Herbs For Facial Care

Posted on April 30, 2014

Herbs For Facial Care

We all want healthy-looking skin.
As concerns increase about synthetic chemicals
in skincare products, what should we do?

We Should Return to Nature!

Natural Organic Herbal Facial Skin Care Herbs and flower preparations have been used for centuries for both men’s and women’s facial care, to help treat skin problems, improve skin quality, and enhance the skin’s appearance.

Specific herbs and their uses have developed regionally over time based on locally available plants. You will often find that different cultures use herbs for skin care in many different ways.

Although scientific evidence and study have been limited, many cultures have well documented anecdotal results.

Herbal skin care is extremely personal. You are unique and so is your facial skin. Depending on your genetics, age, climate, and environmental conditions, the best herbs to use for skin care will vary greatly.

The following chart gives an overview of some of the great facial herbs available -- a starting point to help you choose the best for your skin.

Herbs For Facial Care

Basil, Ocimum basilicum, a mild astringent, is a good cleanser and tonic for the skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help with a wide range of skin problems including acne. Basil has been used for thousands of years as an anti-aging remedy due to its high antioxidant content which prevents free radicals from damaging skin cells.

Good For: Toner; Mature Skin; Acne; Oily Skin

Burdock, Arctium lappa, rich in fatty acids that stimulate blood flow, increase blood circulation and eliminate toxins, has been used for centuries for treating all forms of chronic skin problems. The root is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties making it an excellent acne herb and natural acne treatment.

Good For: Acne; Irritated Skin

Calendula, Calendula officinalis, known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties helps decrease skin irritation and inflammation of sensitive and acne-prone skin. Effective in soothing and calming sunburn, acne, eczema, inflamed skin, and rashes it also nourishes and softens skin.

Good For: Acne; Astringent/Toner; Irritated Skin

Chamomile, Matricaria recutita, with its emollient, healing, tonic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has a soothing and calming effect on troubled skin. It contains azulene which helps to reduce puffiness and cleanse pores of impurities. Chamomile used in a facial steam may also be useful in relieving tension headaches, stress, and chest tightness due to congestion.

Good For: Chamomile Astringent/Toner; Dry Skin; Irritated Skin; Congestion

Chickweed, Stellaria media, useful in treating inflammatory skin conditions, it provides relief from chronic itching caused by eczema, psoriasis, and other rashes. Chickweed salve moisturizes dry or chapped skin.

Good For: Irritated Skin; Itchy Skin

Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, root helps the body dispose of unwanted skin bacteria. A rich source of vitamins A, B, C, D and trace elements, the root is beneficial in promoting clear skin and excellent for treating skin disorders such as acne. It is applied topically to treat eczema and other skin conditions.

Good For: Dandelion Acne: Irritated Skin

Elderflowers, Sambucus nigra, is the oldest herb cultivated by man. They are mildly astringent and help soothe dry mature skin. Elderflower tea was used to fade freckles, age spots, and skin blemishes. Elderflowers have been used for thousands of years to treat skin inflammation.

Good For: Acne; Mature Skin

Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus, acts as an antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, decongestant, expectorant, and insecticide. Since the leaves contain a chemical called eucalyptol, which may help loosen phlegm, it is often used to help treat cold congestion and bronchitis.

Good For: Congestion

Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, is a useful treatment for prematurely aged, sun-damaged and wrinkled skin. It can clear and tone skin, balance skin oils, and reduce wrinkles. A great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fennel seeds are known to have properties that help diminish the effects of aging.

Good For: Dry Skin; Mature Skin

Figwort, Scrophulara nodosa, is commonly been used in the treatment of skin problems that result in an itch or irritation, such as eczema or psoriasis. It has been used to speed the healing of burns and wounds.

Good For: Irritated Skin

Green Tea, Camellia sinensis, is naturally rich in a group of antioxidants called polyphenols, that help rejuvenate skin cells. A mild astringent, green tea is used to cleanse, tone, and purify the skin. One popular folk remedy used is to place damp tea bags on your eyelids to reduce swelling, puffiness, and dark circles. A mixture of green tea and honeysuckle called "pimple tea" is a popular Asian remedy for acne.

Good For: Acne; Toning

Helichrysum, Helichrysum arenarium, is an excellent choice for anti-aging skincare formulations. An infusion of helichrysum can help heal scarring, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, calm inflammation, and regenerate skin cells. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties, make it helpful for acne-prone skin, irritated skin, and combination skin.

Good For: Mature Skin

Hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, or Javakusuma, a natural emollient, is great for softening skin. A natural antioxidant, hibiscus firms and lifts the skin. The flowers contain a firming agent that has a natural Botox-type effect that helps calm skin and smooth out wrinkles. Its high mucilage content helps hydrate skin.

Good For: Mature Skin

Honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, flowers, and leaves help stimulate circulation and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve skin rashes including eczema and psoriasis. Honeysuckle is also used to help treat and cure acne on the face and body. It has vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help nourish and heal the skin.

