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 both preventive and therapeutic purposes. If you choose the right herbal remedy for a specific problem and a specific skin type, the result 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 types of facial skin
It will be much easier to achieve a rejuvenating and healing effect with the help of herbal remedies if you know your skin type. Let's do a little dermatology educational program.
- Normalthe skin does not require serious care beyond standard cleansing and moisturizing. This type is characterized by the absence of black spots, oily shine 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 effects of winter cold and summer heat are literally reflected on the face of its owners. Very often, a capillary plexus is clearly visible through it, causing physiological and aesthetic discomfort.
- Fat. 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. 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, 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 best treatment 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 the necessary nutrients.
- Deep cleansing and pore tightening.
- It normalizes the function of sebaceous glands, helping to eliminate oily shine for a long time.
- Elimination and prevention of inflammation, disinfection.
- Moisturizing, smoothing, whitening of the skin.
- Refreshing and tonic effect.
What dermatological disorders can be treated with medicinal herbs?
The above properties of phytotherapeutic agents help to treat the following diseases, lesions and age-related skin changes:
- acne;
- dryness, irritation, peeling.
- greasy shine;
- black spots, enlarged pores;
- sagging 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 the type of skin on your face, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the herbs that are suitable for their action.
| Skin type | Appropriate herbs |
|---|---|
| Normal | nettle leaves, mint leaves, tripartite herb series, chamomile flowers, linden flowers, plantain leaves |
| Dry | nettle leaves, hop fruit, yarrow herb, calendula flowers, sage leaves, chamomile flowers, oregano herb, creeping thyme herb |
| Fat | wormwood herb, chicory herb, yarrow herb, calendula flowers, burdock leaves, St. John's wort, aloe leaf juice, silver birch leaves and buds, common oak bark, linden flower, large plantain leaves, large burdock root, nettle leaves, butterbur root, mint leaves |
| Combined | mint leaves, St. John's wort, sage leaves, horsetail herb |
| Sensitive | Calendula flowers, Salvia officinalis leaves, Chamomile flowers, Peppermint leaves, Cordyceps trifolium, Lavender herb, Flax seeds, Tricolor violet 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 need to be discussed in more detail.
Nettle
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, a pungent "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, helping to quickly eliminate 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 a natural "bleach" 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. The range of flavonoids, tannins and organic acids helps to smooth wrinkles, providing a visible rejuvenating effect. And finally, the bioavailable potassium contained in nettle provides natural hydration to the skin.
medicinal chamomile
This plant is remarkable because it is suitable for any type of skin, providing a softening, anti-allergic, bactericidal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and regenerative effect. Chamomile's bioactive substances stimulate blood circulation and relax facial muscles, thus contributing to the reduction of wrinkles. Lotions from the 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. In addition, for both external and internal use. In the second option, it promotes the removal from the body of toxic and ballast substances that cause dermatological disorders.
There is, however, an 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 beneficial properties. Take into account!
Calendula officinalis
Talking 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 marigolds. 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, the important properties of which we have already discussed above.
The combination of these and a series of other bioactive substances hydrates, soothes, softens, cleanses, protects and tones the skin, restores its structure at the cellular level, has a luminous and anti-aging effect, improves the skin, giving it a healthy glow. .
To maintain the natural beauty and elasticity of the skin of the body, warm thermal baths with the addition of a decoction of calendula flowers and sea salt are perfect. And herbal treatments with hot water soothe itchy skin, have a disinfecting 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 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 also important, in terms of the content of useful substances (in particular, flavonoids and carotenoids), it significantly exceeds wild or cultivated analogues.
Mint
Another incredibly beneficial herb for all skin types. In addition, everyone can easily name at least one of their properties. A complex of flavonoids, ascorbic acid and peppermint essential oil, rich in menthol, has a rejuvenating 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 prevent the appearance of new ones. The refreshing effect is enhanced by the amino acid arginine, which is also present in the plant. Mint tannins are also very useful in fighting age-related changes in the skin, while resinous substances accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks.
Peppermint steam baths are excellent for cleansing the deep layers of the skin, getting rid of blackheads and rosacea networks (microvascular) 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 mint varieties from a biological point of view, it is better to prefer the variety "Kip", as 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, a deficiency of sex hormones in women, more 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 of similar properties helps to reduce prolactin and at the same time increases 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 enzymes associated with aging.
For those who are too early to think about age, consuming sage is useful for preventive purposes. And as an external product, it is ideal for combination skin, tightening pores and permanently eliminating sebaceous 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, helpingin the elimination of any dermatological disorders and their etiological factors.
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 anti-seborrheic property or, more simply, getting rid of dandruff. This is achieved due to the presence of essential oil in the plant, the components of which together provide antibacterial, cleansing, moisturizing and soothing effects.
