Herbs intended to improve 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 preventive and therapeutic purposes. If you choose the right herbal remedy for a specific problem and a specific skin type, the effect can exceed the most modest expectations. Do you want to look younger than your age and literally glow with health? Then this article is made for you.
Main facial skin types
It will be much easier to achieve a rejuvenating and healing effect with the help of medicinal plants if you know your skin type. Let's do a little dermatological educational program.
- Normalthe skin does not require serious care beyond standard cleansing and moisturizing. This type is characterized by the absence of blackheads, an oily shine and a feeling of dryness and tightness. But prevention is never too much.
- Drythe skin is the most vulnerable and the most sensitive to temperature variations. The consequences of winter cold and summer heat are literally reflected on the faces of its owners. Very often, a hair mesh clearly appears through it, causing physiological and aesthetic discomfort.
- Fat. 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. Plus, it’s a real magnet for all sorts of rashes and inflammations.
- Combinedthe type is common to most people. Its particularity is oily skin in the T zone (forehead, nose, chin) and normal skin in the other areas.
- Sensitivethe skin, like dry skin, is intolerant to climatic hazards, is characterized by increased irritability and intolerance to the vast majority of cosmetic products. Itching, peeling, tight feeling, that's it. Medicinal herbs with softening and calming effects are the optimal remedy for eliminating 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 the necessary nutrients.
- Deep cleansing and tightening pores.
- Normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, helping to permanently eliminate oily shine.
- Elimination and prevention of inflammation, disinfection.
- Moisturizing, smoothing and whitening skin.
- Refreshing and toning effect.
What dermatological disorders can be treated with medicinal herbs?
The above properties of phytotherapeutic agents help to cope with the following age-related diseases, damage and changes in the skin:
- acne;
- dryness, irritation, flaking;
- oily shine;
- blackheads, enlarged pores;
- sagging skin, wrinkles;
- dark circles under eyes;
- age spots (including freckles).
A Complete List of Herbs to Heal Different Skin Types
Since it was probably not difficult for you to determine your facial skin type, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with herbs suitable for their action.
| Skin type | Suitable herbs |
|---|---|
| Normal | nettle leaves, peppermint leaves, tripartite herb string, chamomile flowers, linden flower, large plantain leaves |
| Dry | nettle leaves, hops, yarrow herb, calendula flowers, sage leaves, chamomile flowers, oregano herb, creeping thyme herb |
| Fat | wormwood herb, chicory herb, yarrow herb, calendula flowers, coltsfoot leaves, St. John's wort herb, aloe leaf juice, silver birch leaves and buds, common oak bark, linden flower, large plantain leaves, large burdock root, nettle leaves, butterbur root, peppermint leaves |
| Combined | peppermint leaves, St. John's wort, sage leaves, horsetail |
| Sensitive | calendula flowers, salvia officinalis leaves, chamomile flowers, peppermint leaves, tripartite herb string, lavender herb, flaxseed, 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 should be discussed in more detail.
Nettle
This pungent plant has long been used for cosmetic purposes in skin and hair care. It owes its unique properties to its rich chemical composition. Thus, a spicy "cocktail" of nettle juice composed of silicon salts, histamine, choline (vitamin B4) and formic acid, stimulates blood microcirculation, thus improving skin nutrition. Vitamin A has a bactericidal effect, helping to quickly eliminate pimples, acne and irritation.
Vitamin C improves the elasticity of the skin and increases the tone of the capillaries that nourish it. Vitamin K has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect and, in combination with a natural "bleach", helps remove freckles and other age spots. Carotene, which this plant is also rich in, gives the skin freshness and radiance. The tandem of flavonoids, tannins and organic acids helps smooth wrinkles, providing a visible rejuvenating effect. And finally, the bioavailable potassium contained in nettle provides natural hydration to the skin.
pharmaceutical chamomile
This plant is remarkable because it is suitable for all skin types, providing a softening, antiallergic, bactericidal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect. The bioactive substances in chamomile stimulate blood circulation and relax facial muscles, helping to reduce wrinkles. Lotions based on 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 filmon the skin.
This plant is also ideal for cleansing facial skin. In addition, both for external and internal use. In the second option, it promotes the elimination from the body of toxic and ballast substances that cause dermatological disorders.
There is, however, an important nuance: not all chamomiles are medicinal. The real one should be bitter, which indicates the presence in its composition of a valuable component of essential oil - chamazulene, which determines the lion's share of its beneficial properties. Take note!
