| Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has | | | | properties get invoked when they are combined |
| been in practice since ancient times, when herbal | | | | with other herbs like tea. |
| skin care was probably the only way to take care | | | | Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal |
| of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a | | | | skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel |
| big way. Herbal skin care routines have been | | | | are good examples of herbs that are known to |
| replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care | | | | possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and |
| routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once | | | | rose water also form good toners. |
| used to be common place are not so popular | | | | Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. |
| today (and even unknown to a large population). | | | | Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that |
| This transformation from herbal skin care to | | | | has been damaged by UV radiation. |
| synthetic, can probably be attributed to two | | | | Oils prepared from herbal extracts present |
| things - our laziness (or just the fast pace of | | | | another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, |
| lives) and the commercialisation of skin care. Even | | | | Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some |
| herbal skin care products have been | | | | popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils |
| commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care | | | | (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and |
| products have to be mixed with preservatives in | | | | melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating |
| order to increase their shelf-life, hence making | | | | mix) |
| them less effective than the fresh ones made at | | | | Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also |
| home. However, it seems that things are changing | | | | come under the umbrella of herbal skin care |
| fast and more people are now opting for natural | | | | remedies. |
| and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want | | | | Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine |
| to make them at home and hence the | | | | nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin |
| commercial market of herbal skin care products is | | | | disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal |
| on the rise. | | | | skin care products don't have any side effects |
| So what are these herbs or herbal skin care | | | | (the most important reason for preferring them |
| mechanisms? | | | | over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin |
| Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is | | | | care products can be easily made at home, hence |
| one of the best examples of herbal skin care | | | | making them even more attractive. So, herbal |
| product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural | | | | skin care is the way to go. However, this does |
| hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in | | | | not mean that you totally discard the synthetic |
| healing cuts and treating sun burns. | | | | products. Some people go to the extent of |
| A number of herbs are known to possess | | | | debating with their dermatologist, if he/she |
| cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime | | | | suggests a synthetic product. You should accept |
| flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples | | | | the fact that some skin orders might need usage |
| of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care | | | | of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products. |