Here’s a list of herbs and flowers that are helpful in fighting acne:

Aloe Vera is cooling and soothing. It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic. It helps heals acne scars.

Basil is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and can help control oil and reduce acne.

Bergamot Oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce acne and scars. However, it is phototoxic so don’t use it on your face if you are going out in the sunlight.

German Chamomile is anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic. It can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.

Calendula is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and is good for reducing redness, itching and topical inflammation. It helps to soothe and repair the skin and reduces injury recovery time. Infused oils with calendula have been used for many years for a variety of skin conditions including acne, eczema and psoriasis. 

Clary Sage Oil balances oil production and reduces inflammation. To balance oily or combination skin use a mix of clary sage, geranium, and mandarin to your skin nightly.

Dandelion contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe and calm irritated skin. It can be beneficial for conditions such as acne, eczema, or dermatitis.

Echinacea is anti-inflammatory and can help speed up the healing of acne. According to WebMD, a recent study suggests that taking a supplement which includes echinacea may help reduce acne when used together with other treatments.

Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and helps balance sebum and clear clogged pores.

Frankincense oil reduces inflammation and is antiseptic and astringent. It is one of the best essential oils to use for skincare as it promotes skin regeneration and helps prevent wrinkles.

Green Tea is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial qualities. While it can’t clear acne on its own, it may help when drank or used topically with other treatments. For more information, click here.

Geranium oil helps to balances sebum production and soothe inflamed skin.

Hibiscus is a natural source of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which can help exfoliate and unclog pores.

Lavender is antibacterial and can help soothe inflammation and reduces acne-causing bacteria.

Lemongrass oil is astringent and antibacterial. It helps eliminate blackhead by unclogging pores. Make a scrub by mixing baking soda, honey, and lemongrass essential oil. Lemongrass helps reduce excess oil and kill bacteria. Try a mask of 1 tablespoon colloidal oatmeal, 2 teaspoons honey, and a drop of lemongrass oil.

Neem is antibacterial and antifungal. It is effective in treating acne and preventing future breakouts. It contains quercetin that helps fade scars and tighten skin. It also contains salicylic acid which is a known ingredient to help acne.

Rosemary is antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and reduces excess oil and helps clear clogged pores.

Tea tree oil is a powerful antimicrobial and antifungal essential oil. It’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties reduce acne breakouts. For oily skin, skin with acne or combination skin, mix tea tree, lemon, and geranium in your skincare recipe.

Thyme has strong antibacterial properties and is effective against acne-causing bacteria.

Turmeric may help acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may reduce acne and prevents future breakouts.

Wild Violet is gentle on skin and works wonderfully to soothe dry, itchy skin.  It can also help acne and rashes as it contains salicylic acid. Violets are antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. You can get a wild violet essential oil, but it is often hard to find and expensive. I prefer to infuse my own oil.

Witch Hazel is a natural astringent. Use it to reduce inflammation and help with excess oil production.

Using Herbs and Flowers in Your Skincare Routine

How Can I use these plants in my skincare routine?

Herbal Steam

This is one of my favorite ways to use herbs and flowers. It’s so relaxing and warms me up when I’m cold. The steam will open up pores which allows the plant’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of herbs to penetrate the skin.

Directions:

Boil water and pour into a large bowl. Add a cup of cold water. Be careful not to burn yourself. Add a handful of dried herbs or flowers such as chamomile, calendula, lavender, rosemary, or thyme. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl for 5 to 10 minutes. When you are finished, apply your toner and moisturizer.

Herbal Toner

You can create your own toner by infusing herbs and flowers into water or witch hazel.

Directions:

Either – Boil 1 cup of water and steep 1 tablespoon of your choice of dried botanicals for 20 minutes.

Or – Fill a jar 3/4 of the way full of dried botanicals, cover with witch hazel and let it soak in a cool dark place for a week, shaking it every day.

• Strain the mixture and let it cool.
• Add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel (optional if you used a base of water).
• Store in a spray bottle or use with a cotton pad after cleansing.

Herbal Facial Mask

Directions:

Mix 1 teaspoon of dried and powdered herbs or flowers with 1 tablespoon of honey or aloe vera. Add a little water if you need to and form a paste. Apply the mixture to your face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Herbal Facial Oil

An herbal infused facial oil.

Directions:

Fill a jar at least half full of dried herbs and flowers. Cover the dried botanicals completely with a carrier oil like jojoba or grapeseed oil. Let the jar sit in a sunny spot for 4 to 6 weeks, stirring occasionally. Strain the oil and store it in a dark glass bottle. To use, apply a few drops to your skin nightly.