Calendula officinale
Speaking about the most useful herbs for facial care, it is impossible not to mention this wonderful plant, more familiar to many under the name 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 the antioxidant properties of the plant. The last group of substances mentioned promotes, among other things, the accumulation of hyaluronic acid in the body, 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 number of other bioactive substances moisturizes, soothes, softens, cleanses, protects and tones the skin, restores its structure at the cellular level, has a lightening and anti-aging effect, improves complexiongiving it a healthy shine. .
To maintain the natural beauty and elasticity of the skin of the body, warm medicinal baths with the addition of a decoction of calendula flowers and sea salt are perfect. And herbal treatments based on warm water soothe itchy skin, have a disinfecting and healing effect, helping to combat any dermatological disorders. At the same time, essential oils released during bathing have a beneficial effect on the whole body, stimulating the immune system and improving mood.
Are you looking for a truly healthy and eco-friendly skin care product? Then we advise you to pay attention to the Kalta variety of calendula, which is grown without the use of chemicals at a great distance from large cities and industrial enterprises. And, which is also important, in terms of the content of useful substances (especially flavonoids and carotenoids), it is significantly superior to wild or cultivated analogues.
Pepper mint
Another incredibly beneficial herb for all skin types. Moreover, everyone can easily name at least one of its properties. A complex of flavonoids, ascorbic acid and mint essential oil, rich in menthol, has a refreshing and toning effect, eliminating bags and dark circles under the eyes. Ramnose stimulates collagen production, helping to eliminate wrinkles and prevent the appearance of new ones. The rejuvenating effect is enhanced by the amino acid arginine, also present in the plant. Mint tannins are also very useful in combating age-related skin changes, while resinous substances accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks.
Mint steam baths are perfect for cleansing the deeper layers of the skin, removing blackheads and rosacea (microvascular) networks 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 from 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, leading in terms of 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, especially noticeable during menopause, negatively affects the health of the fair sex in general and the condition of the skin in particular. Taking sage individually or in combination with other herbs with similar properties helps reduce prolactin and at the same time increase estrogen levels to optimal values, which literally creates a rejuvenating effect, restoring women's appearancehealthy and fulfilled. 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 soon, drinking sage is useful for preventative purposes. And as an external product, it is ideal for combination skin, tightening pores and permanently eliminating sebaceous shine from the T-zone. Herbal decoctions, masks, scrubs and other cosmetic products based on this plant haveanti-inflammatory, soothing, bactericidal and healing properties, helping to eliminate possible dermatological disorders and their causative agents.
Since one of the main values of sage is its unique essential oil, for medicinal purposes it is better to choose a product that contains the maximum amount of this component.
Yarrow
If we talk about which herb is best for caring for the scalp, yarrow will be at least among the top three. In this case, its antiseborrheic property or, more simply, the elimination of dandruff is particularly interesting. This is achieved thanks to the presence of essential oil in the plant, the components of which together provide an antibacterial, cleansing, moisturizing and soothing effect.
At the same time, the complex of tannins, organic acids and natural form of vitamin K provides the anti-inflammatory, astringent and healing effect of yarrow, relieving itching and flaking of the scalp skin, thus reducing the intensity of acne. on the face and body.
Yarrow masks 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, due to which its structure is restored.
For many it will be a discovery, but yarrow is also bred and cultivated, which significantly increases the concentration of bioactive substances. 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 the integrity of the skin for which this amazing plant would not help. A decoction of the plant, used externally as a lotion or bath, effectively treats dermatitis, allergic and acne rashes, psoriatic lesions, purulent wounds, urticaria, scrofula and seborrhea. Many reviews indicate that such procedures even help shrink warts.
In the form of a drink, this plant for the skin improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizing metabolism, which helps eliminate the root causes of dermatological problems. The 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 suitable for both clean and sensitive skin. It is an invariable component of various herbal preparations.
The best recipes 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 skin types.
Herbal masks for normal skin
Small clarification: apply the masks in a thin layer to previously cleansed skin. Wash with lukewarm water. If they are prepared 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 #1
Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed dry nettle leaves with the same amount of warm milk and half a raw egg yolk. Blend until smooth and apply for 15-20 minutes.
