Herbal Skin Care Part One

Natural, herbal products can greatly improve the appearance of your skin. Essential oils, botanicals, herbs, and extracts used in herbal products all contribute to the health of your skin.

Facial Beauty Routine
The skin is responsible for protecting the body and for ridding it of unwanted toxins through sweat. Along with a healthy skin care regimen, it is essential that you eat a healthy, well balanced diet. A set beauty routine is necessary for everyone, regardless of your skin type. The daily process is the same for everyone. You must cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin daily. On a weekly basis, you may also want to use a mask, steam, or gentle scrub, but nothing compares to daily care of your body’s largest organ. Each skin type below gives a brief description of skin type and general recommendations.

Normal Skin
Surprisingly, normal skin is relatively uncommon. Most people have a combination of oily and dry skin, with many people falling into just one category or the other. So while there is less need for herbal “remedies” for normal skin, it is still a good idea to look for some gentle herbs in products that can prevent possible problems or aid in healthy skin growth.

Oily Skin
Oily skin is characterized by its shiny surface and large pores, causing it to be susceptible to acne. While some oil is necessary for the skin, slowing this overproduction of oil is often desirable. A witch hazel toner is recommended for oily skin. Avoid scrubbing your skin, which promotes oil production. Your skin still needs hydrating and a good moisturizer is recommended. Oily skin can also benefit from masks containing clays and muds. Masks draw out oil and toxins, helping to prevent acne breakouts often associated with oily skin.

Dry Skin
Dry skin is dehydrated due to the underactive oil glands, which can be caused by hormones, heredity and age. It is best to seek out herbs that promote oil production and improve circulation, helping the skin retain moisture. Use apple cider vinegar or hydrosols as toners. Both rose and orange blossom hydrosols work well.

Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is easily susceptible to problems, such as allergies, rashes, sunburn, and hypersensitivities to a variety of ingredients in products. Since sensitivities vary greatly, it is difficult to find herbs that are good for everyone in this category. The rule of thumb is to use herbs that are soothing and gentle or that ease the discomfort of rashes and irritations of the skin.

Acne
Over 20% of adults suffer from a form of acne, a skin condition of clogged hair follicles characterized by inflammation – in other words, pimples. While much of acne is related to hormones and other internal components, there are some natural products that can aid in the relief of this uncomfortable and embarrassing ailment. For best results, these ingredients should be used in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle changes in which the body’s system is purged of toxins.

Signs of Aging
Mature skin is often dryer and shows various signs of aging. To prevent or diminish the signs of aging, including wrinkles, you’ll want herbs and ingredients known for their rejuvenating properties. Herbs that aid in skin elasticity and toning the skin are also very desirable. Ingredients with antioxidants are very beneficial for maturing skin.

Part Two will cover herbs and essential oils that you want in your skin care products. Don't forget to subscribe to this blog.