Go The Herbal Way!

The environmental pollution strips the facial skin of its natural sheen and elasticity. This is where the need arises for daily skincare. Now the products you choose to bring in contact with your skin must be such that they can help your skin rejuvenate and revitalize. If on the contrary the rejuvenating products themselves are full of toxins, why use the product in the first place? This is where Mother Nature comes to help. Herbal skincare is a growing industry. Herbal skincare products are finding their way in almost all homes. Here is a little explanation just to brief you with the excellent qualities of herbs.

Calendula and comfrey are used as a skin softener. They must not be used in excessive amount. Rosemary is known for its fragrance but besides that it helps to vitalize the skin. Black walnut hulls are great skin products. They are rich in anti fungal qualities and hence they are used to treat skin disorders. They come with a warning though. They are likely to give you temporary skin darkening. Red clover and nettle are great skin detoxifiers. Likewise eucalyptus and lavender help to treat skin itchiness. They are also held to be useful in skin abrasions and burns. Fennel seeds are known to give the skin a sparkle by exfoliating the layer of dead skin cells.

If you choose the herbal skincare way, you are in fact choosing the most secure way. A whole industry thrives on herbal ways to skincare and it is actually flourishing. Herbal beauty products actually make your skin breathe. There is no need to spend a bomb on worthless synthetic creams. They are mere eyewash. Herbal creams are made from the gifts of Mother Nature and there is no way they can be sham.

So, go the herbal way. Your skin will be so grateful to you.

Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Skincare Ingredients

If you suffer from acne, rosacea, redness or uneven skin tone you might want to pay attention to the ingredients in your skincare products. Inflammation, redness and even allergic reactions can be caused by an overabundance of chemicals in your facial products. Whenever possible, choose facial products that contain a majority of natural or organic ingredients.  Many of these herbs are used today in anti-aging and anti-acne products like facial masks and all forms of cleansers, toners and moisturizers. There is a plethora of herbs to choose from, the following are some of the most predominant and effective.

Chamomile — This very gentle herb is ideal to replenish and enrich dry or sensitive skin. It’s bactericidal, anti-itching, and antiseptic properties help to refresh the skin and reduce swelling.
Chamomile contains phenolic derivatives, which have an antiseptic and healing quality, which is most helpful in relieving skin congestion. These soften the skin, making it an effective ingredient in any anti-aging cosmetic product.
Chamomile is an ideal ingredient to be used in general skin care, and especially where inflammation may be present, such as in various skin problems, including acne, irritation and other forms of rashes and skin complaints, plus the fact that it promotes granulation and cell regeneration.
Comfrey— Comfrey is a sweet, cooling herb with expectorant, astringent, soothing and healing effects. It reduces inflammation and controls bleeding.  It contains allantoin (a chemical compound commonly used in lotions and creams) as well as high amounts of mucilage. It is a superb wound healing herb, but the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) can be carcinogenic and also cause liver damage if ingested in large doses or too frequently.
Used externally for psoriasis, eczema, sores, varicose veins and skin ulcers, arthritis, sprains, bunions, hemorrhoids, sore breasts during lactation, and injuries, including fractures.  It is particularly effective in slow healing wounds and to help repair tissue damage. Comfrey is used to stimulate growth of new skin cells.
Lavender—Is a great multi-purpose herb. It’s a skin healer; it stimulates cell growth, reduces inflammation, prevents scarring and balances the production of natural sebum or oil.  It is antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory.
Green tea —Very beneficial for sensitive skin types by reducing inflammation and irritation in the skin. Wrinkles, skin sag and other signs of aging have been shown to benefit from Green tea. Green tea gets is power from polyphenols – which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and help slow down signs of premature of aging.
Rosemary —Helps strengthen the capillaries and has a rejuvenating effect. It contains caffeic acid and rosemarinic acid - both are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.  The antioxidants contained in rosemary also help to protect your body’s cells from damage by free radicals.
Marshmallow —Is a flowering plant and it’s extracts have traditionally been used on the skin to treat inflammation.  It’s an excellent therapy for skin rashes or eruptions. The rich, demulcent nature of marshmallow gives it soothing, moistening and calming properties on the skin.
Aloe vera —Stimulates cell renewal, has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The 20 amino acids it contains are the building blocks of cell tissue.  It is beneficial for skin eruptions and for the treatment of bruises and burns. It is also a cellular regenerator.
Beta Carotene —Dermatologists use beta-carotene for its ability to increase cell turn-over and regeneration in the outer layers of the skin, making it effective for diseases and skin conditions. Topical application of beta-carotene in retailed skin care products can enhance the appearance of the skin by restoring suppleness and adding a “glowing” pigment that seemingly evens out the skin tone. Beta-carotene’s antioxidant attributes, such as sun damage protection, are used to prevent the signs of aging in the skin.
Mint— Mint has significant rejuvenating properties. It is an anti-pruitic and antiseptic, natural cleanser, alleviates, itching, infection, and sooths rashes or inflammation. It is a great addition for anti-acne and natural anti-aging skin care.
It is always best to use the herbs in their most natural form; fresh, dried, pulverized or diluted in common carrier oil, like almond, jojoba or hazelnut oil. You can also find many herbal options in essential oils, but use these with caution. The first rule of essential oil skin care is don’t apply undiluted oils directly to skin. They are super-concentrated, and can cause allergies or chemical burns if used undiluted.

