THE BEST HERBS FOR A NATURAL FACIAL CARE

We all want healthy looking skin.
But what should we do as concern increases about synthetic chemicals in skin care products?

WE SHOULD RETURN TO NATURE!

And this is why we are stocking the amazing soap bars from Chagrin Valley, a company that was born well before the "plastic free" movement was cool and to address very specific skin concerns.

Herbs and flower preparations have been used for centuries for both men’s and women’s facial care, to help treat skin problems, improve skin quality and enhance the skin’s appearance.

Specific herbs and their uses have developed regionally over time based on locally available plants. You will often find that different cultures use herbs for skin care in many different ways. Although scientific evidence and study have been limited, many cultures have well documented anecdotal results.

Herbal skin care is extremely personal. You are unique and so is your facial skin. Depending on your genetics, age, climate and environmental conditions, the best herbs to use for skin care will vary greatly.

The following chart gives an overview of some of the great facial herbs available, a starting point to help you choose the best for your skin.

 

HERBS FOR FACIAL CARE

 

Basil, Ocimum basilicum, a mild astringent, is a good cleanser and tonic for the skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help with a wide range of skin problems including acne. Basil has been used for thousands of years as an anti-aging remedy due to the high antioxidant content which prevents free radicals from damaging skin cells. 

Good For: Toner; Mature Skin; Acne; Oily Skin

Burdock, Arctium lappa, rich in fatty acids that stimulate blood flow, increase blood circulation and eliminate toxins, has been used for centuries for treating all forms of chronic skin problems. The root is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties making it an excellent acne herb and natural acne treatment. 

Good For: Acne; Irritated Skin

Try: Organic Dry Shampoo Light Hair Citrus Mint

 

Calendula, Calendula officinalis, known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and skin healing properties helps decrease skin irritation and inflammation of sensitive and acne prone skin. Effective in treating sunburn, acne, eczema, inflamed skin and rashes it also nourishes and softens skin. 

Good For: Astringent/Toner; Irritated Skin

Try: Nursing Mum Relief Organic balm

 

Chamomile, Matricaria recutita, with its emollient, healing, tonic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has a soothing and calming effect on troubled skin. It contains azulene which helps to reduce puffiness and cleanse pores of impurities. Chamomile in a facial steam may also be useful in relieving a tension headache, stress and chest tightness due to congestion.

Good For: Chamomile Astringent/Toner; Dry Skin; Irritated Skin; Congestion

Try: Congestion relief Organic Bath Herbs

 

Chickweed, Stellaria media, useful in treating inflammatory skin conditions, it provides relief from chronic itching caused by eczema, psoriasis and other rashes. Chickweed salve moisturizes dry or chapped skin.

Good For: Irritated Skin; Itchy Skin

Try: Baby Organic Body Balm

 

Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, root helps the body dispose of unwanted skin bacteria. A rich source of vitamins A, B, C, D and trace elements, the root is beneficial in promoting clear skin and excellent for treating skin disorders such as acne. It is applied topically to treat eczema and other skin conditions.

Good For: Dandelion Acne: Irritated Skin

Elder flowers, Sambucus nigra, is the oldest herb cultivated by man. They are mildly astringent and help soothe dry mature skin. Elderflower tea was used to fade freckles, age spots, and skin blemishes. Elder flowers have been used for thousands of years to treat skin inflammation.

Good For: Acne; Mature Skin

 

Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus, acts as an antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, decongestant, expectorant and insecticide. Since the leaves contain a chemical called eucalyptol, which may help loosen phlegm, it is often used to help treat cold congestion and bronchitis.

Good For: Congestion

Try: Breathe Easy Organic Balm

 

Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, is a useful treatment for prematurely aged, sun-damaged and wrinkled skin. It can clear and tone skin, balance skin oils and reduce wrinkles. A great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fennel seeds are known to have properties that help diminish the effects of aging.

Good For: Dry Skin; Mature Skin

 

Figwort, Scrophulara nodosa, is commonly been used in the treatment of skin problems that result in an itch or irritation, such as eczema or psoriasis. It has been used to speed the healing of burns and wounds. 

Good For: Irritated Skin

Green Tea, Camellia sinensis, is naturally rich in a group of antioxidants called polyphenols, that help rejuvenate skin cells. A mild astringent, green tea is used to cleanse, tone and purify the skin. One popular folk remedy used is to place damp tea bags on your eyelids to reduce swelling, puffiness and dark circles. A mixture of green tea and honeysuckle called "pimple tea" is a popular Asian remedy for acne.

Good For: Acne; Toning

Helichrysum, Helichrysum arenarium, is an excellent choice for anti-aging skin care formulations. An infusion of helichrysum can help heal scarring, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, calm inflammation and regenerate skin cells. It's natural anti-inflammatory properties, make it helpful for acne prone skin, irritated skin, and combination skin.

