Chamomile’s Skin Care Benefits (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile is of particular benefit for hot, dry and sensitive skin. Its anti-allergic properties make Chamomile a very useful ingredient in natural skincare products that target this skin type. It is also useful in skin care preparations used for teething babies, acne, boils, allergies, cuts, wounds and skin rashes such as dermatitis and eczema. Chamomile balances sebum production making it useful for both oily and dry hair and scalp conditions, as well as sensitive skin types. Due to its calming properties and its ability to fight infection, Chamomile is added to numerous creams and serums to relieve rashes, wounds and sunburn.
Chamomile may be used as a lotion or added to a cool bath to relieve the itching of rashes, hives or eczema. Its other skin care benefits include reducing under eye puffiness and dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, rosacea, and broken capillaries.
Calendula’s Skin Care Benefits (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula is an emollient helping to moisturize dry skin. It also contains carotenoids which nourish dry or damaged skin. It has natural restorative properties that infuse the skin with a youthful glow and is used to protect the skin from premature aging. Calendula is safe enough to be used on the delicate skin under the eyes to prevent crow’s feet. Creams containing calendula are also used for baby’s nappy rash.
Calendula has the added benefit of containing antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it useful for salves and balms for cuts, wounds and for healing piercings. Using calendula increases both wound closure and the formation of new skin. Calendula has also been shown to work in the prevention of radiation burns for patients undergoing postoperative irradiation for breast cancer, and also for healing the perineum after childbirth.
Green Tea’s Skin Care Benefits (Camellia sinensis)
Now not only a delicious anti-oxidant filled drink, Green Tea has many benefits for acne-prone skin. In one study there was shown a 70% reduction in sebum production after 8 weeks of use.
Green Tea also reduces the skins inflammatory response to acne-causing bacteria. This is significant, as acne-prone skin tends to have an increasingly strong inflammatory response to bacteria in the skin pores.
Studies have also demonstrated that topical Green Tea formulations reduce sun damage. This appears to be the result of Green Teas ability to quench free radicals and reduce inflammation, rather than blocking UV rays.
Can Green Tea prevent ageing? In a 2005 study it was noted that a10% Green Tea cream and 300mg twice-daily green tea supplement showed significant improvement in skin elasticity.
Gotu Kola’s Skin Care Benefits (Centella asiatica)
Gotu Kola has long been revered for its ability to minimize the effects of serious skin conditions, and has even been used in the treatment of leprosy. Gotu kola is rich in organic compounds that have been shown to strengthen skin, boost antioxidants, and also increase blood supply to affected areas. It has amazing wound healing properties and can be used topically for minor burns, psoriasis, acne, eczema, preventing scars after surgery, and preventing or reducing stretch marks.
Gotu kola has a positive effect on the circulatory system by improving blood flow while strengthening veins and capillaries. It is an important ingredient in skin care as it increases skin elasticity and collagen production, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It is also useful in repairing connective tissue and smoothing out cellulite.
Ginseng’s Skin Care Benefits (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Ginseng is used in anti aging skincare treatments because of its rejuvenating effects: It strengthens the skin from within improving collagen production inside the dermis (the middle layer of the skin). Ginseng contains essential oils, minerals, and antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C, which affect skin cell metabolism within the epidermis causing the exfoliation of dead skin cells, and encouraging the production of fresh new cells
In addition to its anti-aging benefits, recent research points to Ginseng’s ability to reduce over-active oil glands, and so is now also recognized as an anti-bacterial agent.
Whilst Ginseng is advantageous to most skin types, experts now agree that mature skin will see the most benefit.
DIY Skin Wash
To make a wash: steep leaves and/or flowers in hot water for 1 hour. Strain. Pat onto face, keeping it on for at least 20 minutes, and gently wash off. An alternative would be to make a strong tea of 1 tablespoon per cup of water, strain and add the tea to a warm bath. Soak 30 minutes.