10 Plants for Skin Care

If your skin is in need of some TLC look no further than your own plant babies! There are many common houseplants that have various benefits to support a healthy and balanced skincare routine. 

Although many mainstream skincare products include plants and herbal remedies, it is essential that you speak with your dermatologist before adding any of these plants to your skincare regimen. 

1. LAVENDER 

The Lavender is a delicate purple, flowering plant that can be grown easily in an outdoor garden or as a houseplant. Lavender is known for its fragrant smell that can typically be found in soaps, shampoos, and candles. In addition to its wonderful fragrance, the Lavender plant also has many skincare benefits. In a 2013 study, Lavender oil was proven to treat a specific bacteria that caused acne. With the application of Lavender oil combined with Aloe extract, the patient's facial acne was significantly reduced.  Lavender oil also includes anti-inflammatory components that are commonly found in essential oils such as linalyl acetate and linalool.  These anti-inflammatory components can soothe skin conditions such as rashes, eczema, and dermatitis. 

2. ALOE VERA 

The Aloe Plant is an easy to care for plant with thick, green spiky leaves. Within the leaves is a slimy gel-like substance  that contains many health and skincare benefits. The gel contains vitamins such as A,C, and E as well as various minerals that calcium, magnesium, and zinc. 

Aloe can be used for a variety of different purposes but it is most commonly used to treat skin damage burns and wrinkle prevention. In a study done with 30 females over the age of 45, each were given two different doses of an Aloe Vera supplement over a 90 day period. The conclusion of the study found that Aloe significantly improved wrinkle appearance and skin elasticity as well as provided an increase in collagen production.

3. ROSES

The Rose is a popular flowering plant that is known for its beauty and fragrant smell. The Rose has soft petals that can be boiled down into an oil. This oil is composed of many anti-aging properties such as vitamins A, C, D, and E. In a 2015 study, the anti-aging properties in roses were recognized as keeping skin moisturized and improving skin elasticity. 

In addition to improving the appearance of wrinkles and noticeable aging, Rose can be used to reduce hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is the appearance of dark spots that are the result of sun damage, hormones,, or change in medications. Packed with vitamin A, Rose oil contains natural retinoids that lighten the skin and lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation

4. MINT

Mint is an easy to grow herb that can be propagated as an outdoor or indoor plant. Mint is often dark green in color and has prickly leaves and stems. Throughout history, Mint has been used for a variety of culinary and healthcare purposes. In Ancient Greece, Mint was used as a perfume for wines as well as a table decoration.

In modern day, Mint is recognized as having many skincare benefits due to containing antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenols. These antioxidants found in mint help heal breakage and skin damage by supporting the natural skin barrier in retaining moisture. In addition to being packed with antioxidants, Mint also contains high levels of Vitamin C which is known to be effective in reducing the appearance of dark under eye circles.

5. TEA TREE

In recent years, Tea Tree oil has become a popular addition to many cosmetics and skincare products. Originating from the Tea Tree in Australia, Tea Tree oil is derived from steaming and crushing the tree’s leaves. The practice of extracting oil from the Tea Tree for medicinal purposes has been used by Aboriginals for centuries. In a 2007 study, 65 patients were given an acne treatment that included 5 percent of Tea Tree oil. This study found that the patients that applied this treatment directly on their skin were six times more likely to have a reduced appearance of severe acne.

For those who want to create their own Tea Tree oil, a mixture of one part Tea Tree oil and nine parts water will create a serum that is safe to apply to the skin and treat areas of acne breakouts. 

6. CAMELINA

Camelina sativa is a flowering plant that has a delicate appearance with tiny white and yellow flowers. Camelina oil originates from the seed of the Camelina Sativa and has been used for medicinal and practical purposes in Northern Europe for hundreds of years. The medicinal purposes of the Camelina plant include skincare benefits such as improving skin tone and moisture through its high levels of Omega-6 and vitamin E. Both Omega-6 and vitamin E contain antioxidants that help repair skin damage and support healthy and moisturized skin. In addition to keeping your skin moisturized, Camelina oil is also used as a treatment in scalp massages, healing dry scalps of irritation and excess dandruff.

7. BAY LEAVES

When you think of a Bay Leaf the first thing that comes to mind is a fragrant herb used to flavor your favorite stew. However, the Bay Leaf is also packed with rich antioxidants and other vitamins that make it beneficial to your skincare routine. Bay Leaves originate from the Bay Tree found in Asia and the Mediterranean.

This evergreen tree has bright green leaves and a thin gray trunk. If boiled in water, the water will absorb the oils from the bay leaves and can be applied to the skin as an acne treatment. Use a cotton ball to apply the serum to your face and leave overnight for best results. In addition to acne treatment, the steam from the boiling bay leaves is believed to give your skin a youthful glow. The extra boiled water can also be boiled and used for future use for acne treatment and toner.

8. ROSEMARY

Rosemary is a popular evergreen herbal plant that is known for its signature fragrance and prickly appearance. Although typically used to enhance recipes, Rosemary also includes vitamins that provide antioxidant and anti-aging abilities.

The main ingredient in Rosemary leaf extract is rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinic acid is particularly soothing for skin conditions such as eczema or severe acne. In a study that focused specifically on Rosmarinic acid applied topically twice a day to treat eczema. The study found that Rosmarinic acid significantly prevented the development of eczema liaisons and swelling. 

9. CALENDULA (MARIGOLD)

The Calendula also known as the Pot Marigold is a perennial that blooms golden daisy-like flowers. Often used for cooking purposes, the Calendula also has skincare benefits. In order to use Calendula for skincare benefits you must dry and grind down the flower petals and infuse them with carrier oil. Be sure to do your research on different carrier oils and choose one that is most suitable for your skin type. 

One study suggests that Calendula oil has the ability to prevent and treat acne by applying to the entire face or to just the breakout spots. In addition to acne treatment, Calendula oil has also been proven to relieve inflammation and relieve irritation from dermatitis.

10. SUNFLOWERS

The Sunflower is a large flowering plant with a thick green stem and often bright orange-yellow petals. These plants can grow up to heights of two meters and bloom between mid-summer and early-fall. Sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the Sunflower plant and contains antioxidants such as vitamin E that slow down the appearance of aging and wrinkles. When applying sunflower oil, place a small drop in the palm of your hand before massaging into your skin. The linoleic acid will help your skin maintain moisture and protect from severe sun damage. In a 2012 study, researchers found that when applied appropriately sunflower oil was found to improve the hydration of the skin as well as support the skin’s natural barriers from sun damage.