At the same time, the complex of tannins, organic acids and the natural form of vitamin K provides the anti-inflammatory, astringent, healing effect of the straw, relieving itching and peeling of the skin on the scalp, reducing the intensity of acne. on the face and body.
Straw masks perfectly cleanse, nourish and soothe the skin, making it fresher, smoother and softer. Moreover, this result is achieved after various processes. You can rinse your hair with decoction after washing, thanks to which its structure is restored.
For many, this will be a discovery, but yarrow is also selected and cultivated, due to which 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.
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 would not help. A decoction of the herb, used externally as a lotion or bath, effectively treats dermatitis, allergic and acne rashes, psoriatic lesions, purulent wounds, urticaria, lumbago 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 functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizing the metabolism, which helps to eliminate the root causes of dermatological problems. The range 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 unchanged component of various herbal preparations.
The best recipes for beauty and healthy skin based on medicinal herbs
We bring to your attention tested 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. Rinse with lukewarm water. If they are made with 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 of chopped dry herb and mint leaves. Pour 1 cup (150 ml) of boiling water over the herb mixture and let it simmer under the lid for about half an hour. After it cools, add 1 teaspoon of starch or any flour for thickness. Mixture. Apply the mask for 30 minutes.
Herbal masks for oily skin
Recipe No. 1
Take 1 tablespoon of crushed dry plantain and mint leaves, leave them with 1 cup of boiling water. After it cools, drain the excess liquid and add 1 teaspoon of liquid honey. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe No. 2
Take 1 tablespoon of chopped dry herb, St. John's wort and chamomile flowers, pour 1 glass 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
Boil 1 tablespoon of crushed dry coltsofu leaves for 10 minutes on low heat. Condensate the cold broth, as in the previous recipe, with a spoon until it becomes a thick flour. Keep the warm mixture on the skin for 20-25 minutes. To achieve a long-term result, the procedure must be done 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 25-30 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 of crushed dried flowers of chamomile, calendula and hops. Boil the herb mixture with 1 cup of boiling water. Once cool, drain off excess liquid and add 1 teaspoon of full-fat cream, then mix well until smooth. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe No. 3
Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dry sage into 1 cup of boiling water. Cool to +40 °C, drain excess liquid, add ½ teaspoon olive or sesame oil and mix until smooth. After applying such a mask, a warm and wet cotton pad should be applied to the face. Keep the mixture for 25 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water and then rinse 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 boil. After cooling the infusion to a comfortable temperature, wet a cotton pad in it and apply the resulting mixture for 25 minutes, covering it with a paper towel on top. After removing the mask, rinse with warm water and apply a nourishing cream to your face.
Recipe No. 2
Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dried herb into 1 cup of boiling water. Leave for 1 hour, strain. Wet a gauze cloth in the prepared 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 dried 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 and then wash off with warm water.
Recipe No. 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of crushed dry chamomile, peppermint, St. John's wort, clary sage, and sage. Ferment 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 types, use low-fat sour cream instead of oil). Spread the mixture evenly on your face and cover with a cotton cloth on top. Keep the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe No. 3
Take 1 teaspoon of crushed dry mint leaves and green tea, add 1 tablespoon of fat cream. Mix until they are homogeneous. Apply the mixture on your face for 40 minutes and then wash off with warm water and soap.
Healthy and beautiful skin starts from within
The listed herbs for cleansing, moisturizing or smoothing the skin can become your faithful assistants in maintaining youth and beauty for many years. However, without helping the body from the inside, cosmetic phytoprocedures will only be half measures.
The first thing that comes to mind in this case is taking vitamins. And this is completely fair, since it is simply impossible to get all the necessary nutrients to keep yourself in good shape and in great shape from food. It seems that the trouble is not worth it at all - everything that is missing from our body can easily be found at the pharmacy. It's just that all this wealth of vitamins and minerals is absorbed in synthetic form extremely reluctantly. In addition, many other important problems remain unsolved, leading to skin deterioration and premature aging.
The best option, taking into account all the nuances expressed, 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 group of quercetin + vitamins C and E. The fact is that any negative processes that occur in the human body are connected in one way or another with theaction of free radicals. It has been scientifically proven that 90% of the signs of premature aging and over 50 serious diseases are in the consciousness of these saboteur particles. Antioxidants are designed to neutralize their violent activity, the strongest of which in the plant world is the Siberian Pine flavonoid. And in combination with vitamins C and E, this substance works even more reliably and effectively. Among other things, it is an excellent tonic of prostate vessels and capillaries, ensuring uninterrupted nutrition of connective tissue - the basis of our body's organs and systems. Ascorbic acid is also a catalyst for many biochemical processes. Thus, 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! About 250 useful substances are contained in the royal jelly included in the preparation 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 well as possible. The icing on this nutritional cake is the hormone-like substances in royal jelly, which, in particular, provide a natural increase in 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 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 win for sure. Be healthy and the rest will follow!