Herbs and skin: Best herbal therapy for astonishing skin

Page Description: You know what they say about looking good being good business? Well, it doesn’t have to stop at the clothes you put on to adorn yourself. It also extends to your skin too. Because of the many reactions and irritations caused by several skincare products, many have resorted to organic or herbal therapies for astonishing skin. In this article, we shall be looking at how best to begin this journey. Well, shall we?

What are herbs?

Herbs are plants that can be used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Most often, they are non-woody in appearance and contain several properties that can be used for several effects.  Although effective when used, they have to be used in small doses most of the time.

Classification of herbs

There are three main classifications of herbs – tonic herbs, medicinal herbs, and culinary herbs.

Tonic herbs

Tonic herbs are herbs that can be consumed in large quantities and are safe for health. These herbs are employed in medicine because of their excellent properties and the low level of toxins in them. They are great for maintaining healthy skin. Some of these tonic herbs can help in toning the body while others would keep healthy skin, clean and balanced.

Medicinal herbs

Medicinal herbs as the name implies are herbs that are used to cure certain diseases and remove pain. These herbs, however, can pose a threat when used in high quantities. For best effects, they are used in minute quantities to fight health-related issues and maintain good health.

Culinary herbs

The culinary field is where many herbs and spices are used. Like their counterparts, culinary herbs contain in them medicinal properties that are good for healthy digestion. They also have excellent healing properties that can be used in skincare.

The relationship between herbs and skincare

Certain herbs are widely used in skincare. They have various benefits which give you glowing, radiant, and healthy skin. When applied on the face, the antiseptic properties remove the acne and the skin tissues which might have gotten damaged by certain elements like the sun. So, the herbs used for skin care will fight aging signs like wrinkles and give smooth skin in such a way that other products can’t. Going further, there are certain herbal oils for skin regardless of skin type that can be fixed into a skincare routine. The herbal oil will cause the skin to glow and look good while ensuring you get the medicinal properties contained in the herb when you use it.

5 Herbs for natural skincare routine

Aloe Vera

Whether bottled or freshly plucked and squeezed, this herb has a lot of benefits for the skin. It soothes the skin and treats also bites from insects, burns, rashes, and rough skin. As a great moisturizer, it tones and corrects one’s skin. It is an excellent choice for oily and normal-to-dry skin types. The aloe Vera should be from raw juice if you are buying bottled ones. If you would, plant some aloe Vera plants in your home or get aloe Vera gel. The texture and consistency make it good herbal oil for the skin.

Aloe Vera is a gel solution that soothes sunburns. It is enriched with vitamins A, C, E, and B12, and has anti-inflammatory properties. With about 98% water content, it keeps the skin hydrated. It also promotes the production of collagen which speeds up the wound healing process and reduces scars caused by skin irritating conditions and minor burns. People with conditions like rashes, acne, eczema, and psoriasis can use it for treatment. Rich in antioxidants, it prevents sun damage and slows down skin aging. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties too.

Turmeric

India has been using turmeric for thousands of years and to date, uses it because of its properties. Found in the rhizome of a plant that is similar to ginger, turmeric is another excellent herb. Like several herbs, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in the treatment of skin injuries and lesions. When consumed, it improves the overall appearance of the body. Turmeric being rich in antioxidants helps the skin glow.

Turmeric helps in the regulation of sebum, the oil produced in the glands just below the pores, and this makes it a good option for persons with acne-prone and oily skin. The antioxidant compounds in it can help prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. This makes it an addition to an anti-aging skincare routine.

Basil

Basil contains in it some excellent properties that are stored in the leaves of the plants. Because the properties of this plant are antiseptic, it is used to treat several skin conditions like ringworms. The gel found in it can be used to treat fungal infections.  Basil works well for anyone with bacterial problems or acne. The immune-boosting properties in it help in preventing skin irritation and infection. It is one of the many herbs used in Ayurvedic medical practices because of its antibacterial properties.

