Did you know there are various natural skin care remedies that you can grow in your own home? There are others that you can pick up quickly and easily from the grocery store, too.
Natural skin care remedies are used around the world. They help to remove blemishes and scars, heal conditions, and leave the skin feeling soft and nourished. You’ll feel more confident and not have to worry about how chemicals added to over the counter medication will affect you.
Now you just need to find the best plants for your needs. It’s important to understand all the skin care benefits and know how to use the plants to make the most of them.
Here are 17 plants that offer skin care benefits. Most of them you can grow in your own home or garden, even if you just have an apartment balcony. Along with the plants, we’ll share tips on using them to make sure you get all the benefits and put your health first.
Invest in a Thyme Plant
One of the first plants that you want to start growing at home is thyme. Even if you don’t want to use it on your skin, you will gain the beautiful scents that will help to support your mental health. Thyme is also a popular herb used in cooking, offering more health benefits.
As for the skin, thyme (and other members of the Lamiaceae family) will add more phenols to your skin. Phenols hep to kill the bacteria that causes pimples and acne daily. It will get right into your pores to get rid of the problematic microscopic life forms to make sure they don’t grow and accumulate, causing white and blackheads.
Studies have shown that the phenols in thyme have killed more bacteria than the manufactured chemical benzoyl peroxide (the chemical that is in most of acne creams!) and you don’t get the drying out complications with thyme.
You’ll want to make sure your thyme is in direct sunlight and the soil remains as dry as possible. When you’ve grown your plant, remove some leaves and soak them in apple cider vinegar for a couple of weeks (another excellent natural skin care product) and then use directly on your acne to fight off the bacteria and reduce the side. You can also use the liquid with the thyme and vinegar to create a daily toner to prevent breakouts.
Pull Out the Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are aromatic in soups, stews, and curries. They help to add plenty of flavor within minutes. But that’s not why you want to stock on up them in your home. They are also beneficial for the skin.
Bay leaves work on the collagen, promoting the production of it to boost the elasticity and healing process. When your skin has plenty of collagen, it appears firmer and toner. Collagen can also help to reduce the effects of inflammation on the skin.
And of course, there are antibacterial and antifungal properties within the plant. The two properties help to fight against the bacteria that form in the pores and causes breakouts. The properties can also help to kill bacteria that form in wounds and cuts, while also reducing the effects of insect bites.
You want to dry out the leaves for 12 hours before you use them. Soak them in some olive oil for around a month and then apply directly to the wounds and insect bites. This is something you’ll need to planwith. The good news is that Bay leaves can be grown throughout the year or you can buy dried bay leaves from the store and soak in the months running up to when you’re likely going to need to repair insect bite damage.
Grow Some Cilantro
This is another aromatic herb that works extremely well with Eastern cooking, but you can also gain some skin benefits from it. It’s the taste that makes this plant so effective and good for the skin.
You’ll get a citrusy tang from the antiseptic properties within cilantro. There are also antifungal benefits. So, if you need to get rid of skin blemishes, prevent wounds from getting infected, and fight against fungal infections, this is the plant that you want to consider. It’s extremely effective on nail fungal infections, which tend to get into the bed and onto the skin. You can also use it for athlete’s foot.
If you have white or blackheads, this is a plant that you want to have in your home regularly. It needs very little preparation to work on the infected pimples to fight against the bacteria and get rid of them.
Mix some fresh cilantro leaves with some lemon juice and place it directly on the pimples or wound. Make sure you avoid open wounds and allow them to heal a little. Leave them on the pimples for about five minutes and then rinse completely to protect the rest of the skin from the acid within the lemon juice.
Stock Up on Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most common plants used in herbal skin care remedies because it is so effective. It’s one of the easiest plants to get—and you don’t need to have the plants!
Aloe vera has a variety of skin benefits, which is why it is so popular. It soothes and hydrates the skin while helping to repair damage and prevent further damage in the future. It can be used as a moisturizing cream or as a topical lotion, depending on your exact needs.
This is one of those natural products that are regularly placed into over the counter options. However, you can gain far more benefits by going directly to the plant, as you avoid other added chemicals.
Aloe vera includes vitamins C and E to fight against free radical damage and protect the skin cells, as well as vitamin A to improve the collagen production. There is also potassium, folic acid, zinc, and so much more. These vitamins and minerals your skin will need to look and feel healthy.
If you have burns or insect bites, you’ll be able to use aloe vera directly to relief the pain. The gel-like substance will help to offer instant relief and reduce inflammation.
Using it couldn’t be easier. You can squeeze the gel-like substance within the leaves directly onto the affected area and rub it right in. Treat blisters, sunburn, bites, and other problems directly.
If you want to moisturize the skin with it, add some aloe vera to olive or coconut oil. Apply all over your body and leave to soak in completely. There’s no need to wash this off afterward.
