Herbs have a rich history of use in cosmetology to improve the condition of the skin of the face and body. Today they are actively used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. If you have a specific problem and a specific skin typeIf you choose the right herbal remedies for acne, the effects can exceed even the most modest expectations. Do you want to look younger than your age and literally have glowing health? Then this article is for you.
Main types of facial skin
It will be much easier to achieve rejuvenating and healing effects with the help of herbal remedies if you know your skin type. Let's do a small dermatological educational program.
- GeneralThe skin does not require serious care beyond standard cleansing and moisturizing. This type is characterized by the absence of blackheads, 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 effect of winter cold and summer heat is literally visible on the faces of its owners. Very often, a capillary mesh is clearly visible through it, Which causes physical and aesthetic discomfort.
- thick, With this type of skin in winter, you do not 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 prone to all kinds of rashes and inflammation. is a real magnet for.
- JointThe type is common for most people. Its distinguishing 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 weather vagaries, has increased irritability and intolerance to most cosmetics. Itching, peeling, a feeling of tightness - that's all. Softening and calming effectMedicinal herbs are the best solution to overcome 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 essential nutrients.
- Deep cleansing and tightening of pores.
- Normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, helps to eliminate oily sheen for a long time.
- Elimination and prevention of inflammation, disinfection.
- Moisturizing, Smoothening, Whitening Skin.
- Refreshing and toning effect.
Which skin 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;
- Smooth shine;
- Blackheads, enlarged pores;
- loose skin, wrinkles;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- Age spots (including freckles).
A complete list of herbs 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 get acquainted with the herbs that are suitable for their action.
| skin types | suitable herbs |
|---|---|
| General | Stinging nettle leaves, mint leaves, tripartite herb wreath, chamomile flowers, linden blossom, large plantain leaves |
| Dry | Stinging nettle leaves, hop fruit, yarrow herb, calendula flowers, sage leaves, chamomile flowers, oregano, creeping thyme herb |
| thick | Wormwood herb, chicory herb, yarrow herb, calendula flowers, coltsfoot leaves, St. John's wort herb, aloe leaves juice, silver birch leaves and buds, common oak bark, linden blossom, large plantain leaves, large burdock root, stinging nettle leaves, butterbur root, mint leaves |
| Joint | Peppermint leaves, St. John's wort herb, sage leaves, horsetail herb |
| Sensitive | Calendula flowers, Salvia officinalis leaves, chamomile flowers, peppermint leaves, string of tripartite herb, lavender herb, flax seeds, tricolor violet herb, bearberry leaves |
Most beneficial herbs for skin
As you can see, some medicinal plants in the table above are mentioned more than once, which shows their versatility. These herbs should be discussed in more detail.
stinging nettle
This pungent plant has long been used for cosmetic purposes for skin and hair care. Its unique properties are due to its rich chemical composition. Thus, containing silicon salts, histamine, choline (vitamin BA stinging "cocktail" of nettle juice4) and formic acid, stimulating blood microcirculation, improving skin nutrition. Vitamin A has a bactericidal effect, which helps 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 natural "bleaches" helps to get rid of freckles and other age spots. Helps. Carotene, in which this plant is also rich, gives the skin freshness and healthy glow. A mixture of flavonoids, tannins and organic acids helps to fade away wrinkles, giving a visible rejuvenating effect. And finallyIn addition, the bioavailable potassium present in nettle provides natural hydration to the skin.
pharmaceutical chamomile
This plant is remarkable because it is suitable for any type of skin, providing softening, antiallergic, bactericidal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effects. Chamomile bioactive substances stimulate blood circulation and relax the facial muscles. Helps reduce wrinkles. Lotions made from the infusion of flowers of this plant relieve sunburn, allergies and acne, eliminate bags and dark circles under the eyes, accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks. Brings and forms an invisible protective film on the skin.
This herb is also ideal for cleansing the facial skin. Moreover, for both external and internal use. In the second option, it promotes the removal of toxic and ballast substances from the body that provoke skin disorders.
However, there is 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 - chamazulene, which determines the lion's share of its beneficial properties. NoteDo it!
calendula officinalis
Speaking about what herbs are most useful for facial care, it is impossible not to mention this amazing plant, known to many as marigold. Due to its unique composition, it at the sameIdeal for oily, dry and sensitive skin. 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 natural skin hydration. Carotenoids, which give the flowering part of the marigold its deep orange color, are precursors of vitamin A. whose important properties we have already discussed above.