Good For:  Mature Skin

Hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, or Javakusuma, a natural emollient, is great for softening skin. A natural antioxidant, hibiscus firms and lifts the skin. The flowers contain a firming agent that has a natural Botox type effect that helps calm skin and smooth out wrinkles. Its high mucilage content helps hydrate skin.

Good For: Mature Skin

 

Holy Basil (Tulsi), Ocimum sanctum, is used in facials to fight acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. As a powerful antioxidant, it helps in preventing early signs of aging signs and makes the skin more youthful. Tulsi is helpful in conditioning the skin by improving blood circulation thereby helping cells receive the nutrients and oxygen.

Good For: Irritated Skin; Mature Skin

 

Honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, flowers, and leaves help stimulate circulation and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve skin rashes including eczema and psoriasis. Honeysuckle is also used to help treat and cure acne on the face and body. It has vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help nourish and heal the skin.

Good For: Irritated Skin; Acne

 

Jasmine, Jasminum officinale, flowers have skin-softening properties and are beneficial to dry, sensitive or inflamed skin. Jasmine flowers have antibacterial and antifungal properties, nourish skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and increase skin elasticity. Jasmine has been used for beauty purpose since the ancient Ming Dynasty in China.

Good For: Dry Skin

 

Juniper Berries, Juniperas communis, have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help balance skin oils, help with oily skin and have a healing effect on acne and inflamed skin conditions. Steam inhalations of juniper berries is an excellent treatment for colds, coughs and excessive phlegm.

Good For: Oily Skin; Congestion

Try: Juniper Spearmint Soap Bar

 

Lady's Mantle, Alchemilla vulgaris, possesses excellent tissue firming properties. It helps soothe, cleanse and heal dry, sensitive skin and rashes in skin irritations such as eczema. A good astringent to help decrease large pores, Lady's Mantle is often found in anti-wrinkle creams.

Good For: Mature Skin

 

Lavender, Lavendula officinalis, has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties that can be helpful for those suffering from acne. Its ability to balance oil production makes it a great choice for those with combination skin. It helps calm stressed skin, increases blood circulation reduces local pain on inflamed skin, stimulates the growth of new skin cells and promotes healing. Lavender is a great herb for all skin types.

Good For: Dry Skin; Mature Skin; Oily Skin

Try: Lavender & Rosemary Organic Shower Lotion Bar

 

Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, a mild astringent with antibacterial properties, is great for oily and acne prone skin types. It helps tone, balance and refresh the skin. It cleanses and closes open pores and has a soothing effect when used as a face toner or facial steam for dull, sensitive skin. 

Good For: Astringent/Toner; Oily Skin 

Try: Sweet Dreams Organic Balm

 

Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratum, has astringent and tonic properties that help balance skin oil, minimize pores and firm the skin. An antifungal and antibacterial herb, lemongrass can help limit bacterial and fungal growth on the skin. 

Good For: Oily Skin; Acne; Astringent/Toner

Try: Lemongrass & Tea Tree Organic Deodorant

 

Licorice Root (Yashtimadhu), Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a traditional herbal remedy used in India and around the world. The root has strong anti-inflammatory properties that will both soothe the skin and inhibit the production of irritants which contribute to skin conditions such as acne.

Good For: Acne; Irritated Skin

Try: Sea Buckthorn & Tea Tree Organic Soap Bar

 

Marsh Mallow, Althaea officinalis, has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and help calm irritation and inflammation. Valued for its ability soften skin, emollient marsh mallow helps skin maintain its natural moisture level without increasing oil production. It also tones down blotchy complexions and helps with blemishes.

Good For: Irritated Skin; Oily Skin; Dry Skin

Try: Nursing Mum Relief Organic Balm

 

Neem, Azadirachta indica, naturally astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal has been recognized in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Its leaves and bark are used to heal rashes, minor wounds and a myriad of skin conditions.

Good For: Acne

Try: Bug-off Organic Repellent Stick

 

Peppermint, Mentha piperita, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent properties. It stimulates nerve endings and increases local blood flow, which may help with dry skin. Peppermint cools, refreshes and revitalizes, tones and clarifies skin. Peppermint leaf steam produces menthol vapors that may help relieve nasal and chest congestion.

Good For: Astringent/Toner; Dry Skin; Congestion

Try: Mint Berry Organic Shower Lotion Bar

 

Plantain, Plantago major, rich in beta carotene (vitamin A), calcium and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps nourish, soothe and calm itchy, inflamed and irritated skin conditions as it draws out impurities. Plantain oil helps revitalize tired skin and is often found in anti-aging treatments.

