Herbs for improving the condition of the face and body have a rich history of use in cosmetology. Today they are also actively used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. If you choose the right herbal treatment for a specific problem and a specific skin type, the effects 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 is much easier to achieve rejuvenation and healing effects with the help of herbal remedies if you know your skin type. Let's do a little dermatology education program.
- NormalSkin doesn't need serious care beyond standard cleansing and moisturizing. This type is characterized by having no blackheads, being greasy and having a dry, tight feeling. But prevention is never too much.
- DriedThe skin is the most vulnerable and sensitive to temperature fluctuations. The consequences of winter cold and summer heat are clearly shown on the faces of its owners. Very often, the capillary network clearly appears through it, causing physiological and aesthetic discomfort.
- Fat. With this type of skin in winter, you don't need to wear a scarf to cover your face. However, all defects in the form of large pores and characteristic shine are visible to the naked eye. In addition, it is a real magnet for all kinds of rashes and inflammations.
- combinethe type that is common to most people. Its outstanding feature is 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, is characterized by irritation and is intolerant to the majority of cosmetics. Itching, peeling, tight feeling - that's it. Medicinal herbs with a calming and soothing effect are the optimal remedy for eliminating these problems.
Uses 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.
- Deeply cleans and tightens pores.
- Normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands, helping to eliminate oiliness for a long time.
- Eliminates and prevents infections, disinfects.
- Moisturizes, smoothes, whitens skin.
- Refreshing and firming 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 changes in the skin:
- acne;
- dryness, irritation, peeling;
- greasy;
- blackheads, large pores;
- sagging skin, wrinkles;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- Age spots (including freckles).
Complete list of herbal care for different skin types
Since it is probably not difficult for you to determine your facial skin type, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the right herbs for their effects.
| Skin type | Suitable herbs |
|---|---|
| Normal | nettle leaves, mint leaves, trefoil, chrysanthemum, linden flower, large banana leaves |
| Dried | nettle leaves, hops, yarrow, marigold flowers, sage leaves, chamomile, oregano, thyme |
| Fat | Wormwood, chicory, yarrow, marigold flowers, coltsfoot leaves, St. John's wort, aloe vera leaf juice, silver birch leaves and buds, common oak bark, linden flowers, large plantain leaves, large burdock root, stinging nettle leaves, avocado root, mint leaves |
| combine | mint leaves, St. John's wort, sage leaves, horsetail |
| Sensitive | calendula flower, salvia officinalis leaf, chamomile flower, mint leaf, tripartite herb, lavender herb, flaxseed, purple tricolor herb, strawberry leaf |
Herbs that are most beneficial for the skin
As you can see, in the table above, some medicinal plants are mentioned several times, which shows their versatility. These herbs should be discussed in more detail.
Nettle
This pungent plant has long been used for cosmetic purposes for skin and hair care. It has unique properties thanks to its rich chemical composition. So, a "cocktail" of nettle juice containing silicon salts, histamine, choline (vitamin B4) and formic acid, stimulate blood microcirculation, improving skin nutrition. Vitamin A has a bactericidal effect, helping to quickly eliminate pimples, acne and irritation.
Vitamin C improves skin elasticity and strengthens the capillaries that nourish it. Vitamin K has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, combined with a natural "bleaching" agent to help remove freckles and other age spots. Carotene, which this plant is also rich in, gives the skin freshness and healthy glow. The combination of flavonoids, tannins and organic acids helps smooth out wrinkles, providing a visible rejuvenating effect. And finally, the bioavailable potassium found in nettle provides natural moisture to the skin.
medicinal chrysanthemum
This plant is remarkable because it is suitable for all skin types, providing softening, anti-allergic, bactericidal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effects. Biologically active ingredients from chamomile stimulate blood circulation and relax facial muscles, thereby helping to reduce wrinkles. Creams made from the flowers of this plant help with sunburn, allergies and acne, remove puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks, and form a layer ofinvisible protective film on the skin.
This herb is also ideal for cleansing the face. Furthermore, both for external and internal use. In the second option, it contributes to the removal from the body of toxic substances and ballast that cause dermatological disorders.
However, there is an important nuance: not every type of chamomile is medicinal. The real one should have a bitter taste, which indicates the presence in its composition of a valuable essential oil component - chamazulene, which largely determines its beneficial properties. Please note!
Calendula officinalis
Talking about which herbs are most useful for facial care, it is impossible not to mention this wonderful plant, more familiar to many people than marigolds. Thanks to its unique composition, it is ideal for both oily, dry and sensitive skin. Oleanolic acid in the composition of marigold flowers helps improve blood supply to cells and tissues, glycosides give anti-inflammatory properties, and flavonoid complexes provide the plant's antioxidant properties. The last group of substances mentioned, among others, promote the accumulation of hyaluronic acid in the body, which is key to natural skin hydration. Carotenoids, which give marigold flowers their deep orange color, are precursors to vitamin A, whose important properties we discussed above.