Good For: Irritated Skin; Acne

Jasmine, Jasminum officinale, flowers have skin-softening properties and are beneficial to dry, sensitive, or inflamed skin. Jasmine flowers have antibacterial and antifungal properties, nourish skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and increase skin elasticity. Jasmine has been used for beauty purpose since the ancient Ming Dynasty in China.

Good For: Dry Skin

Juniper Berries, Juniperus communis, have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties that help balance skin oils, help with oily skin, and have a healing effect on acne and inflamed skin conditions. Steam inhalations of juniper berries are an excellent treatment for colds, coughs, and excessive phlegm.

Good For: Oily Skin; Congestion

Lady's Mantle, Alchemilla vulgaris, possesses excellent tissue-firming properties. It helps soothe, cleanse, and heal dry, sensitive skin and rashes in skin irritations such as eczema. A good astringent to help decrease large pores, Lady's Mantle is often found in anti-wrinkle creams.

Good For: Mature Skin

Lavender, Lavendula officinalis, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that can be helpful for those suffering from acne. Its ability to balance oil production makes it a great choice for those with combination skin. It helps calm stressed skin, increases blood circulation reduces local pain on inflamed skin, stimulates the growth of new skin cells, and promotes healing. Lavender is a great herb for all skin types.

Good For: Dry Skin; Mature Skin; Oily Skin; Toner

Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, a mild astringent with antibacterial properties, is great for oily and acne-prone skin types. It helps tone, balance, and refresh the skin. It cleanses and closes open pores and has a soothing effect when used as a face toner or facial steam for dull, sensitive, maturing skin.

Good For: All skin types; Mild Astringent/Toner; Oily Skin

Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratum, has astringent and tonic properties that help balance skin oil, minimize pores and firm the skin. An antifungal and antibacterial herb, lemongrass can help limit bacterial and fungal growth on the skin.

Good For: Oily Skin; Acne; Astringent/Toner

Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu), Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a traditional herbal remedy used in India and around the world. The root has strong anti-inflammatory properties that will both soothe the skin and inhibit the production of irritants that contribute to skin conditions such as acne.

Good For: Acne; Irritated Skin

Marsh Mallow, Althaea officinalis, has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and help calm irritation and inflammation. Valued for its ability to soften skin, emollient-rich marsh mallow helps skin maintain its natural moisture level without increasing oil production. It also tones down blotchy complexions and helps with blemishes.

Good For: Irritated Skin; Oily Skin; Dry Skin

Neem, Azadirachta indica, naturally astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal has been recognized in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Its leaves and bark are used to heal rashes, minor wounds, and a myriad of skin conditions.

Good For: Acne

Peppermint, Mentha piperita, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and astringent properties. It stimulates nerve endings and increases local blood flow, which may help with dry skin. Peppermint cools, refreshes, revitalizes, tones, and clarifies skin. Peppermint leaf steam produces menthol vapors that may help relieve nasal and chest congestion.

Good For: Astringent/Toner; Dry Skin; Congestion

Plantain, Plantago major, rich in beta carotene (vitamin A), calcium, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps nourish, soothe and calm itchy, inflamed, and irritated skin conditions as it draws out impurities. Plantain oil helps revitalize tired skin and is often found in anti-aging treatments.

Good For: Irritated Skin; Mature Skin

Red Clover, Trifolium pratense, a natural anti-inflammatory, has been used for centuries to help with many types of skin problems. It is one of the most useful remedies for children with eczema. It is also useful for the treatment of other skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne.

Good For: Irritated Skin; Mature Skin

Red Raspberry, Rubus idaeus, leaves act as an astringent by tightening the top layers of skin. Great for people with oily skin or those suffering from acne, raspberry leaves can relieve irritation and improve tissue firmness.

Good For: Astringent/Toner; Oily Skin

Rose Petals, Rosa spp, has healing properties that are useful in treating mild inflammation. They have a cleansing, astringent, toning, moisture-retaining, stimulating, and soothing effect on the skin. The moisturizing and nourishing qualities give a boost to all skin types. Rose is particularly beneficial to dry, sensitive skin, it is also great for mature skin as it may help to ease wrinkles and fine lines.

Good For: Astringent/Toner; Dry Skin; Mature Skin

Rose Hips, Rosa spp, are packed full of vitamins and minerals. The oil contained in rose hips is useful for treating dry and mature skin. In a facial steam, rose hips may be included to reduce signs of aging and provide moisture.

Good For: Mature Skin

Rosemary, Rosemarinus officinalis, stimulates blood circulation by improving blood flow to the skin. As an invigorating toner and astringent, rosemary helps restore elasticity. Great for dull, lifeless, or oily skin, its antibacterial properties help with acne and blackheads.

Good For: Acne; Astringent/Toner; Dry Skin; Congestion

Sage, Salvia officinalis, rich in antioxidants, astringent, and antibacterial qualities, soothing sage leaves are great for oily skin and for wrinkled, sagging complexions. Sage cleanses, stimulates blood circulation, closes pores, and restores elasticity. Ideal for acne as well as mature skin.