Herbal Face Wash

Directions:

Boil 1 cup of water and steep 1 tablespoon of your choice of dried botanicals for 20 minutes. Strain the decoction and mix with 1 tablespoon of castile soap. Pour into a container with a pump.

Spot Treatment

Directions:

Mix powdered neem or turmeric with a little water and form a paste. Apply the paste to pimples and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse off with warm water.

Herbal Ice Cubes

Help soothe your inflamed skin and reduce redness with these herbal-infused ice cubes.

Directions:

Boil 1 cup of water and steep 1 tablespoon of your choice of dried botanicals for 20 minutes. Let your concoction cool and pour it into an ice cube tray. Freeze the herbal ice cubes and use them to gently massage your skin in the morning or after you cleanse.

Acne-Fighting Moisturizer Recipe

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel (soothes inflammation, hydrates)

1 tablespoon Jojoba Oil (balances sebum, non-comedogenic)

1 teaspoon Hemp Seed Oil (anti-inflammatory, balances oil)

1 teaspoon Rosehip Oil (heals scars, rich in antioxidants)

3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory)

2 drops Lavender Essential Oil (soothes skin, antibacterial)

1 teaspoon Green Tea Extract (reduces redness, antioxidant)

1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil (heals and protects the skin)

Directions:

Mix together all of the oils in a small bowl until well combined. Add in the essential oils, extract, and vitamin E oil. Pour the oil into an airtight jar.

To Use:

Apply a few drops after cleansing, toning and applying serums.

For more skincare tips and recipes, find me on substack or check out my podcast on Spotify or YouTube

Photo by Barbara Krysztofiak on Unsplash

The post Green Beauty – Acne-Fighting Power of Plants appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip seed oil contains vitamins A and C. It helps with skin regeneration, skin texture, and collagen production. Use rosehip seed oil on fine lines, scars, dark spots.

Calendula Infused Oil

Infusing oil with calendula gives you an oil that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can soothe irritated skin and help wound healing. It can also be used for eczema, psoriasis, and rashes.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is great for dry, aging, and damaged skin. It is full of essential fatty acid, vitamin E and other antioxidants. It can help restore your skin’s barrier, reduce inflammation and promote elasticity.

Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil can be used to stimulate the growth of new tissue making it useful for wound healing, scar reduction, burns, and irritations. It is also useful for acne and stretch marks.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is similar to the skin’s natural sebum and helps to balance oil production in your skin. Use it for acne prone and sensitive skin as it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea Buckhorn oil contains omega fatty acid and vitamins C and E. These ingredients make it good for repairing the skin, scars, regenerating skin cells, and having a healthy glow. Damaged, aging, or dry skin can benefit from using sea buckthorn oil.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil supports skin healing and helps to reduce inflammation because t is high in gamma-linolenic acid. It is often used for eczema, acne and irritated skin. Evening primrose oil can also be used on sensitive skin.

Coconut Oil

Try coconut oil if your skin is dry, irritated, or cracked. It has natural antimicrobial properties and fatty acids to soothe and moisturize your skin. Coconut oil helps to improve the skin’s barrier function and heal wounds faster.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is great for dry and aging skin as it is moisturizing and helps repair skin damage, but don’t use too much or it may cause acne. I found this out myself. It contains antioxidants and squalene, protects against free radicals, and helps to restore elasticity in the skin.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil contains vitamins A, D, and E, and oleic acid. Use it to boost collagen production, help wounds heal faster, and moisturize deeply. It’s great for dry, sensitive, and aging skin.

Essential Oils for Healing Skin

Many essential oils are known for their healing properties. Many are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial or antioxidant. Here are some of the most skin-healing oils and why they are helpful. I could write many lists about which essential oils to use for which purpose. Here are some oils for eczema and here are some for mature skin.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is best known as a calming essential oil. It has anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. It is helpful for healing wounds, reducing scars, and soothing irritating skin. Try it on burns, acne and minor cuts.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree is excellent for treating acne, blemishes, fungal infections and wounds. It is a bactericide and fungicide. It also helps reduce inflammation, helps prevent infection and promotes faster healing.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense is great for your skin. It aids in the repair of skin cells and reduces the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and fine lines. It is also great for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis as it is anti-inflammatory.

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum is very useful for healing scars, wounds, and burns. It is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which helps reduce skin inflammation and repair tissue.

Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile is useful for sensitive skin as it is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and calming. Use it to help reduce redness, soothe eczema, and help small wounds and cuts heal faster.

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium is antibacterial and a useful essential oil to use if you have oily skin, acne, or scars. It helps balance the skin’s oil production. It can also help reduce inflammation and promote cell regeneration.

Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh is a great choice for mature or damaged skin. It is also useful on wounds. Myrrh is full of antioxidants and is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Use it to repair damaged skin, reduce wrinkles, and help in the healing of wounds and skin infections.

Rose Essential Oil

Rose is another great oil for mature skin. It is also good for dry or sensitive skin. It is moisturizing and has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. These attributes make it great for soothing redness, irritation, and promoting skin regeneration.

Neroli Essential Oil

Neroli essential oil is one of my favorites because it smells lovely. It is antiseptic. Use it for scars, stretch marks, and acne. It promotes skin regeneration, helps elasticity, and reduces the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood is best for dry, inflamed, or acne prone skin. It is anti-inflammatory, soothing, and moisturizing. Use it on irritated skin, acne, or wounds. It can help your skin retain moisture and improve the skin’s hydration.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot seed oil is rejuvenating and healing. It is best for mature skin, scars, and pigmentation. It’s full of antioxidants. Use it to help heal scars and smooth wrinkles. It can also help even skin tone by stimulating cell regeneration.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus oil is helpful for wounds, cuts, skin infections, and acne as it is antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil is cooling and calming for your skin. It helps to reduce inflammation and irritation. It is also helpful for those with acne, rashes, or itchy skin because it is antimicrobial.

Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang-ylang is a great choice for both oily and dry skin. It is moisturizing and can help balance sebum production. It has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with help the skin repair and rejuvenate itself. Use it to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

Face Oil Blends

Here are a few healing face oil blends using the most healing carrier and essential oils. Each blend targets specific skin concerns and provides unique benefits. I’ll explain why you would use each one based on the ingredients’ properties.

Calming & Healing Blend for Sensitive or Irritated Skin

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon calendula infused oil

1 tablespoon jojoba oil

2 drops chamomile essential oil

2 drops lavender essential oil

1 drop geranium essential oil

Directions: Pour the oils into a small bottle with a dropper lid. Shake well to combine. Use 4-6 drops of the blend on clean, damp skin. Massage gently into the skin in upward circular motions.

Scar-Fading & Regenerating Face Oil

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Rosehip Oil (promotes skin regeneration, fades scars)

1 tablespoon Tamanu Oil

3 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil

2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

1 drop Myrrh Essential Oil

Directions: Pour the oils into a small bottle with a dropper lid. Shake well to combine. Use 4-6 drops of the blend on clean, damp skin. Massage gently into the skin in upward circular motions.

Anti-Aging & Rejuvenating Facial Oil

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Argan Oil

1 tablespoon Sea Buckthorn Oil

3 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

2 drops Rose Essential Oil

1 drop Sandalwood Essential Oil

Directions: Pour the oils into a small bottle with a dropper lid. Shake well to combine. Use 4-6 drops of the blend on clean, damp skin. Massage gently into the skin in upward circular motions.

Acne-Fighting & Healing Face Oil

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Jojoba Oil (balances oil production, non-comedogenic)

1 tablespoon Tamanu Oil

2 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

2 drops Lavender Essential Oil (calms irritation, soothes skin)

1 drop Geranium Essential Oil (regulates sebum, promotes healing)

Directions: Pour the oils into a small bottle with a dropper lid. Shake well to combine. Use 4-6 drops of the blend on clean, damp skin. Massage gently into the skin in upward circular motions.

Hydration & Glow Restoring Face Oil for Dry Skin

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Avocado Oil (deeply moisturizing, rich in vitamins)

1 tablespoon Olive Oil (locks in moisture, provides antioxidant protection)

3 drops Rose Essential Oil (hydrates, soothes dry skin)

2 drops Neroli Essential Oil (improves elasticity, reduces fine lines)

1 drop Sandalwood Essential Oil (soothes, hydrates)

Directions: Pour the oils into a small bottle with a dropper lid. Shake well to combine. Use 4-6 drops of the blend on clean, damp skin. Massage gently into the skin in upward circular motions.

Balancing Oil for Oily or Combination Skin

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Jojoba Oil (balances oil production)

1 tablespoon Grapeseed Oil (lightweight, regulates sebum)

2 drops Geranium Essential Oil (balances sebum, heals blemishes)

2 drops Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil (balances oil production, rejuvenates skin)

1 drop Tea Tree Essential Oil (antibacterial, prevents breakouts)

Directions: Pour the oils into a small bottle with a dropper lid. Shake well to combine. Use 4-6 drops of the blend on clean, damp skin. Massage gently into the skin in upward circular motions.

If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in one of my courses or my podcast.

The post Healing Oils for Radiant, Healthy Skin appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.