Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has
been in practice since ancient times, when
herbal skin care was probably the only way to
take care of skin. However, skin care has
transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care
routines have been replaced by
synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The
herbal skin care recipes which once used to be
common place are not so popular today (and even
unknown to a large population). This
transformation from herbal skin care to
synthetic, can probably be attributed to two
things – our laziness (or just the fast pace of
lives) and the commercialisation of skin care.
Even herbal skin care products have been
commercialised. These commercial herbal skin
care products have to be mixed with
preservatives in order to increase their
shelf-life, hence making them less effective
than the fresh ones made at home. However, it
seems that things are changing fast and more
people are now opting for natural and herbal
skin care routines. But still, none want to make
them at home and hence the commercial market of
herbal skin care products is on the rise.
So what are these herbs or herbal skin care
mechanisms?
Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant,
is one of the best examples of herbal skin care
product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a
natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It
also helps in healing cuts and treating sun
burns.
A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing
properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers
and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such
cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get
invoked 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 form good toners.
Tea plays an 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 means 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 (e.g. extracts from fruits like
banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels
(as a hydrating mix)
Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also
come under the umbrella of herbal skin care
remedies.
Herbal skin care is good not only for the
routine nourishing of skin but also for
treatment of skin disorders like eczema and
psorasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t
have any side effects (the most important 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, herbal skin care is the way to
go. However, this does not mean that you totally
discard the synthetic products. Some people go
to the extent of debating with their
dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic
product. You should accept the fact that some
skin orders might need usage of clinically
proven non-herbal skin care products. |
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