Spices and herbs play an essential role in many recipes. But many of us don’t realize that these can also solve our skincare issues. So before reaching for skincare products with rare and exotic ingredients, give common herbs and spices a try. They are extremely effective and may be found right outside your doorstep.
We're happy to have Sarah Smith here today guest posting for us! Take it away Sarah!
Spices and herbs play an essential role in many recipes. But many of us don’t realize that these can also solve our skincare issues. So before reaching for skincare products with rare and exotic ingredients, give common herbs and spices a try. They are extremely effective and may be found right outside your doorstep.
These herbs and spices have a host of benefits and can give you beautiful skin naturally. Many of these contain high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents that can do wonders for your complexion. Keep reading to find out about some of these herbs and spices that can soothe, heal and revive skin.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon gives your recipes a spicy kick and is packed full of antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent visible signs of aging by fighting free radicals. You can sprinkle cinnamon on food and hot drinks for a natural antioxidant boost. Another way to make the most of cinnamon’s skincare benefits is to apply it on your skin combined with other beneficial ingredients.
Cinnamon plumps lips by bringing blood to the surface of the skin. Make a DIY lip balm by mixing 3 drops of cinnamon essential oil with 1 tablespoon of petroleum jelly or olive oil. This will moisturize lips while making them supple and plump.
- Witch hazel bark
Witch hazel bark has anti-microbial and astringent properties. While it is a toner, is also soothes skin and can be used on sensitive skin. It is an antiseptic and can be used to treat acne, poison ivy, cuts, and bruises.
To use witch hazel on skin, make a decoction by steeping it gently in water to keep the tannins intact. This can be utilized as a base for toners and astringents. You can also use high-quality witch hazel extract in place of the decoction. You can infuse the witch hazel toner with dried herbs and essential oils to moderate its astringency.
- Peppermint
If you have oily skin or are suffering from enlarged pores, peppermint could be the solution. It has a cooling and soothing effect on skin and also has astringent qualities. Peppermint oil contains menthol which refreshes and revitalizes skin. It effectively minimizes redness and irritation and helps fight bacteria. Hence it can prevent acne, control sebum production and clarify skin.
Try this simple peppermint face mask for clear, glowing skin. Blend peppermint leaves and turmeric powder with some water to make a smooth paste. Apply this mixture on your face and leave it to dry naturally. Wash off with warm water.
- Red Clover
Red clover has long been used as an effective treatment for eczema. It can help soothe red, scaly and itchy patches of skin. Red clover also reduces inflammation by eliminating toxins in the bloodstream.
This herb can be ingested as a tea or applied topically. You can also take supplements every day to reap the benefits. To make a red clover tea, steep a teaspoon of dried flowers in a cup of hot water for half an hour. Sip two cups of these daily to start seeing results.
- Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years for its skin healing benefits. It has a high concentration of the antioxidant curcumin, which gives it powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Curcumin is also believed to help fight melanoma when it is applied topically to the skin.
Turmeric can also be used to treat conditions such as rosacea or eczema. It is highly effective against acne due to its antibacterial properties.
Ingestion of turmeric helps protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation which leads to the formation of wrinkles and dark spots. You can add turmeric to curries and sprinkle it over various foods. Additionally, you can take supplements or apply it topically on the skin.
- Rosemary
Rosemary is a natural astringent and is beneficial for oily skin. It is also high in antioxidants and delays signs of aging. It stimulates blood circulation and controls sebum thereby preventing acne and bacterial buildup. It combats sun damage, soothes, tones and moisturizes skin.
Rosemary oil is potent and should not be applied directly to the skin without mixing it with a carrier oil. Add a few drops of rosemary oil to a carrier oil such as coconut, avocado or olive and massage it into your skin. Leave on for 15 minutes before washing off.
- Dandelion flower
Dandelion is often regarded as a weed, but it is a potent herbal remedy. The entire plant from flower to root can be used in various skin care remedies. Dandelion flowers can be used to treat a range of ailments such as age spots, sunburn, and large pores. An infusion made from the flowers can be applied to the skin or used as a toner base.
Dandelion can also be used to treat acne, as it regulates sebum and inhibits microbial infections. Vitamin C in it speeds up the healing process and reduces the visibility of scars and inflammation. Vitamins are extremely beneficial for skin health and deficiencies can lead to various ailments. For more information on the importance of vitamins take a look at the infographic below.
To learn more about the Benefits of vitamin c serums for face (Top 5 reviews) and pick up other useful skincare tips, check out Fix Your Skin.
- Calendula
Calendula flowers have moisturizing and soothing benefits. They act as an astringent and normalize the production of sebaceous secretions, thereby tightening pores. They also have incredible cell regeneration properties and are useful in healing damaged skin, sunburn sores, and redness.
You can make a simple cleanser for your face using calendula. Powder two teaspoons of calendula flowers. Add ½ teaspoon of milk or rosewater to this. Rub this paste in circular motions on your face and rinse with warm water.
Conclusion
When using spices and powdered herbs on your skin, always ensure that they are fresh and make sure you discard containers that are more than 2 years old. Store spices in dark containers so that they are unaffected by heat and sunlight which will reduce their potency.
These natural herbs and spices can replace most of the cosmetic skin care products that are available on store shelves. These do not contain harmful chemicals and do a better job of protecting, healing and brightening skin. Try some of the home remedies mentioned in this article to start seeing tremendous improvements in your complexion.
Author Bio:
Hello, Sarah, here from FixYourSkin.com! I have a lot of experience with skin health and have written several articles that have been published. FixYourSkin has a lot of tips, health advice and DIY recipes which can give you great looking skin without any side effects!