The combination of these and many other bioactive substances moisturizes, soothes, softens, cleanses, protects and tones the skin, restoring its structure at the cellular level, brightening and anti-aging. Affects, improves the complexion, gives it a healthy glow.
To maintain the natural beauty and elasticity of the body skin, warm medicinal baths with a decoction of calendula flowers and sea salt are perfect. And herbal remedies of warm water soothe skin itching, have disinfecting and wound-healing effects. , and help with any skin disorders. Also, essential oils released during bathing have a beneficial effect on the entire body, stimulating the immune system and improving mood.
Are you looking for truly healthy and eco-friendly skin care products? Then we advise you to pay attention to the Kalta variety of calendula, which is grown without the use of chemicals at a considerable distance from large cities and industrial enterprises. And, what is important, it is rich in useful substances (in particular, flavonoids andIn terms of carotenoid) content, it is significantly superior to wild or cultivated analogues.
peppermint
Another incredibly beneficial herb for any type of skin. Moreover, everyone can easily name at least one of its properties. A complex of flavonoids, ascorbic acid and peppermint essential oil rich in menthol is aHas a refreshing and tonic effect, eliminating puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Rhamnose stimulates the production of collagen, which helps get rid of wrinkles and prevent the appearance of new wrinkles. Rejuvenating effectThe amino acid present in the plant is enhanced by arginine. The tannins of mint are also very useful in the fight against age-related changes in the skin, while the resinous substances accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks.
Steam baths with mint are great for cleansing 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 make wonderful moisturizing, softening and whitening masks. Can be prepared, the effect of which will be visible only 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 special mention because it is a source of phytoestrogens. As is known, the lack of sex hormones in women, which is most noticeable during menopause, affects the health of the fair sex in general and the skin in particular. Taking sage individually or with other herbs with similar properties helps reduce prolactin as well as increase estrogen levels to optimal values, which literallyProduces 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 think about age too early, drinking sage is useful for preventive purposes. And as an external product, it helps with combination skin, tighten pores and permanently eliminate sebaceous shine in the T-zone. Ideal for. Decoctions, masks, scrubs and other cosmetic herbal products based on this plant have anti-inflammatory, soothing, bactericidal and wound healing properties, which help eliminate any skin disorders and their causative agents. We do.
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 ingredient.
yarrow
If we talk about which herb is best for scalp care, yarrow will be at least in the top three. Of particular interest in this case is its antiseborrheic property, or, to put it in more simple terms, getting rid of dandruff. This is achieved due to the presence of essential oil in the plant, the components of which together provide an antibacterial, cleansing, moisturizing and soothing effect.
Also, the natural form of tannins, organic acids and vitamin K provides anti-inflammatory, astringent, wound-healing effect of yarrow, relieves itching and flaking of the skin on the scalp, reduces the intensity of acne. On face and body.
Masks made from yarrow perfectly cleanse, nourish and relax the skin, making it refreshed, smooth and soft. Moreover, this effect is achieved after several procedures. After washing, you can comb your hair with a decoction. Can be washed, thereby restoring its structure.
For many this will be a discovery, but yarrow is also selected and cultivated, significantly increasing the concentration of bioactive substances in it. Thus, one of the varieties is characterized by a high content of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and essential oils. Is characteristic of.
tripartite order
It is difficult to name at least one disease or violation of the integrity of the skin for which this wonderful plant will not help. A decoction of the herb, used externally in the form of lotions or baths, effectively treats dermatitis. , copes with allergic and acne rashes, psoriatic lesions, purulent wounds, urticaria, scrofula and seborrhea. Many reviews indicate that such procedures also help to reduce warts.
In the form of a drink, this herb for the skin improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes metabolism, which helps to eliminate the root causes of dermatological problems. The unique properties of the series are flavonoids, tannins, are due to a whole complex of biologically active substances, including carotenoids, essential oils and vitamin C.
This plant is equally suitable for both clean and sensitive skin. It is an essential component of various herbal preparations.
The best remedies 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 types of skin.
Herbal Mask for Normal Skin
A small clarification: Apply the mask in a thin layer on previously cleansed skin. Wash off with lukewarm water. If they are made on an oil/fat basis, warm, but not hot. To achieve a uniform consistency, it is recommended to grind the plant material in a coffee grinder before brewing.
Recipe number 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 number 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of chopped dried herbs and mint leaves. Pour 1 cup (150 ml) of boiling water over the herbal mixture and let it simmer under the lid for about half an hour. After cooling, add 1 teaspoon of starch orAdd any flour for thickening. Mixture. Apply the mask for 30 minutes.