Try Out Lavender for Antiseptic Needs
When you have a small cut or burn, you will want to avoid it getting infected. This is when you need lavender. This plant is full of aromatherapy benefits, but it will also directly work with the immune system to fight off the signs of infection.
It’s one of the best cleansing plants available. Those with sensitive skin get the extra benefits because it’s mild and soothing; much better than many over the counter options.
Meanwhile, it will help to reduce inflammation and keep your skin blemish free. If you need to heal wounds, this is something you want to consider.
You don’t need to get an actual lavender plant if you don’t want. You could opt for lavender essential oil and place a few drops into the water. Just spray it on your skin to get the health benefits and beautiful scents. Alternatively, you can add some of the essential oil or crushed plant leaves to some coconut oil for a natural moisturizing cream.
Get the Tea Tree Oil
You’ve likely heard that tea tree oil is useful for your skin conditions. The tea tree plant is something worth considering for your home, but you can opt for the essential oil for all the same skin benefits.
Tea tree is extremely useful for acne treatments. It will work deep within the layers of the skin to help get rid of all blemishes. It doesn’t matter why the acne is appearing either. Of course, if there are stress and other health problems, you’ll need to keep using tea tree oil, as the acne is a symptom.
Studies show that tea tree is just as (if not more) effective as the usual chemicals added to skin care and acne fighting products.
There are antifungal and antiviral properties to tea tree oil, too. In fact, it’s so beneficial that the Australian Army puts it in all first-aid kits for treating problems with the skin.
Don’t use tea tree oil directly on the skin. You want to dilute it with some water or coconut oil to apply to the affected areas. Try dabbing some cotton wool into the diluted oil and place directly onto the acne or infected areas. Don’t place on open wounds!
Use Your Roses
Roses look beautiful in the garden. They come in a variety of colors and quickly put a smile on your face. But they’re not just good for improving the look of the garden or lawn. They will improve the look of your skin.
Roses add hydration to the skin, and we all know that that means healthier and more flexible skin. It’s one of the best toners on the market, reducing irritation and redness when breakouts do occur. Your skin looks firmer and will feel softer.
Of course, there are the benefits of vitamin C in rose petals. Vitamin C will work with your immune system to repair oxidative stress damage to the cells. It will also fight against the bacteria that cause acne breakouts.
Put some rose petals into water or oil and create a toner for your face. You’ll feel and see the results within days, and it’s one of those treatments that can be used daily.
Witch Hazel Is Something You Need
How often have you heard about witch hazel for healing skin conditions? It’s something that’s often recommended for healing conditions like eczema and psoriasis, but it can also help other skin conditions and problems.
Witch hazel is one of the most soothing plants you can ever use. Many women who have just given birth will use it for soothing the burning after the process, especially for difficult births. But you can also apply it directly on the face.
The plant will get into the pores, cleaning out the bacteria and dirt that are common reasons for acne occurring. You’ll soothe inflammation and redness within the layers of the skin, easing the feel and look of acne when it does occur. If you have a burn or a cut, you want to make sure there’s some witch hazel at hand to help. It’s also excellent for chicken pox spot relief!
This is something that you can apply directly to the skin if you’d like. When you want a cream-like substance, you can buy it over the counter, or you can make your own with some oil or yogurt.
Use the Clary Sage
There are two types of sage: normal sage and Clary sage. You want both in your home. Let’s touch on Clary sage first.
Look out for Clary sage oil for your home skin care regimen. It’s one of the best options to control the amount of oil your skin produces. The skin needs to produce oil (known as sebum) naturally. This will help to keep the skin soft and hydrated. However, the oil production is affected by the hormones. Some of us have oilier skin and others deal with dry, flaky skin.
Putting too many products on the skin can upset the balance, causing the opposite effect that you want. The good news is that you can avoid all this through Clary sage oil since it helps promote balance and normalized production.
You will want to make sure you add some of the oil to another type of oil, such as coconut or almond. Use a cotton pad to apply lightly on the skin—you don’t need that much. It’s the perfect option for removing stubborn makeup and completely clearing out the pores.
Get the Sage
As mention, you want the two types of sage in your home. A normal sage plant will be perfect for a variety of health benefits. When it comes to the skin, it adds plenty of antioxidants straight to your skin. You fight off the free radicals that make the skin cells grow abnormally and open you up to the risk of cancer. Antioxidants also help to protect against aging and sun damage.
At the same time, Sage is full of vitamin A to help improve the skin tissues and improve cell regeneration. You’ll get more collagen, meaning your skin is far more supple and flexible.
Like with Clary Sage, you can also regulate a number of skin oils that are produceddaily. It’s certainly something for those with naturally oily skin.
You want to turn this into a toner with some water. Apply it with a cotton ball or through a spray to get the best skin benefits.
Grow Some Mint in Your Home
Mint is the perfect item for the home, especially if you’re in an apartment. It smells beautiful and pleasing, helping to reduce stress and release happy hormones. Getting a good hormonal balance will help to improve your oil production, improving the look of your skin.
