Home » » Herbalism » Herbal Skin Care Solutions

Herbal Skin Care Solutions

©

Regardless of which hemisphere you live in, the seasons are changing. For some it's a time of planting, for others a time of harvest, but for everyone it is a time of change. Our internal chemistries feel and adjust to those climate changes almost without our notice, but there is one major organ that always seems to take weather change on the chin...or rather, on the skin. This week we take a look at some herbal preparations that can ease the seasonal transition, protecting and beautifying the skin naturally.

At the end of this article I list a small number of herbs beneficial to specific skin types. Most of the following simple recipes, however, are good for almost all skin types - and that includes Male and Female as well, contrary to popular belief, skin care is not gender specific!

Simple Cleansers

Beneficial herbal cleansers can easily be made from infusion at the rate of 1 small handful of herbs per cup of water, brewed as you would a tea. Choose from the list at the end of this article, or I can recommend Chamomile, Horsetail, Calendula, Lovage, or Elderflower in particular. Prepare as needed.

Herbal Facials

A simple and popular - and very effective! - skin rejuvenation technique is the Herbal Steam Facial. Both a cleanser and a toner, herbal steams are among the simplest to prepare and use.

Take 2 handfuls of fresh herb or 2 tablespoons of the dried herb and add to water that is just steaming, but not boiling. Pull back hair off the face and secure it. Tent a thick bath towel over your head and shoulders and lean over the steam. Inhale the steam and let the aromatherapy benefit the mind as the steam opens and cleans the pores. Continue for 5 to 10 minutes.

Try Lavender or Dried Lime Flowers for a soothing, calming effect; Peppermint for a stimulating effect; or Rosemary or Sage for a soothing or refreshing effect.

Toning Face Packs and Masks

You can apply a facial mask or toning pack once a week to condition and tone the skin, or to brace it after a Facial Steam. This is especially good for oily skin.

2 tablespoons finely chopped herbs or flowers, or 2 tablespoons strong infusion of dried herb
2 tablespoons natural yogurt
Finely ground oatmeal

Put the herbs and yogurt into a bowl, stirring in enough oatmeal to make a soft spreadable paste. Apply the mixture fairly thickly over cleansed face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Allow to firm and dry, then rinse away with warm water. Try this with Elder flower, Fennel leaves, Marigold petals, Thyme leaves, or Yarrow in particular.

The copyright of the article Herbal Skin Care Solutions in Herbalism is owned by . Permission to republish Herbal Skin Care Solutions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.