Herbal Mask for Oily Skin
Recipe number 1
Take 1 tablespoon each of crushed dried banana and mint leaves, add to 1 cup boiling water. After cooling, drain off the excess liquid and add 1 teaspoon of liquid honey. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe number 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of chopped dry herb St. John's wort and chamomile flowers, add 1 glass of boiling water and simmer 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 number 3
Boil 1 tablespoon crushed dry coltsfoot leaves over low heat for 10 minutes. As in the previous recipe, stir the cooled broth with a spoon until it forms a thick dough. Apply the hot mixture to the skin for 20-25 minutes. Keep for minutes. To achieve long-term effect, the procedure should be done at least 2 times a week.
Herbal mask for dry and sensitive skin
Recipe number 1
Add 1 tablespoon crushed dried chamomile flowers to 1/2 cup boiling water and leave covered for 25-30 minutes. Cool, drain excess liquid, add 1 teaspoon honey, mix until smooth. Mask for 15 minutesApply.
Recipe number 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of crushed dried chamomile, calendula, and hop flowers. Add the herbal mixture to 1 cup boiling water. After cooling, drain off excess liquid and add 1 teaspoon full-fat sour cream, then stir well. Mix until smooth. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe number 3
Add 2 tablespoons of chopped dry sage herb to 1 cup boiling water. Cool to +40 ° C, drain off excess liquid, add 1/2 teaspoon of olive or sesame oil and stir until smooth. After applying such a maskA warm and wet cotton handkerchief must be applied on the face. Keep the mixture for 25 minutes, wash with warm water and then wash with cold water.
Herbal Mask for Combination Skin
Recipe number 1
Pour 3 tablespoons of crushed dried chamomile flowers with 200 ml of boiling water and let it brew. After the infusion has cooled to a comfortable temperature, moisten a layer of cotton in it and apply the resulting mixture for 25 minutes, overCover with a napkin. After removing the mask, wash with warm water and apply nourishing cream on your face.
Recipe number 2
Add 2 tablespoons chopped dried herb to 1 cup boiling water. Leave for 1 hour, strain. Wet a gauze cloth in the prepared infusion and apply it on the face as a mask. Keep for about 20 minutes. Do the procedure 2-3 times in the first week, then 1 time.
Herbal mask for skin elasticity and smoothing wrinkles
Recipe number 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 to your face for 20-25 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Recipe number 2
Take 1 tablespoon each of crushed dry chamomile, mint, St. John's wort, coltsfoot and sage. Pour the resulting mixture with boiling water, close the container tightly and leave for 30 minutes. Then drain the excess liquid, add 1 teaspoonMix olive oil (for oily skin type, 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 on for 20 minutes. Give.
Recipe number 3
Take 1 teaspoon each of crushed dry mint leaves and green tea, add 1 tablespoon of thick sour cream. Mix 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 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 phytoprocessors will be only a half-measure.
The first thing that comes to mind in this case is to take vitamins. And this is absolutely justified, because it is impossible to get all the nutrients necessary to keep yourself in good shape and excellent shape from food. It would seem that the problemNot so serious - everything that our body lacks can be easily found in the pharmacy. It's just that all this vitamin and mineral wealth is absorbed extremely reluctantly in synthetic form. In addition, many other importantProblems remain unresolved, causing the skin to deteriorate and age quickly.
The best option, taking into account all the nuances mentioned, would be to take a natural complex. The first thing you should pay attention to when studying the composition of this drug is the antioxidants of flavonoids from the quercetin group + vitamins C and E. It's a trio. The fact is that any negative processes occurring in the human body are somehow connected. With the activity of free radicals. It has been scientifically proven that 90% of the symptoms of early aging and more than 50 serious diseases are caused by these destructive radicals. Antioxidants are designed to neutralize their predatory activity, of which the plant worldThe strongest is the flavonoid of Siberian larch. 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, whichAscorbic acid is also a catalyst for many biochemical processes. Thus, it promotes the formation of collagen fibers, which strengthen the skin andIt is also very important in 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 the bee pollen (pollen) contains more than 100 useful substances. The list includes 20 amino acids, including essential ones, about 30 macro- and microelements, dozens of vitamins, free fatty acids. , contains enzymes that help all of the above to be absorbed as efficiently as possible. The icing on this nutritious cake are the hormone-like substances present in royal jelly, which, in particular, provide a natural increase in estrogen levels. And the latter, asAs we already know, women are extremely important to maintain natural beauty and preserve 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 wins. Stay healthy and the rest will follow!