7 medicinal plants for beautiful skin
Common plants with numerous virtues
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Medicinal plants offer a natural alternative for skincare. They are increasingly used due to their beneficial properties. Phytotherapy (the use of plants for therapeutic purposes) is a very interesting natural method for achieving beautiful skin. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat various health issues, including skin problems. Some plants have beneficial properties for the skin and can be used in various ways to enhance its appearance. They can help to hydrate, soothe, and possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and purifying properties depending on the plant.
Here is a selection of medicinal plants suitable for skincare, their properties, benefits, and various uses to achieve healthy and radiant skin.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that is often used to treat burns and sunburn. It is also beneficial for the skin due to its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera can be used as a gel for the face to hydrate and soothe the skin. It can also be incorporated into face masks or moisturising creams. However, its type of hydration is quite refreshing, making it very suitable for summer or for oily skin, as it also has a slight astringent effect. It does not provide nourishment, which makes it insufficient for dry skin. Although its safety is recognised, it is worth mentioning that it is possible to be allergic to Aloe vera, so we advise testing the product before general use. You will find various qualities of Aloe vera gel on the market; choose the purest and freshest possible and store it in the refrigerator. It is included in the composition of masks or creams for the skin.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a plant commonly used in herbal teas for its soothing properties. It is also beneficial for the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, particularly Roman chamomile. Chamomile can be used as an infusion or hydrosol as a facial lotion, or as an essential oil for massaging the skin. Very soothing, it is included in blends for skin creams, where it helps to calm redness and inflamed skin, for example. Chamomile can help soothe itching, eczema, and skin irritations. It can be used in the form of a cooled infusion to rinse the face, by applying compresses soaked in chamomile infusion to the skin, or by using essential oil diluted in skincare products.
Lavender
The lavender is a plant that is often used for its relaxing properties. It is also beneficial for the skin due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making it a useful ingredient in purifying products for oily skin. Lavender can be used as an essential oil to massage the skin or as an ingredient in skincare products for its soothing properties; it is used after hair removal or to calm razor burn. Finally, lavender is appreciated for its regenerating and healing virtues: it is effective for sunburn, minor burns, and is found as an ingredient in anti-wrinkle creams. It can be used in the form of essential oil diluted in a carrier oil for skin massage, by spraying lavender water on the face, or by adding a few drops of essential oil to skincare products.
Calendula
The calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a plant commonly used in skincare products for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula can be used as a facial oil or incorporated into face creams. It is the go-to plant for relieving sensitive, reactive, and inflamed skin. It has an immediate soothing effect on redness. Used as a hydrosol, in skincare cream, or as a vegetable oil, calendula is also an antioxidant and a healing agent, used to calm skin irritations and sunburn. It can be used in the form of a cooled infusion to rinse the face, by using skincare products containing calendula extract, or by applying a calendula-based ointment or gel directly to the skin, or even directly using calendula oil.
Green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help protect skin against damage caused by free radicals and prevent premature skin aging. It is also beneficial for skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea can be used as an infusion to rinse the face or incorporated into face creams. Green tea also has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, making it an excellent choice for oily and acne-prone skin. It can be used in the form of a cooled infusion to rinse the face, by using skincare products containing green tea extract, or by applying compresses soaked in green tea infusion to the skin.
Nettle
Nettle is a plant rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and iron, which are essential for skin health. It is also beneficial for the skin due to its anti-inflammatory, purifying, and toning properties. It can help reduce acne, eczema, and skin itching. It regulates sebum and balances the skin. Nettle can be used as an infusion to rinse the face by mixing dried leaves in hot water. It can also be used as an ingredient in face masks, moisturisers, or lotions.
→ See our tutorial: make your own nettle powder.
Evening Primrose and Borage
Evening primrose or Oenothera biennis is a plant with yellow flowers that contains essential fatty acids, notably gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). These fatty acids help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, promoting hydrated and supple skin. Evening primrose is often used in skincare products for its anti-ageing and soothing properties. It can be used in the form of cold-pressed oil for facial massage or incorporated into face creams.
Borage or Borago officinalis is a plant with lovely blue flowers that has the same type of properties. It is also rich in essential fatty acids, especially GLA. It has anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, making it an excellent choice for skincare. Borage is commonly used to help reduce signs of skin ageing and improve skin elasticity. It can be used in the form of cold-pressed oil for facial massage or incorporated into moisturising creams.
Some usage tips
Using these medicinal plants, here are some practical tips for taking care of your skin:
- Organic infusions and herbal teas: Prepare an infusion by pouring hot water over the medicinal plants, let it steep for a few minutes, then use this infusion to rinse your face after cleansing. This will help to soothe and hydrate your skin.
- Homemade masks: Mix powdered medicinal plants with water or natural ingredients such as honey or yoghurt to create homemade masks. Apply the mask to your face, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. This will help to nourish and revitalise your skin. Yoghurt and honey are two excellent bases for homemade masks.
- Diluted essential oils: Add a few drops of essential oil from your favourite medicinal plant to a gentle vegetable oil, such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil. Gently massage your face with this mixture to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the medicinal plants.
- Be careful not to use pure essential oils for topical application, but always diluted in vegetable oil.
It is important to choose natural and quality products to fully benefit from the advantages of medicinal plants. Skin care products containing synthetic ingredients can have negative effects on the skin and diminish the benefits of medicinal plants. It is also important to take precautions when using certain medicinal plants. Some plants may cause allergic reactions or skin reactions in some individuals. Therefore, it is recommended to perform a patch test before using a medicinal plant for the first time.
It is also important to note that some medicinal plants may have contraindications for certain individuals. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal plants if you have specific skin issues or if you are on medication.
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