Making the switch to using herbs for skin health is a wise one, considering the hidden toxins lurking in most skincare products today.
We know from experience how transformational herbs can be for beauty from the inside out.
So today, we're sharing 9 of our favorite skincare herbs to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin the natural way.
Best Herbs for Your Skin
1. Chamomile
There’s a reason why chamomile extracts are increasingly dominating skincare products. As lauded by studies published in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), chamomile has incredible health benefits.
Besides being rich in essential oils and antioxidants, chamomile has potent anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial effects.
Inflammation, fungi and bacteria, along with oxidative stress, are among the leading causes of skin problems. Since chamomile can handle such issues simultaneously, it offers broad-spectrum management and prevention of various skin conditions.
Besides, chamomile is naturally hypoallergenic.
How to use chamomile for healthier skin:
The most popular way to use chamomile for skin applications is by preparing chamomile tea. To make the tea, you’ll need 4 tablespoons of chamomile flowers, 1 small but fresh sprig of mint and about 240 ml (8 oz) of water.
Boil the water, add the chamomile flowers and the mint, then steep for about five minutes.
Once the chamomile tea is ready, allow it to cool and rinse your skin with it, letting it sit for 5 minutes then rinse it off with warm water.
2. Aloe Vera
For a long time now, aloe vera has been a go-to product for manufactures of skin care products and for good reason. Studies show that the benefits of aloe vera in dermatology are almost unrivalled.
The major benefit of aloe vera is its soothing effect on the skin. The gel extract from aloe vera contains polysaccharides, which encourage skin repair as well as the proliferation of new cells.
Aloe vera is also rich in in carboxypeptidases, which are potent pain relievers and the primary compounds responsible for aloe’s soothing effect.
In addition, aloe gel suppresses inflammatory symptoms while managing irritation, making it useful in the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Its antibacterial effects have also been explored and used in the treatment of acne and cold sores.
Studies have suggested that aloe vera stimulates the production of collagen by stimulating the activities of fibroblasts. This explains why you can count on aloe vera gel to help slow signs of aging that manifest themselves in the skin.
How to use aloe vera to ease common skin conditions:
The easiest ways to use aloe vera is directly from the pant. This method is also very safe because natural aloe vera is free from additional chemicals and has limited to no side effects.
To experience its benefits for your skin, simply separate a thin layer of skin from the aloe leaf to expose its gel underneath. You can apply the gel directly to any problem areas on your skin - it’s especially helpful for acne, eczema, psoriasis and lichen planus.
3. Nettle
Although not popular like aloe vera and chamomile, nettle contains powerful astringent properties that are largely untapped.
Most people regard nettle as a natural beautifier of both the skin and hair. What could be the secret behind such impressive benefits?
Nettle is nourishing, has anti-inflammatory properties and is also a diuretic. Among its several benefits to the skin, it helps clear acne, treats eczema and encourages the development of thicker, shinier and denser hair.
Nettle extract, or the oil concoction prepared from nettle leaves, can be applied topically to treat various skin conditions.
How to use nettle for better skin from the inside out:
To prepare nettle tea from nettle leaves:
- Start by harvesting young nettles. You might want to protect yourself from stings using gardening gloves.
- Wash then boil the nettles for 15 minutes.
- After preparing the tea, drink it (preferably in the morning) once a day for best results.
4. Calendula
Calendula extract is a botanical ingredient obtained from the common marigold. It has various properties that make it a useful tool in skin care.
Some of these properties include its ability to improve skin lightness, protect against harmful ultraviolet radiation and promote the healing process of wounds.
The properties mentioned above have also made calendula one of the favorites when it comes to the reduction of aging skin.
Calendula also possesses antiseptic properties that protect against acne. Some reports even indicate that it stimulates the activity of fibroblasts and boosts the production of collagen. This is the reason behind its success in wound healing and in soothing dry skin.
How to use it calendula to protect against sunburn:
Due to its ability to protect against ultraviolet light, it is advised that you use calendula during the day. You can apply it to your skin alongside sunscreen protection to achieve a heightened effect.
However, if your primary goal is not to protect yourself from UV rays but to manage inflammation or speed up the healing process, you can apply it at night.
5. Fenugreek
Fenugreek has long been a favorite among chefs for spicing up curries, especially in Indian cuisines. Despite its incredible use in the kitchen, studies agree that it can both lower blood pressure and soothe heartburn.
Its benefits in increasing milk production in lactating mothers has also been evaluated.
Nevertheless, the real deal lies in its beauty benefits. It is a perfect skin cleanser and facial toner.
How to use fenugreek in a face mask:
Fenugreek can be used either in the form of tea or as a face mask.
For an exfoliating face mask:
- Soak at least 2 tablespoons of fenugreek in water until soft
- Strain the water and mash the seeds to form a fine paste
- Mix with aloe vera gel or olive oil
- You can then apply it to your face and/or skin
- Let it stand for about 15 minutes before you wash it off
6. Rosehips
If you’re a die-hard skin care enthusiast, I’m sure you’ve noticed the increasing number of skin care products containing rosehips.
Rosehip oil is obtained by cold pressing rosehips. Dermatologists agree that rosehip oil contains antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin A and C.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammatory symptoms related to acne such as redness and swelling.
The antioxidants properties of rosehip make it useful in limiting the production of free radicals and is also active against scars.
How to use rosehip oil to feed your skin vital nutrients:
Rosehip oil can be purchased from skin care vendors and applied directly onto the skin. To get started, just place about 3 drops of the oil onto your palm, rub it between your hands and massage it into your skin deeply.
It is usually applied on the face, but you can apply to your neck and the rest of the body as well.
7. Burdock
The theory behind burdock’s mechanism of action is that skin problems often occur due to digestive complications and the presence of toxins in the body.
Burdock is an effective detoxifier and a potent digestive aid. Through these mechanisms, it helps manage
How to use burdock to ease itchy, irritated skin:
You can use the roots, leaves and seeds of burdock for managing several health conditions. Harvest the seeds by breaking its Velcro-like spurs open. You can then grind the seeds and consume them or infuse them in tea.
Beyond tea, the leaves can be applied directly to your skin to ease itchiness, irritation and pain.
8. Dandelion
Dandelion is one of the most stubborn garden weeds. However, it is revered in herbal medicine because of its numerous health benefits.
For several years now, it has been used to treat liver problems, disorders of the digestive system and skin conditions such as acne.
It contains B vitamins as well as vitamins A, C, E and K.
Studies have concluded that dandelion has active anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate symptoms of inflammation. However, these studies have only been performed in rats. Its response in humans is yet to be studied extensively.
How to use dandelion for skin detox:
For detox, you can eat dandelion leaves raw in salads or tossed in smoothies. You can also prepare a tincture from dandelion root, which is especially helpful for digestive purposes.
9. Lavender
Lavender not only has a pleasant scent but is also a potent anti-inflammatory herb that can provide ultra-soothing benefits to the skin, including moisturizing properties. The oil also has antibacterial properties that have been used successfully to treat acne and other bacterial infections of the skin.
How to use lavender to soothe and soften skin:
Lavender oil is often used to heal burns and treat fungal infections. You can also make a soothing and calming facial steam with lavender to help soften your face and reduce acne.
Lavender oil can be applied directly to the skin to help soften it, and its aromatherapy benefits are an added bonus.
We hope this guide to the best herbs for skin helps you achieve the healthy, glowing skin you deserve. Each of these herbs are great on their own, but a combination of them is even more effective.
That's why we put together our GLOW tincture - an organic hair, skin and nails supplement that provides your skin with the nourishing nutrients it needs to thrive. Try it today!