Good For: Irritated Skin; Mature Skin

Try: Organic Dry Shampoo Dark Hair Citrus Mint

 

Red Clover, Trifolium pratense, a natural anti-inflammatory, has been used for centuries to help with many types of skin problems. It is one of the most useful remedies for children with eczema. It is also useful for the treatment of other skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne.

Good For: Irritated Skin; Mature Skin

 

Red Raspberry, Rubus idaeus, leaves act as an astringent by tightening the top layers of skin. Great for people with oily skin or those suffering from acne, raspberry leaves can relieve irritation and improve tissue firmness.

Good For: Astringent/Toner; Oily Skin

 

Rose Petals, Rosa spp, has healing properties that are useful in treating mild inflammation. It's has a cleansing, astringent, toning, moisture retaining, stimulating and soothing effect. It's moisturizing and nourishing qualities give a boost to all skin types. Rose is particularly beneficial to dry, sensitive skin, it is also great for mature skin as it may help to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.

Good For: Astringent/Toner; Dry Skin; Mature Skin

Try: Shea Rose Clay organic Soap Bar

 

Rose Hips, Rosa spp, are packed full of vitamins and minerals. The oil contained in rose hips is useful for treating dry and mature skin. In a facial steam, rose hips may be included to reduce signs of aging and provide moisture.

Good For: Mature Skin

 

Rosemary, Rosemarinus officinalis, stimulates blood circulation by improving blood flow to the skin. As an invigorating toner and astringent, rosemary helps restore elasticity. Great for dull, lifeless or oily skin, its antibacterial properties help with blackheads.

Good For: Astringent/Toner; Dry Skin; Congestion

Try: Tranquil Spirit Blend Organic Body Oil

Sage, Salvia officinalis, rich in antioxidant, astringent, and antibacterial qualities, soothing sage leaves are great for oily skin and for wrinkled, sagging complexions. Sage cleanses, stimulates blood circulation, closes pores and restores elasticity.

Good For: Astringent/Toner; Oily Skin

Try: Congestion Relief Organic Bath Herbs

Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae, has been used over centuries as skin treatment in Mongolia, Russia, and northern Europe and It is highly prized in the skin care industry due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Good For: Acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis

Try: Sea Buckthorn & Tea Tree Organic Soap Bar

Self Heal, Prunella vulgaris, high in antioxidants and tannins, has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties. It has long been used topically to treat acne, rashes, scarring, eczema and skin irritations.

Good For: Acne; Astringent; Irritated Skin

Speedwell, Veronica officinalis, is a soothing herb that helps relieve chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. It has some astringent properties and helps relieve itching.

Good For: Irritated Skin

St John Wort, Hypericum perforatum, has been used in alternative medicine to treat anxiety or insomnia. Its red, oily extract has been used in the treatment of wounds for millennia.

Good For: Irritated skin

Try: Sore Muscle Organic Balm

Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, has antiseptic and antifungal properties that cleanse, heal and soothe inflamed skin. Thyme is often used for deep cleansing. Studies have shown that thyme has antibacterial properties greater than benzoyl peroxide, which is the active ingredient in anti-acne preparations.

Good For: Acne; Astringent/Toner; Oily Skin; Congestion

Try: Energize Blend Organic Body Oil

Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, leaves are astringent and help deep clean oily skin. It can soothe red, irritated skin while helping to prevent acne. Witch Hazel can be used for all skin types but is especially great for combination skin.

Good For: Oily Skin; Astringent/Toner

 

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, flowers are used for their astringent, healing and soothing effects on the skin. Yarrow strengthens skin tone and can be used for problem skin, oily skin, large pores, and wrinkles. Its strong soothing properties can be helpful to those suffering from inflamed skin or chronic redness. Yarrow steam may also help relieve inflammation of mucous membranes and bronchial tissues.

Good For: Astringent/Toner; Oily Skin; Congestion

 

USING FACIAL HERBS

Dry Herbal Facial Scrub

Using a scrub about once or twice a week will stimulate circulation and help slough off dead skin cells. The exfoliating action of an herbal scrub will leave facial skin feeling soft and looking radiant. If you have sensitive skin, be extra gentle. Scrubbing too vigorously can leave unsightly blotches, although these will fade with time. If you have sensitive skin, be extra gentle.

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat flour
• ⅓ cup dried ground herbs (pick one or use a mixture)
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar 

Directions

1. Grind herbs in a clean coffee grinder.
2. Combine the oat flour, herbs and sugar in a very clean jar or container
3. The scrub can be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location for 2 to 3 months
4. To use the scrub place some a small amount in the palm of your hand. Add enough water** to make a paste. Apply the paste mixture evenly over your face, avoiding your eyes. Massage the gently into your skin, using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly.

 **You can substitute a good organic facial oil, yogurt or honey for the water.