Good For: Acne; Astringent/Toner; Oily Skin

Self Heal, Prunella vulgaris, high in antioxidants and tannins, has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. It has long been used topically to treat acne, rashes, scarring, eczema, and skin irritations.

Good For: Acne; Astringent; Irritated Skin

Speedwell, Veronica officinalis, also known as simply veronica, is a soothing herb that helps relieve chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. It has some astringent properties and helps relieve itching.

Good For: Irritated Skin

Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, has antiseptic and antifungal properties that cleanse, heal and soothe inflamed skin. Thyme is often used for deep cleansing. Studies have shown that thyme has antibacterial properties greater than benzoyl peroxide, which is the active ingredient in anti-acne preparations.

Good For: Acne; Astringent/Toner; Oily Skin; Congestion

Turmeric, Curcuma longa, contains a plant pigment called curcumin, a natural antioxidant, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and healing properties make it a wonderful natural treatment for irritated skin conditions. It may help lessen rosacea and may help prevent and cure acne. Rich in antioxidants, turmeric is a common ingredient in Ayurvedic skincare products to promote glowing, smooth skin, naturally.

Good For: Acne; Irritated Skin; Rosacea

Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, leaves are astringent and help deep clean oily skin. It can soothe red, irritated skin while helping to prevent acne. Witch Hazel can be used for all skin types but is especially great for combination skin.

Good For: Oily Skin; Astringent/Toner

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, flowers are used for their astringent, healing, and soothing effects on the skin. Yarrow strengthens skin tone and can be used for problem skin, oily skin, large pores, and wrinkles. Its strong soothing properties can be helpful to those suffering from inflamed skin or chronic redness. Yarrow steam may also help relieve inflammation of mucous membranes and bronchial tissues.

Good For: Acne; Astringent/Toner; Oily Skin; Congestion

Using Facial Herbs: Recipes

You are unique and so is your facial skin. Using the chart above as a guide, experiment with different herbs to determine the botanical treats your face prefers.

Once you find your favorite herbs, the skin care recipes you can create are endless, such as face masks, facial scrubs, toners, steams, etc. I have included a few below.

Facial TONER

Some people like to use toner in between washing and moisturizing.

A toner should be made with natural ingredients. A “natural” face toner is a toner without alcohol, preservatives, or synthetic ingredients.

Although, these natural toners will not provide all of the super astringent and cleansing that you get from a more traditional toner, they will not strip your skin either.

So what can a herbal toner do for your skin? It can hydrate your skin, refresh your skin and soothe and calm irritated skin depending on the herbs that you use.

Simple Herbal Facial Toner

Fill a muslin bag with 1/4 cup of herbs
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the herbal bag
Cover and steep for at least 10 minutes
Allow to cool and remove herbs from tea

How to Use:

Use cotton balls or clean fingertips to apply the herbal facial toner after cleansing
Some people prefer to pour the toner into a small spray bottle and spritz it on
Tea will last about 7 days if refrigerated
When finished empty the bag and compost the herbs
Rinse the muslin bag and allow it to dry

Quick Honey Tip: Add about 1 tablespoon of raw honey to 1 cup of the hot tea or tea before it cools. Stir to mix. Use as indicated.

Dry Skin Herbal Facial Scrub

Herbal Face Mask with Oats, Milk & Honey Using a scrub about once or twice a week will stimulate circulation and help slough off dead skin cells. The exfoliating action of an herbal scrub will leave facial skin feeling soft and looking radiant.

If you have sensitive skin, be extra gentle. Scrubbing too vigorously can leave unsightly blotches, although these will fade with time. If you have sensitive skin, be extra gentle.

Ingredients

1 cup oat flour
⅓ cup dried ground herbs (pick one or use a mixture)
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

Directions

Grind herbs in a clean coffee grinder
Combine the oat flour, herbs, and sugar in a very clean jar or container
The scrub can be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location for 2 to 3 months
To use the scrub place a small amount in the palm of your hand. Add enough water** to make a paste. Apply the paste mixture evenly over your face, avoiding your eyes. Massage gently into your skin, using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly

**For an extra face treat substitute a good organic facial oil, yogurt, or honey for the water in the recipe above.

Invigorating Herbal Facial Mask: Good for acne

Ingredients

1/2 cup oatmeal
1 tablespoon dried lavender
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried rosemry

Directions

Combine the oats and herbs in small food processor
Process until you have a fine powder (powder can be stored in an airtight container until ready to use)
To make the mask, mix the mask powder with enough water to make a thick paste.
Apply the paste mixture evenly over your face, avoiding your eyes. Massage gently into your skin, using circular motions and leave on for 15 minutes.
Rinse and pat dry.

**For an extra face treat substitute a good organic facial oil, yogurt, or honey for the water in the recipe above.