Would you like to have a facial but don't have time to go to the beauty salon? Is your skin very sensitive and are you afraid to use products that may damage your skin? Or do you often suffer from allergic reactions when using cosmetics?

You may find the solution to these problems in plants. More and more, plants are becoming part of cosmetics partly due to the increasing stigma of using animal products for beauty purposes. The truth is that botanicals have been used for millions of years by all cultures for cosmetic treatments.


Dry skin

Many people suffer from dry skin, especially as we age and skin renewal slows down. There are several plant extracts that have been used traditionally for millions of years to solve these problems. Some of the most effective plant oils to treat dry skin are coconut oil, olive oil and Castor oil. They have all been used for ages showing excellent results.

Irritated skin

Sensitive skin tends to become irritated, becoming red and flaky. In some cases these it can become itchy and cause discomfort. To treat this:

• Turmeric. It soothes the skin and balances the skin. It can even be used in seriously irritated skin or on mosquito bites. You can also mix it with coconut oil for best results.

• Witch hazel. This plant is soothing and can treat skin irritation and rashes.

• Aloe. This plant is a very good anti-inflammatory and if you have this plant at home and you suffer from a burn, you can break off a leaf and apply the gel it has inside directly on the burn.

• Chamomile is one of the most popular plants due to its soothing properties and the variety of uses. It has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on dry skin.

• Marigold has anti-inflammatory properties and is also perfect to treat diaper rash in children.

Acne

When sebaceous glands become obstructed they can become infected and thus develop an infected pimple. Acne generally appears on the face. Common remedies to treat it:

- Birch. The bark of this tree, which is applied as a balm on the affected areas, is one of the best natural remedies to fight acne. 

- Rhubarb. This plant, besides treating acne, soothes irritated and itchy skin.

- Rose hip is a regenerating and healing oil that aids the treatment of acne.

List of cosmetic plants

The list of plants with cosmetic properties and plants which treat skin infections is long, but adding to the ones mentioned above, these are some of the most commonly used to regenerate the skin, nourish it and soothe irritation.

• Agrimony

• Poplar

• Privet

• Elderberry

• Horsetail

• Everlasting

• Beetle juice/carmine

• Running club moss

• Marshmallow

• Chamomile

• Pennyroyal (mint plant)

• Rosemary

• Thyme
• Pigweed