Top Herbs for Glowing and Gorgeous Skin
Simple, natural herbs make some of the most powerful skin treatments you’ll ever find. The trick is knowing what to use and how to combine them to enhance the effect and ultimately promote healthy, soft skin that makes you stand out. We’ve listed here 6 amazing herbs that give you softer, smoother skin, and prevent irritation from common pollutants.
1. Witch Hazel
It comes from the North American Witch Hazel shrub and is actually extracted from the bark of the tree for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Witch hazel can be used to treat pimple breakouts and reduce skin inflammation that leads to itching and bumps on the surface of the skin. It can also be used to manage oily skin as it acts on excess sebum to regulate oil production in a way that opens up clogged pores to leave the skin free to breathe. Another property of witch hazel is its astringent effect that means it can tighten skin tissue to prevent dark circles or bags from forming under the eyes.
2. Aloe Vera
One of the most commonly used skin treatments, aloe vera is used by men after shaving to hydrate skin and treat small cuts, and it is used by women as a skin moisturizer usually before applying makeup. Aloe vera is also a powerful antioxidant and fights acne and ugly boils through a combination of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Another reason to use aloe vera is the high source of Vitamin E, which is essential in skin care, and Vitamin C, which of course strengthens the immune system and minimizes skin infections.
The best treatment is fresh extract from the aloe herb and its use extends beyond improving skin condition. As an antioxidant, aloe vera also removes many toxins from the blood, enhancing skin quality and preventing rashes, allergies, and of course, inflammation. When used on the face, it leads to healthy, glowing skin and slows down the effects of aging, leaving you looking gorgeous for longer.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile has some amazing skin care properties that set it apart as one of the most important herbs for treating and maintaining smooth skin. One of these ingredients is alpha-bisoprolol, an active compound that minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face and enhances the skin’s healing process. This is best observed when the skin is irritated from using harsh chemicals, being exposed to sunburn, or from other common causes of skin irritation. When chamomile is applied on the skin it has a soothing effect that reduces redness and itchiness in a way that is similar to cortisone.
4. Lavender
Lavender is used on oily skin to reduce blotchy patches, redness, and scarring caused by acne. It has strong anti-inflammatory effects that make it perfect for soothing and healing irritated skin, insect bites, bacteria, and sunburn. Lavender oil penetrates the pores on your skin to kill harmful bacteria, and it may even go as far as preventing skin breakouts. For the best results, wash your face and dry with a towel, and combine lavender oil with coconut oil and apply once or twice a day. Lavender also has a nice scent but if you find it a little too strong then try diluting with a carrier oil to get a more subtle scent.
When used regularly, lavender enhances the skin’s healing properties and provides anti-aging properties that include smooth skin, accelerated healing, and anti-viral properties. Use regularly to fight acne, eczema, and common skin irritation that causes bad skin.
5. Calendula (marigold)
One of the main reasons you need marigold as skin care herb is its healing property. It has strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that make it ideal for treating rashes, sunburns, insect bites, and any mild skin irritation. It can also be used to treat mouth sores and menstrual cramps; but its strongest effect on the skin is its healing property. Calendula extract also stimulates collagen production, which prevents the appearance of dry skin and enhances beauty. Other uses include soothing diaper rash, treating eczema, and treating fungal infections.
6. Margosa (neem oil)
Neem oil, like many of the herbs in this list, has powerful antimicrobial properties that make it effective at killing bacteria, soothing skin, and preventing rashes and skin irritation. It can also be used on breakouts and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Neem also flushes out toxins from under the skin to prevent infections and inflammation, leaving your skin soft and smooth. The beauty of neem oil is that it can be used on the skin and also ingested to remove toxins in the body and purify blood. Keep in mind neem leaves are really bitter, but the effect on the body and skin is pleasant. Boil the leaves in water to use on the skin and to remove blackheads. Here’s what else neem leaves can do for your skin:
- Treat acne scars
- Treat common skin infections
- Treat dryness
- Delay sings of aging
- Treat rashes and wounds
- Make your skin glow
For the best results, use an exfoliant on your face and get a cleanser that has alpha hydroxy acid. A gentle face scrub is important as part of your facial cleanse but remember to moisturize every day – preferably after exfoliating so the skin can soak up the moisture for a healthy glow.
Here is a little more information for you, if the above herbal therapy is not enough for more serious problems, such as mole removal.
Dr. Sean Daneshmand has been nominated as a “Top Doctor in San Diego” as published in San Diego Magazine continuously since 2008-2018. He has also completed extensive training in Aesthetic procedures including Vaser Liposelection and has been the Medical Director of Ageless and beautiful Medical Spa since May 2005.