Many of us are looking at ways to keep our skin radiant, clear and youthful. However, with the majority of beauty products containing a high number of chemical ingredients, more of us are looking at natural ways to keep skin healthy.
Herbs can provide a great remedy, whether used as an alternative to chemical-rich solutions or used alongside.
Here are our top 8 herbs for beautiful skin:
Turmeric
Turmeric is not only an antiseptic, but also has the ability to minimize scarring due to its skin-lightening properties. Perfect for those suffering from allergic or inflammatory skin conditions that make the skin appear dull, turmeric can bring back radiance. It can be applied easily as a paste, applied in a circular motion to tone the skin.
Aloe Vera
Widely regarded as a “super food”, aloe vera has a host of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. In addition, aloe vera moisturizes the skin and promotes new skin cell growth. Present in a whole host of products and forms, aloe vera gel is among the most common.
Applying the gel to the skin is quick and easy, and oral aloe vera drinks and supplements also claim to help promote healthy skin from the inside out.
Lavender
Not only is lavender relaxing for the mind, but it’s also soothing for the skin. Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-septic and anti-inflammatory, lavender is something of a “wonder plant”. The compound, linalool, helps to heal the skin and also to regenerate skin tissues.
In fact, this means lavender is seriously useful as an anti-aging product.
Chamomile
Similar to lavender, chamomile has a number of benefits that are both calming and soothing. The compound found in chamomile, alpha-bisabolol, can apparently reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, reduce irritation and healing the skin.
Chamomile is widely used to soothe eczema among other conditions and ailments.
Witch Hazel
Commonly used to treat acne, witch hazel is used widely as an anti-inflammatory that reduces the swelling and inflammation of spots and pimples. It works by reducing the amount of sebum produced in excess, without causing dryness. The astringent qualities mean that it can also reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
Cinnamon
This spice has much more than simply a delicious taste. The antioxidant values found in cinnamon are actually higher than in blueberries, and can reduce and limit skin damage. Cinnamon is best consumed to enjoy its most beneficial effects on the skin.
Green Tea
Due to the high concentration of catechins, green tea is widely used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-aging effects. While many people drink green tea, topical application thickens the epidermis, aiding the healing of wounds and reducing sun spots.
Green tea could also reduce damage to DNA from sun burn.
Red Clover
Red clover has been used to soothe the irritation experienced by eczema sufferers for a number of years, but it can also detoxify the skin and eliminate toxins. It does this by limiting the triggers that cause inflammation. Red clover is best consumed but it can also be applied topically. Supplements are readily available in most health stores.
Do you use herbs to keep your skin looking great? Tell us which herbs you are using and how in the comments.