Recipe #2
Take 1 tablespoon of chopped dry herbs and mint leaves. Pour 1 cup (150 ml) of boiling water over the herb mixture and let it steep under the lid for about half an hour. After cooling, add 1 teaspoon of starch or any flour to thicken. Mix. Apply the mask for 30 minutes.
Herbal masks for oily skin
Recipe #1
Take 1 tablespoon of crushed dry plantain leaves and mint, brew 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 #2
Take 1 tablespoon of chopped dry herbs of St. John's wort and chamomile flowers, pour 1 glass of boiling water and keep on low heat for 10 minutes. Let 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 is completely dry.
Recipe #3
Boil 1 tablespoon of dried and crushed coltsfoot leaves for 10 minutes over low heat. Concentrate the cooled broth, as in the previous recipe, with a teaspoon until it becomes a thick flour. Keep the mixture warm on the skin for 20 to 25 minutes. To achieve a long-term effect, the procedure should be carried out at least 2 times a week.
Herbal masks for dry and sensitive skin
Recipe #1
Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed dried chamomile flowers into ½ cup of boiling water and leave covered for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool, drain excess liquid, add 1 teaspoon of honey, mix until smooth. Apply the mask for 15 minutes.
Recipe #2
Take 1 tablespoon of crushed dried chamomile flowers, calendula and hops. Prepare the herb mixture with 1 cup boiling water. After cooling, drain excess liquid and add 1 teaspoon of whole sour cream, then mix thoroughly until pasty. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.
Recipe #3
Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dry sage herb into 1 cup of boiling water. Let cool to +40 °C, drain excess liquid, add ½ teaspoon of olive or sesame oil and stir until smooth. After applying such a mask, a warm, damp cotton towel should be applied to the face. Keep the mixture on for 25 minutes, rinse it with lukewarm water, then wash it off with cold water.
Herbal masks for combination skin
Recipe #1
Pour 3 tablespoons of crushed dry chamomile flowers into 200 ml of boiling water and let it brew. 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 towel. After removing the mask, wash with warm water and apply a nourishing cream to your face.
Recipe #2
Pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dry herbs into 1 cup of boiling water. Leave for 1 hour, filter. Moisten gauze in the finished infusion and apply it as a mask to the face. Keep for about 20 minutes. In the first week, perform the procedure 2-3 times, then 1 time.
Herbal masks for skin elasticity and smoothing wrinkles
Recipe #1
Mix 4 teaspoons of crushed dried chamomile flowers with the same amount of whole-fat kefir and 1 raw egg. Apply the resulting mass to your face for 20-25 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Recipe #2
Take 1 tablespoon of crushed dry chamomile, mint, St. John's wort, coltsfoot and sage. Brew the resulting mixture with boiling water, close the container tightly and leave for 30 minutes. Then drain excess liquid, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil (for oily skin, use low-fat sour cream instead of oil). Spread the mixture evenly on your face and cover it with a cotton cloth. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes.
Recipe #3
Take 1 teaspoon of crushed dry mint leaves and green tea, add 1 tablespoon of fatty sour cream. Blend until smooth. Apply the mixture to your face for 40 minutes, then rinse with warm water and soap.
Healthy, beautiful skin starts from within
Herbs listed for cleansing, 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 a half measure.
The first thing that comes to mind in this case is to take vitamins. And that's absolutely right, because it's simply impossible to get all the nutrients you need to stay fit and in great shape through diet. It would seem that the problem is not worth it - everything that our body lacks can easily be found at the pharmacy. It's just that all this wealth of vitamins and minerals is absorbed in synthetic form with extreme reluctance. Furthermore, many other important problems remain unresolved, 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 need to pay attention to when studying the composition of this drug is the antioxidant trio of flavonoids of the quercetin group + vitamins C and E. The fact is that any negative processes occurring in the human bodyis in one way or another associated with the activity of free radicals. It has been scientifically proven that 90% of the signs of early aging and more than 50 serious diseases are found on the consciousness of these saboteur particles. Antioxidants are designed to neutralize their violent activity, the strongest of which in the plant world 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 hair protector, providing uninterrupted nutrition of connective tissue - the basis of the 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 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 to best absorb all of the above. The icing on this nutritional cake are the hormonal substances present in royal jelly, which notably ensure 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 this complex either. The combination of bee products in the medicine promotes the production of your own testosterone - the hormone of strength, confidence and sexual activity. So everyone will definitely win. Stay healthy and the rest will follow!