Medicinal plants, valuable allies for skin disorders

Skin conditions like acne or eczema can be a source of frustration and discomfort for many people. Medicinal plants are ideal for addressing these issues thanks to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, soothing, and regenerative properties.

In this article, let's discover together how medicinal plants can be gentle and natural solutions to treat several skin conditions and regain healthy and radiant skin.

Medicinal plants with multiple benefits

Skin conditions are caused by a combination of external and internal factors, whether it's excess sebum, clogged pores, bacterial proliferation, but also too much pollution or hormonal imbalance (hello periods!).

For centuries, medicinal plants have been used for their therapeutic properties. Rich in active ingredients, they act deeply on the various ailments that can affect our skin. Whether it's to soothe irritation, regulate excess sebum, or stimulate cell renewal, the virtues of medicinal plants are numerous.

Here are some examples of the most famous plants for treating these conditions and reducing their symptoms:

Aloe vera ( Aloe barbadensis ), the essential soothing agent

Among the most well-known plants for their skin benefits is aloe vera. This succulent plant native to North Africa is renowned for its soothing and healing properties. Its gel, rich in water, vitamins, and minerals, has calming properties on irritated or inflamed skin. It can particularly soothe sunburn, minor burns, and even redness related to eczema.

Tea tree ( Melaleuca alternifolia ), the star of anti-acne treatments

Tea tree is known for its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is now one of the most well-known ingredients for helping eliminate acne-causing bacteria while reducing skin inflammation.

Chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla ), the natural anti-inflammatory

Chamomile, with its white flowers and delicate fragrance, is also a medicinal plant of choice for skin care. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable ally in the fight against skin irritations, redness, and even spots. Its soothing action also makes it a choice ingredient for skin care products for sensitive skin.

Calendula ( Calendula officinalis ), the skin regenerator

Calendula, also known as marigold, is known for its healing and regenerative properties. Rich in carotenoids, this plant with orange flowers stimulates collagen production and promotes cell renewal. It can help reduce scars, stretch marks, and even burn marks.

St. John's Wort ( Hypericum ), the ally of problem skin

St. John's wort, with its small yellow flowers, is a particularly beneficial medicinal plant for problem skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective natural remedy for acne and blemishes. Additionally, its healing properties can help reduce the appearance of pimples.

The benefits of medicinal plants for the skin

For centuries, medicinal plants have been used for their therapeutic properties. Rich in active ingredients, they act gently and naturally on our bodies. When it comes to caring for our skin, these plants are particularly effective.

Soothing and anti-inflammatory properties

Some medicinal plants possess soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that make them ideal remedies for calming skin irritations. Examples include chamomile, known for its calming properties, and aloe vera, a true plant-based remedy for sensitive skin.

Purifying and sanitizing properties

Other medicinal plants stand out for their purifying and cleansing properties, ideal for combating acne problems. Thyme, rich in antibacterial compounds, or rosemary, known for its toning effects, are among these allies of choice for healthy and radiant skin.

Regenerative and healing benefits

Some medicinal plants also have regenerative and healing properties, which are valuable for caring for damaged or weakened skin. This is the case with lavender, known for its soothing and regenerative properties, or calendula , known for its healing effects.

How to integrate medicinal plants into your routine?

Incorporating herbal remedies into your skincare routine can be a holistic and effective approach to addressing your skin concerns and maintaining healthy, balanced skin. Here are some examples of how to incorporate herbal remedies into your daily skincare routine:

Oily macerates, plant extracts rich in active ingredients

• Obtained by infusing medicinal plants in a vegetable oil, they are also ideal allies for taking care of your skin.
• Rich in active ingredients, they offer targeted and effective action on skin problems.
• They are great for benefiting from the specific virtues of each plant, such as the soothing properties of chamomile or the regenerative effects of calendula.

Essential oils, allies of choice

• They can be used pure or incorporated into treatments such as serums, creams or balms, but also diluted in a vegetable oil (for an oily macerate).
• Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, they act deep down to soothe, purify, nourish, hydrate and regenerate the epidermis.
• Among our favorites, we can mention tea tree essential oil, known for its antibacterial properties, or lavender essential oil, known for its soothing properties.

Hydrosols, floral waters with multiple benefits

• Hydrosols, also called floral waters, are products of the distillation of medicinal plants.
• They contain the active ingredients of plants in diluted form and can be used as a toning lotion, spray, makeup fixer or even as a complement to a mask.
• They provide a gentle and balancing action for the skin.
• My favorite is rose hydrosol, known for its soothing and regenerating properties, which I love to use.

Poultices, for targeted treatment

• Herbal poultices provide targeted treatment for skin conditions such as eczema or acne.
• Combining clay or aloe vera with herbal remedies can help purify the skin and reduce inflammation.

Scrubs or masks, for a tailor-made routine

• Prepare your own herbal treatments, such as scrubs or masks. This allows you to precisely target your needs and fully benefit from the properties of these plants.
• For example, a scrub with green clay and calendula will be ideal for skin that tends to be oily and prone to imperfections.
• At Le sens des choses , we also offer pumice stone soap which contains real natural pumice stone particles to clean pores, remove dead cells and improve skin elasticity.

Some tips for using medicinal plants properly

Although natural, medicinal plants must be used with caution. Here are some tips to get the most out of them:

• Do allergy tests before using any new plant, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Follow the recommended dosages, especially for essential oils which are very concentrated.
• Favor organic and quality products, from short supply chains and sustainable production.
• Store your herbal preparations in dark, cool places to preserve their properties.
• Be patient, the effects of herbal remedies may take a little time to appear.

Medicinal plants are great allies in the fight against skin disorders that sometimes ruin our lives. By incorporating them into our skincare routine, we can benefit from their healing and soothing properties.

I am convinced that taking care of your skin in a natural and committed way is essential to maintaining its long-term health and well-being. Because our skin deserves the best, medicinal plants are now a natural and sustainable remedy to adopt without fear of experiencing side effects often associated with chemical or pharmaceutical products. Long live plants!

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