At the same time, mint is one of the best pimple fighters out there. It’s from the same family of plants like thyme, offering all the same benefits. While fighting the infection, it will also soothe that itchy feeling. If you have a healing insect bite, you want to use it directly to reduce that irritating itch that makes the bites worse.
Boil the mint leaves and then allow the water to cool until it’s good to put your feet or hands directly into it. You can also add mint to your bath water and soak in the healing water. Another option is mixing the mint with some honey and oatmeal to create a home mask to fight against the acne on your face!
Use Basil to Your Advantage
One herb that you will likely already have in your home is basil. However, you likely have the dried version in your cupboard. You want to start growing your fresh options.
Basil is an antiseptic, fighting against the bacteria that cause acne and pimples. By using it directly on your skin, you can prevent acne from forming. It also helps to reduce inflammation, which can cause sensitive and irritated skin.
This is another herb that is far more effective than you’re over the counter acne treatments. It’s also safer and less drying on the skin.
One of the best ways to use basil is by mashing up the stems and leaves. Add a little oil and create your DIY mask. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then wash off with some lukewarm water to gain all the cleansing benefits.
Get the Delicate Looking Blue Yarrow
Blue Yarrow looks delicate, but it isn’t. It’s something that you need to get for healing the skin, especially when you have wounds, insect bites, and drying skin conditions. It’s also effective for those with acne-prone skin.
The benefits come from the antiseptic benefits, like many other plants we’ve already looked at. However, where many others will fight against whiteheads, this one is one of the best for blackheads.
Mash up the plant with some water and use a cotton ball to apply directly to your skin. You can apply to broken out acne or clean-looking skin. Either way, the benefits get into the pores to fight against the bacteria forming.
Look Out for the Hibiscus
The hibiscus has the nickname “nature’s Botox.” This will give you an idea of how it’s beneficial for the skin.
This plant helps to tone and firm the skin, helping to reduce the sight of wrinkles and fine lines. You can reduce all signs of aging, leaving yourself with a softer and more confident appearance.
You’ll want to use it as a moisturizer or toner at the end of the day. Add it to some Greek yogurt or olive oil and apply a little around your eyes and anywhere you’re prone to wrinkles. You can also add it to around the stomach area and breasts if you’re struggling with sagging skin due to aging.
Look Out for Geranium
Thi sis often overlooked when it comes to herbal remedies, but you want to consider getting some geranium oil (if not the plants) for your home skin care routine.
There are multiple benefits to geranium. The first is that it acts like hibiscus, by toning and firming the skin. You get to reverse and prevent the signs of aging.
The plant will also help to regulate the natural oil production within the skin. If you have naturally oily skin, you will find that this plant helps to reduce the amount that is produced without causing the opposite effect of dry skin! Meanwhile, it will clean out the pores, so the oil that is produced gets around the whole skin.
It’s possible to get this plant in oil form. Apply it directly to the skin as a moisturizing cream. If you’re worried about a greasy look, you can wash off after about 30 minutes.
Invest in Pot Marigold
Pot marigold is also known as calendula and has been used in studies to see how it can help various skin conditions. Australia studies have shown that the plant helps to physically protect the skin cells from free radical damage through the carotenoids within it. The carotenoids act like vitamin A for protection, meaning that chapped and irritated skin is easily healed.
This is also a plant that is useful for burns and wounds. The nutrients get into the pores to fight against bacteria and prevent infection. They reduce the inflammation and encourage good skin cell repair.
There are also benefits to protect against aging and skin thinning. This helps to create a plumper and healthier look, so the skin doesn’t appear transparent.
The best way to use the plant is to dry out the flowers for about 12 hours and then soak in some rose hip seed oil for a month. This will make your serum to use under the eyes daily.
Stock Up on German Chamomile
Have you heard how chamomile is good for soothing burns and chicken pox spots? Maybe you’ve heard how good chamomile tea is for restoring balance in the hormones. Well, it’s time to get the right chamomile plant in your home. You want the German strain of it.
The good news is the German strain the most popular around the world and regularly turned into a tea. You can use this for quick relief against most of health problems. When you want to use it on the skin, you’ll want to apply the cooled teabags directly onto affected areas.
German Chamomile is also good for warding off the aging process, improving the look of wrinkles and fine lines. Using the teabags on the eyes or turning your plant into a serum will help you gain some skin benefits directly.
There are also anti-inflammatory properties to the plant. Therefore chamomile tea is popular as cold remedies. When you use the plant directly on the skin, you can reduce the inflammation from acne and skin conditions, while firming and toning the layers.
Dry out the flowers and then soak them in an oil of choice. Olive and jojoba oil are the most popular options to create your natural serum.
Grow Your Skin Care Products
There’s no need to buy skin care products from the stores. You want to start growing your plants that offer a range of skin care benefits. Many of these can be used together, too. You can get the acne-fighting benefits of mint and thyme while using pot marigold for the toning and strengthening of the skin.
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