The combination of these and a number of other biologically active substances moisturizes, soothes, softens, cleanses, protects and tones the skin, restores its structure at the cellular level, hasBrightening and anti-aging effects, improving skin, giving bright, healthy skin. .
To maintain the natural beauty and elasticity of body skin, warm baths with the addition of a decoction of marigold flowers and sea salt are perfect. And herbal treatments with hot water soothe itchy skin, have an antiseptic and wound-healing effect, and help treat all dermatological disorders. At the same time, essential oils secreted during bathing have a beneficial effect on the entire body, stimulating the immune system and improving mood.
Are you looking for a truly healthy and environmentally friendly skin care product? Then we advise you to pay attention to the variety Calendula Kalta, grown without the use of chemicals at great distances from large cities and industrial enterprises. And it is also important that in terms of the content of useful substances (especially flavonoids and carotenoids), it is significantly superior to wild or cultivated analogues.
Mint
Another incredibly beneficial herb for all skin types. Moreover, everyone can easily name at least one of its properties. Complex of flavonoids, ascorbic acid and menthol, rich in menthol, has a refreshing and tonic effect on the body, eliminating puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Ramnose stimulates collagen production, thereby helping to eliminate 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 useful in the fight against age-related changes in the skin, while resins help accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks.
Steam baths with mint are good for cleaning the deep layers of the skin, removing blackheads and rosacea networks (microvascular vessels), and improving the complexion. In addition, based on this plant, you can prepare excellent moisturizing, softening and whitening masks, which will have a noticeable 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, because it is the leader in flavonoid and tannin content.
Salvia officinalis
This plant deserves special mention because it is a source of phytoestrogen. As is known, sex hormone deficiency in women, most noticeable during menopause, negatively affects women's health in general and skin condition in particular. Taking sage alone or in combination with other herbs with similar properties helps reduce prolactin, while increasing estrogen levels to optimal values, which actually produces a rejuvenating effect, giving back to the body. Women look healthy and busty. Using sage orally has been scientifically proven to inhibit 50% of the activity of enzymes related to aging.
For those who think about age too early, taking sage is useful for preventive purposes. And as a product for external use, it is ideal for combination skin, tightens pores and permanently eliminates oiliness in the T-zone. Decoctions, masks, scrubs and herbal productsOther cosmetics made from this plant have anti-inflammatory, soothing, bactericidal and wound-healing properties, helping to eliminate any dermatological disorders and their pathogens.
Since one of the main values of sage is its unique essential oil, for medicinal purposes it is better to choose a product with the maximum content of this ingredient.
yarrow
If we talk about which herbs are best for scalp care, yarrow would at least be in the top three. Of particular interest in this case is its anti-seborrheic properties, or to put it more simply, it eliminates dandruff. This is achieved thanks to the presence of essential oils in the plant, the components of which together provide antibacterial, cleansing, moisturizing and soothing effects.
At the same time, a complex of tannins, organic acids and natural forms of vitamin K provide anti-inflammatory, astringent, wound-healing effects of yarrow, relieve itching and peeling of the scalp, and reduce the intensity of acne. on 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 the structure of the hair is restored.
For many, this will be a discovery, but yarrow is also selected and cultivated, due to which the concentration of biologically active substances in it increases significantly. So, 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 skin integrity that does not help this wonderful plant. A decoction of the herb, used externally as a lotion or bath, is effective in treating dermatitis, allergies and rashes caused by acne, psoriasis lesions, purulent wounds, hives, scrotum and secretions. sebum. Many reviews indicate that such procedures even help reduce warts.
In drink form, this skin herb improves the function of the digestive tract, normalizes metabolism, and helps eliminate the root cause of dermatological problems. This product line has unique properties thanks to a whole complex of biologically active substances, including flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, essential oils and vitamin C.
This plant is equally suitable for both clean and sensitive skin. It is an indispensable component of various herbal preparations.
The best beauty and skin health recipes from medicinal herbs
We bring you proven formulas based on the above herbs to care for different skin types.
Herbal mask for normal skin
A little clarification: apply the mask in a thin layer on previously cleansed skin. Rinse with warm water. If they are made on an oil/fat basis they are warmer but not hot. To achieve a uniform consistency, it is recommended to first grind the plant material in a coffee grinder before brewing.
Formula number 1
Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed dry nettle leaves with the same amount of warm milk and half a raw egg yolk. Mix well until smooth and apply for 15–20 minutes.
Formula number 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of dried herbs and chopped mint leaves. Pour 1 cup (150 ml) of boiling water into the herbal mixture and leave covered for about half an hour. Once cooled, add 1 teaspoon starch or any flour to thicken. Mix. Apply mask for 30 minutes.
Herbal mask for oily skin
Formula number 1
Take 1 tablespoon of dried banana and crushed mint leaves, mix with 1 cup of boiling water. Once cooled, drain off excess liquid and add 1 dessert spoon of liquid honey. Apply mask for 20 minutes.
