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Basic Herbal Skin Care

Webmaster | December 7, 2010 | no comments

Skin care is not a new concept; in fact, it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was most likely the only way to take care of one’s skin. However, skin care has greatly transformed since that time and has become much more effective.

Herbal skin care recipes have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care formulations. Herbal skin care guidelines, which once used to be commonplace, are not so popular today and even remain unknown to much of the population. This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic compounds, can probably be attributed to two things – plain laziness (or just the fast pace of our daily lives) and the commercialization of skin care.

Commercially-produced herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives and other chemicals in order to increase their shelf-life, thus making them less effective than the fresh, homemade versions. However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now becoming enlightened for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, no one wants to make them at home and, thereby, the commercial market for herbal skin care products is on the rise.

Herbal Skin Care Components

Aloe Vera, which is an extract from the Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of an all-natural herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted Aloe Vera naturally hydrates and soothes the skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.

A number of herbs are known to possess excellent cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers, and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties come into play when they are combined with other herbs like tea.

Antiseptics are another important part of herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme, and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also create good skin toners.

Tea plays a very important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another method of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, lavender oil, borage oil, and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (extracts from fruits like banana, apple, and melon) find use in shower gels as a hydrating mix.

Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies are also grouped under herbal skin care remedies.

Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects which is the most acknowledged reason for preferring them over synthetic products. Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive.

So even though herbal skin care seems to be the way to go these days that does not mean that you should totally discard the synthetic products. People may want to discuss with their dermatologist about the pros and cons of synthetic skin care products. It’s a fact that some skin types may benefit from the use of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.