They grow quite modestly by the wayside, in forests and meadows, look small and inconspicuous. But many plants, flowers and herbs contain healing powers that not only promote health, but also make you beautiful. Applied in creams, masks or lotions, many medicinal plants can conjure up a radiant complexion. We tell you which plant is suitable for which skin type.
1 and 2) Evening primrose and borage.
If the seeds of evening primrose and borage are pressed, they release valuable oils that are rich in gamma-linolenic acid. Those affected by neurodermatitis in particular are often deficient in this fatty acid, as their skin cannot produce enough of it itself. A cream with evening primrose oil or borage oil not only provides sufficient fat for the neurodermatitis-plagued skin, but also relieves itching and strengthens the skin’s own protective layer.
3) Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is found in numerous creams, body lotions and cleansing lotions. This is extracted from the thick, fleshy leaves of the desert lily. Aloe vera helps the skin to regenerate and retain moisture longer. The gel is therefore particularly suitable for dry skin. Aloe vera can help with neurodermatitis, psoriasis or eczema, but also with skin impurities such as pimples or blackheads. The cooling effect of the gel also provides relief from sunburn and insect bites.
4) Witch hazel
Witch hazel is also called witch hazel and has an anti-inflammatory effect due to its many tannins. It is an ingredient in numerous creams and ointments for wound treatment, but also for eczema, neurodermatitis and psoriasis. Witch hazel is also used in normal care creams and body lotions, here mostly for dry skin. Witch hazel reduces the sebum production of the skin and refines the pores.
5) St. John’s wort
Always at the summer solstice, St. John’s wort opens its bright yellow flowers and soaks up the power of the sun. If the flowers are then picked and put in oil, it turns red and absorbs the active ingredients of the medicinal plant. St. John’s wort oil has a soothing effect on the skin and inhibits inflammation and bacteria. It also nourishes brittle, cracked skin, scar tissue and helps with minor burns and bruises.
6) Cistus
Even the Magi knew what was good: In addition to gold and frankincense, you brought the baby Jesus also myrrh as a gift to the manger. Myrrh is the resin of the cistus, a medicinal plant from the Mediterranean region. Myrrh was already used in ancient Egypt as a beauty and healing agent. Today, instead of the resin, it is rather the dried herb of the cistus that is used. The extracts from it have a disinfecting, skin-soothing effect and are therefore particularly suitable for sensitive, blemished skin.
7) Chamomile
As a medicinal plant, chamomile is a real all-rounder. It contains not only the essential oils matricin and bisabolol, but also the plant substance apigenin. Chamomile extracts care for skin that is out of balance and make irritated skin smooth and rosy again. Especially sensitive, dry skin is gently cared for and moisturized by chamomile. A cleansing lotion with chamomile soothes the skin before going to sleep, a mask provides intensive care.
8) Arnica
The arnica flower grows preferentially in higher altitudes and is under nature protection due to its popularity. Especially the blossom of the bright yellow flower is full of essential oils. These have a soothing, smoothing effect on stressed, dry skin. Cream with arnica harmonizes stressed skin, smoothes, moisturizes and protects the skin from environmental influences.
9) Sage
Sage is rich in tannins and essential oils. The medicinal plant not only helps with sore throats and excessive sweating, but is also a significant ingredient in skin care. Due to its astringent, disinfectant effect, sage tightens pores and thus provides a finer skin appearance. The anti-inflammatory effect also fights pimples and blackheads.
10) Ginkgo
The extract obtained from the leaves of the ginkgo tree is primarily used in medications for circulatory disorders. However, many cosmetics also contain ginkgo in skin care, because it tightens the skin and thus prevents wrinkles. In addition, the medicinal plant promotes cell renewal and blood circulation, giving the skin a radiant, fresh appearance.Ginkgo has an anti-inflammatory effect and protects the skin from free radicals. Due to its smoothing effect, ginkgo is used primarily in products for mature skin.