Formula number 2
Take 1 tablespoon of chopped dry St. John's wort and chamomile flowers, pour 1 cup of boiling water and simmer for 10 minutes. Cool to a comfortable temperature, add a teaspoon of flour or rice flour and mix until smooth. Keep the mask on your face until completely dry.
Formula number 3
Boil 1 tablespoon crushed dried coltsfoot leaves for 10 minutes over low heat. Thicken the cooled broth, as in the previous recipe, by a teaspoon until it becomes a thick dough. Keep the warm mixture on your skin for 20–25 minutes. To achieve a lasting effect, the procedure should be performed at least 2 times a week.
Herbal mask for dry and sensitive skin
Formula number 1
Pour 1 tablespoon crushed dried chamomile flowers into ½ cup boiling water and cover for 25–30 minutes. Let cool, drain excess liquid, add 1 tablespoon honey, mix until smooth. Apply mask for 15 minutes.
Formula number 2
Take 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers, calendula flowers and hops. Mix the herbal mixture with 1 cup of boiling water. Once cooled, drain off excess liquid and add 1 teaspoon full-fat sour cream, then blend thoroughly until smooth. Apply mask for 20 minutes.
Formula number 3
Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dried sage into 1 cup of boiling water. Cool to +40 °C, drain excess liquid, add ½ teaspoon olive or sesame oil and stir until smooth. After applying such a mask, a warm, damp cotton napkin must be applied to the face. Keep the mixture for 25 minutes, rinse with warm water, then rinse with cold water.
Herbal mask for combination skin
Formula number 1
Pour 3 tablespoons of crushed dried chrysanthemum flowers into 200ml of boiling water and bring to a boil. After cooling the infusion to a comfortable temperature, moisten a layer of cotton wool in it and apply the resulting mixture for 25 minutes, covering it with a layer of napkin. After removing the mask, rinse with warm water and apply moisturizer to your face.
Formula number 2
Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dried herbs into 1 cup of boiling water. Leave for 1 hour, strain. Moisten a gauze cloth in the finished infusion and apply it as a mask on the face. Keep for about 20 minutes. During the first week, carry out the procedure 2-3 times, then 1 time.
Herbal masks help skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles
Formula number 1
Mix 4 teaspoons of crushed dried chamomile with the same amount of full-fat kefir and 1 raw egg. Apply the resulting mixture on your face for 20–25 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Formula number 2
Take 1 tablespoon crushed dried chamomile, mint, St. John's wort, coltsfoot and sage. Mix the resulting mixture with boiling water, close the container and leave for 30 minutes. Then drain off the excess liquid, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil (for oily skin types, use low-fat sour cream instead of oil). Apply the mixture evenly on your face and cover it with a cotton cloth. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes.
Formula number 3
Take 1 teaspoon of crushed dried mint leaves and green tea, add 1 teaspoon of fatty sour cream. Mix until smooth. Apply the mixture on your face for 40 minutes, then rinse with warm water and soap.
Healthy and beautiful skin starts from within
Listed herbs for cleansing, moisturizing or smoothing the skin can become your faithful assistants in preserving youth and beauty for many years. However, if it does not help the body from the inside, cosmetic treatments using plants will only be a half-measure.
The first thing that comes to mind in this case is taking vitamins. And this is completely fair, because it is simply impossible to get all the nutrients needed to keep yourself fit and in great shape from food. It seems that the problem is insignificant - everything that our body lacks can be easily found at the pharmacy. It's just that all this abundance of vitamins and minerals is absorbed in synthetic form extremely reluctantly. In addition, many other important problems remain unresolved, leading to worsening skin conditions and premature aging.
The best option, taking into account all the nuances presented, would be to use a natural complex. The first thing you should pay attention to when studying the composition of this drug is the trio of flavonoid antioxidants from the quercetin group + vitamins C and E. In fact, any negative processes occurring in the human bodyare all related in one way or another. with free radical activity. It has been scientifically proven that 90% of signs of premature aging and more than 50 serious diseases are caused by the conscience of these destructive particles. Antioxidants are designed to neutralize their powerful activity, the most powerful of which in the plant world are the flavonoids of the Siberian pine. And in combination with vitamins C and E, this substance works even more confidently and effectively. Among other things, it is an excellent vascular tonic and capillary protector, ensuring uninterrupted nutrition of connective tissues - the basis of 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 important in strengthening the skin and increasing its elasticity.
The multivitamin part of the complex is represented by only two ingredients. But what kind! About 250 useful substances contained in royal jelly are contained in the composition, and more than 100 other useful substances are contained in bee pollen (pollen). This list contains 20 amino acids, including essential acids, 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 this nutritional cake is the hormone-like substances in royal jelly, which specifically help increase estrogen levels naturally. And the latter, as we know, is extremely important for maintaining women's natural beauty and preserving youth.
However, men should not ignore complications either. The combination of bee products in the medicine promotes your own production of testosterone - the hormone of strength, self-confidence and sexual activity. So everyone will definitely win. Stay healthy and the rest will follow!