Basil is a part of the adaptogen herb family and as such, it contains stress-reducing and anti-inflammatory compounds. Basil is incorporated into many toners and is added to skincare routines for anti-aging and acne-fighting.

Dandelion

If you experience acne, Dandelion tea is an excellent way to get rid of it. Skin conditions like eczema and boils can be cured with it too. The healing properties of dandelion are found in the roots, leaves, extracts, and aerial parts. It is safe for all skin types. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that promote the production of collagen and moisture retention. The dandelion root extracts fight against skin irritation and aging, helping to keep the skin smooth. The dandelion leaves prevent UVB radiation damage when applied to the skin before or after exposure to the sun. Skincare products that have dandelion infused in them will give skin calming effects and reduce redness on skin highly prone to.

Lavender

Lavender has not just a calming scent, it offers healing and skin-soothing benefits too. Lavender oil is used in serums and moisturizers and can be applied on the skin directly. It is antifungal and fights bacteria. It unclogs pores and reduces redness of the skin and acne while it prevents future breakouts and offers anti-aging properties.

Lavender oil is excellent in the removal of symptoms from harsh skin conditions like psoriasis and also helps to nourish the skin. Hydration prevents cracked skin patches, which makes you prone to infections. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that give it wound-healing properties. It soothes cuts, insect burns, and minor burns by cleansing the affected area and reducing the swelling. This essential oil lightens the skin to give a more even skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Other herbs that you can use as part of your skincare regimen are nettles, rose hips, comfrey, alfalfa, chickweed, calendula, oat straw, horsetail, cinnamon, and red clover among others. While these herbs will improve the health and appearance of the skin, habits like drinking plenty of water, exercising, and getting a good amount of sleep should be practiced too.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda simply means a natural, old and whole-body system of medicine. It started some 3,000 years ago in India and it is still being practiced in India to this day. Ayurveda is a term that means ‘knowledge of life’ This practice aims at the restoration of balance and life. The treatments of Ayurveda include yoga, diet, purification, meditation, massage, and herbal therapies.

Best Ayurveda treatments for the skin

According to Ayurveda, there are 3 main types of doshas. Doshas mean skin types. They are Vata – a skin type that gets cracked, cold, and dry and ages fast, Kapha – an oily or normal, clear, smooth skin that ages slowly and Pitta – a thin, sensitive skin type that tends to have freckles, moles,  and ages relatively fast.

For a person with the Vata skin type, one that is dry and ages fast, it is best to use natural moisturizers, nourishing products, hydrating products, and anti-aging products. For the Kapha skin type, warm oil massages and exfoliants will do. Lastly, for the Pitta skin type, facial oils should be used daily.

Uses of Ayurveda Herbs for skin

There are different types of herbs that can be made into essential oils and facial oils for skin treatment. The uses of these herbs and oils include:

Brightening: Because glowing skin is considered healthy in Ayurveda, plants like Sandalwood and Vetiver are used to remove the build-up of metabolic waste in the skin and brighten it.

Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation of the skin is usually caused by sunlight, stress, allergens, chemicals, and even environmental pollution. Anti-inflammatory herbs like Aloe Vera and Rose will help in protecting the skin.

Anti-aging: Gotu Kola, an herb in India helps one’s skin in producing collagen. This herb has specific ingredients in it that help in the nourishment of the skin. The Gotu Kola is also used to heal wounds and help with scars and eczema.

Conclusion

Herbs are a natural means to freshen up one’s beauty routine for good and healthy skin. However, if you have sensitivities or allergies, herbs offer a milder alternative to prescription medications. You might want to speak with your doctor or dermatologist before use if you have concerns. So, for an astonishing, natural glow and smooth skin, you know just what herbs to incorporate into your skincare routine and therapy.

References

These 7 Herbs and Spices Can Save Your Skin

12 of the Best Herbs for Skin Care and How to Use Them

What to Know About Ayurvedic Skin Care