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have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care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.
Many skin care tips and articles.
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.
