes the removal from the body of toxic and ballast substances that cause dermatological disorders.
There is, however, one important nuance: not all chamomile is a cure. 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 into account!
Calendula officinalis
Speaking about which plants are the most useful for facial care, it is impossible not to mention this wonderful plant, which is better known 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 mentioned substances, among other things, promotes the accumulation of hyaluronic acid in the body, which is the key to natural skin hydration. Carotenoids, which give the flower part of the marigold its rich orange color, are precursors of vitamin A, the important properties of which we have already discussed.
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, 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 calendula flower decoction and sea salt are perfect. And herbal treatments with warm water soothe skin itching, have a disinfecting and healing effect, and help with all dermatological disorders. At the same time, the essential oils released during bathing have a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole, stimulating the immune system and improving mood.
Looking for a really healthy and ecological skin care product? Then we advise you to pay attention to the Kalta marigold variety, which is grown without the use of chemicals at a great distance from large cities and industrial enterprises. And, what is also important, it is significantly superior to wild or cultivated analogues in terms of the content of useful substances (especially flavonoids and carotenoids).
Peppermint
Another incredibly beneficial herb for any skin type. Moreover, everyone can easily name at least one of its properties. The complex of flavonoids, ascorbic acid and mint essential oil, rich in menthol, has a refreshing and toning effect, removing puffiness and dark circles. Rhamnose stimulates the production of collagen, which helps to get rid of wrinkles and prevent the appearance of new ones. The rejuvenating effect is enhanced by the amino acid arginine, which is also present in the plant. Mint tannins are also very useful in the fight against age-related changes in the skin, while resinous substances accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks.
Steam baths with mint are excellent for cleaning the deep layers of the skin, getting rid of blackheads and rosacea (microvascular) networks, and improving the complexion. In addition, on the basis of this plant, you can prepare beautiful masks for hydration, softening and whitening, which will have a visible effect already 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 the leader in the content of flavonoids and tannins.
Salvia officinalis
This plant deserves a special mention because it is a source of phytoestrogens. As is known, the lack of sex hormones in women, which is most pronounced in menopause, negatively affects the health of the fairer sex in general, and especially the condition of the skin. Taking sage alone or in combination with other plants with similar properties helps to reduce prolactin and simultaneously increase estrogen levels to optimal values, 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 age-related enzymes.
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 mixed skin, tightening of pores and permanent removal of oily shine 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 all dermatological disorders 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 plant is the best for scalp care, then yarrow will be at least in the top three. Particularly interesting in this case is its anti-seborrheic property, or, to put it more simply, the elimination of dandruff. This is achieved thanks to the presence of essential oil in the plant, the components of which together provide an antibacterial, purifying, moisturizing and soothing effect.
At the same time, the complex of tannins, organic acids and the natural form of vitamin K provides an anti-inflammatory, astringent, healing effect of yarrow, relieves itching and peeling of the skin on the scalp, and reduces the intensity of acne. on the face and body.
Masks with yarrow perfectly clean, nourish and soothe the skin, making it fresher, smoother and softer. Moreover, this effect is achieved after several procedures. You can rinse the hair with the decoction after washing, thanks to which its structure is restored.
For many, this will be a revelation, but yarrow is also selected and grown, which is why the concentration of bioactive substances in it increases significantly. Thus, one of the varieties is characterized by a high content of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and essential oils.
A tripartite sequence
It is difficult to name at least one disease or violation of the integrity of the skin that this amazing plant would not help. A decoction of the plant, 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 show that such procedures even help reduce warts.
In the form of a drink, this plant for the skin improves the work of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes metabolism, which helps to eliminate the root causes of dermatological problems. This 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 plants
We present you proven recipes based on the above-mentioned plants for the care of different skin types.
Herbal masks for normal skin
A little clarification: apply the masks in a thin layer on previously cleansed skin. Rinse with lukewarm water. If they are made on the basis of oil/fat, 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. Pour 1 cup (150 ml) of boiling water over the herbal mixture and let it stand under the lid 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 no. 1
Take 1 tablespoon each of crushed dry plantain leaves and mint, 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 no. 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of chopped dry St. John's wort and chamomile flowers, pour 1 glass of boiling water over it and keep it 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
Boil 1 tablespoon of crushed dry leaves of fennel on low heat for 10 minutes. Concentrate the cooled broth, as in the previous recipe, with a teaspoon 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. Boil the herbal mixture with 1 cup of boiling water. After cooling, drain the excess liquid and add 1 teaspoon of full-fat sour cream, then mix well until it becomes mushy. 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, you must apply a warm and moist cotton napkin to your face. Keep the mixture for 25 minutes, wash it off with warm water and then rinse 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 let it boil. 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 from above. After removing the mask, wash it off with warm water and apply a nourishing cream to your face.
Recipe no. 2
Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dry herbs with 1 cup of boiling water. Leave for 1 hour, filter. Wet a gauze cloth in the finished infusion and apply it as a face mask. 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 teaspoons of crushed dry chamomile flowers with the same amount of full-fat kefir and 1 raw egg. Apply the resulting mass on the face for 20-25 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Recipe no. 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of crushed dry chamomile, mint, St. John's wort, sage, and sage. Boil the resulting mixture with boiling water, tightly close the container 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 oil). Spread the mixture evenly over your face and cover with a cotton cloth from above. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes.
Recipe no. 3
Take 1 teaspoon each of crushed dry mint leaves and green tea, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Blend until smooth. Apply the mixture to your face for 40 minutes, then wash off with warm water and soap.
Healthy and beautiful skin starts from within
The mentioned plants 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 quite fair, because it's simply impossible to get all the nutrients you need to stay in good and excellent shape from food. It seems that the problem is not worth it - everything that our body lacks can be easily found in the pharmacy. It's just that all that wealth of vitamins and minerals in synthetic form is absorbed extremely reluctantly. In addition, many other important problems remain unsolved, which leads to the deterioration of the skin and its early aging.
The best option, taking into account all the pronounced 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 that occur in the human body are in one way or another related to the activity of free radicals. It has been scientifically proven that 90% of the signs of early aging and over 50 serious diseases are due to these saboteur particles. Antioxidants are designed to neutralize their violent activity, the strongest of which is the Siberian larch flavonoid in the plant world. And in combination with vitamins C and E, this substance works even safer and more effectively. Among other things, it is an excellent vascular tonic and capillary protector, which ensures continuous nutrition of connective tissue - the basis of organs and systems of our body. Ascorbic acid is also a catalyst for many biochemical processes. Thus, it promotes the creation 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! About 250 useful substances are contained in the royal jelly contained in the preparation and more than 100 in the bee pollen. This list contains 20 amino acids, including essential ones, about 30 macro- and microelements, dozens of vitamins, free fatty acids, enzymes that help absorb all of this as well as possible. The icing on this nutritional cake are hormone-like substances in royal jelly, which in particular ensure a natural increase in estrogen levels. And the latter, as we already know, are extremely important for maintaining a woman's natural beauty and preserving her youth.
However, men should not ignore the complex either. The combination of bee products in the medicine stimulates the production of your own testosterone - the hormone of strength, self-confidence and sexual activity. So everyone will win for sure. Stay healthy and the rest will follow!