Skin Care - Herbal Facial Masks

It is of vital importance to every girl to have skin that glows with health. Skin is a very important aspect of beauty and you must take very good care of it to look beautiful. There are thousands and thousands of beauty products available in the markets that make promises of giving you a healthy, clear and radiant skin. The dilemma lies in choosing what is good for you and often here is where you make mistakes.

You would opt for a product that is strong and contains high amount of chemicals feeling that this will be more effective on your skin, but it is extremely wrong to do so. Herbal is way to be! There is a vast range of herbal beauty products that are very effective on the skin and also do not adversely affect the skin. Herbal facial masks are very apt for usage on any sort of skin issues to make it soft, smooth, clear and glowing. You can choose according your needs. There are products available for oily skin, dry skin, acne prone skin or simply for other things like making your skin fairer, clearer and free of blemishes and so on. Basically these herbal facial products are made from natural extracts taken from plants and herbs. Aloe Vera is a very useful example of these; it has many medicinal and beautifying qualities. Then there are other herbs like neem, basil, turmeric, peppermint, rosemary, honey and chamomile. Avocadoes, yoghurt and clay masks can work wonders for the skin. Crushed potatoes are a remedy for the acne prone skin. Herbal facial mask is an outstanding method for the nourishment and replenishment of skin. Such herbal face packs are extensively used to treat irregular and pigmented facial skin. Herbal products are very useful in the control of the production of melanin in the skin. Some of these masks would prove to be effective cleansers of dirt, dust and pollution that you have to encounter everyday.

Herbal Skincare Tips for Neck Hands and Chest

By Van Le | When it comes to anti-aging skincare, most women automatically focus on the facial area, spending thousands of dollars on crèmes, masks, and other products that promise to combat signs of aging. We spend hours in front of the mirror and thousands of dollars on products that promise to hide wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots on our face, however, many of us pay little or no attention to the neck, hand and chest areas. The skin around these areas are as delicate as the face, and they are just as susceptible to symptoms of aging. Skin, regardless of where it is on the body, needs equal protection from the sun and other pollutants. Fortunately, there are simple and easy steps for skincare from the neck down.

Neck and Chest

Products that are good for the face are equally good for the neck and chest. Without proper care, the skin on the neck and chest areas can be wrinkly, blotchy, and show age spots, which can contradict the illusion of young, firm facial skin created by makeup. The simplest, easiest way to care for the neck and chest areas is to moisturize, and fortunately, you do not need to purchase a separate moisturizer. Most daily facial moisturizers work just as well on the neck/chest area, especially those that contain natural herbal products such as Vitamin A and E, rosemary, and lavender. Vivoderm’s intense moisturizer is made with both the face and neck in mind, and it is infused with all-natural ingredients to give all three areas a healthy glow. In addition to daily moisturizing, exfoliation is also very effective in fighting signs of aging on the neck and chest areas, since it removes dead layers of outer skin to make room for younger, healthier skin. Use a gentle exfoliant, since the skin is most tender and delicate around these areas. Finally, remember to apply sunscreen every day. A moisturizer that also contains a natural sun protection ingredient, like zinc or zinc oxide, is perfect for daily use on the neck and chest areas.

Hands

Most people can guess a woman’s true age by looking at her hands. Getting weekly manicures may be a great way to pamper yourself, but it’s not enough to keep the skin on your hands young and healthy. Since we wash our hands several times a day, harsh soap can strip the hands of essential oils that are vital for healthy skin. Use a gentle soap to help maintain the proper pH balance for your skin. In addition, use a hand cream often to fight off dry, flaky skin. Try keeping a small bottle in your purse or at your desk to remind yourself to use it daily and often. As with everything, prevention is the best solution. Break habits that are bad for your hands, such as picking at the cuticles and washing dishes without gloves. Cuticles protect your fingers from infections, and excessively picking at them can make them bleed and look unsightly. Dishwashing soaps are alkaline (basic), extremely harsh on the skin and can cause the skin on the hands to age prematurely. Wearing gloves every time you wash the dishes is a simple, easy way to protect your hands.

So the next time you prepare your face for the day, or wash your skin at night - remember that just like the face, the skin on the neck, chest and hands are exposed to external elements 24/7, and need just as much care.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

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