12 of the Best Herbs for Skin Care and How to Use Them

The skin is the largest organ that our bodies have, effectively providing the first line of defense against the outside world. Cosmetically, most people like to keep their skin looking vibrant and feeling smooth. While there are several over-the-counter skincare solutions at local stores, natural herbs are also a consideration. Here, we’ll explore some of the best herbs for skin care and how you can incorporate them into your skincare regimen.

What are Herbs?

Herbs are flowers, leaves, or plants that can be used for culinary or medicinal purposes. Most herbs are non-woody in appearance and carry incredible properties that can be used for a multitude of reasons. Herbs have to be used in small doses, though especially when used for food flavoring. Here are a few of the most common herbal categories:

Culinary Herbs

Most herbs and spices are common in the culinary world. In fact, many of them contain medicinal properties that aid in healthy digestion. One common reason why people use herbs is because of their incredible healing properties. Herbs were used in the ancient era to promote gut health. Other culinary herbs also possess healing properties that are often found in skincare.

Medicinal Herbs

Even with our advances in science, medicinal herbs are still popular today. These herbs are commonly used to promote gut health, cure diseases, or even to alleviate pain.

However, medicinal herbs can be toxic when used in large doses. They should be used sparingly to combat health issues and maintain optimum health. For example, some weeds are known for their medicinal value and offer benefits in the health and wellness industry.

Tonic Herbs

Tonic herbs are known as herbs that are safe to consume, even in large doses. While these herbs are used in medicine, their incredible properties and low amount of toxicity make them ideal for maintaining the health of your skin. Some tonic herbs can also help you lose weight and tone your entire body. Other tonic herbs can keep your skin balanced, clear and nourished.

Skincare and Herbs

There are also herbs that are commonly used in skincare. Some of their benefits include the look of radiant and healthy skin. When you apply them to your face, the antibacterial properties clear up acne and repair skin tissues that have been damaged by the sun and other outside elements. The best herbs for skin care will combat the signs of aging and provide smooth skin that’s hard to achieve with most other products.

There is also herbal oil for skin that can be incorporated with any skincare regimen. Herbal oil can make your skin will look luminous and glowing. Plus, you’ll reap the benefits from the herb’s medicinal properties.

12 Of the Best Herbs for Your Natural Skincare Regimen

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is either freshly squeezed from the leaves or commercially bottled. It soothes the skin and treats burns, insect bites, rough skin, rashes and wounds. It’s also an incredible moisturizer that can tone and correct the skin. Aloe vera is ideal for normal-to-dry and oily skin types.

When shopping for aloe vera, make sure that the gel contains 1% citric acid and is a natural preservative. You also want to make sure it’s all-natural and made from raw juice. You can even keep a few aloe vera plants in your home to make your own aloe vera gel. Its texture and consistency make it the ideal herbal oil for skin.

Oat Straw

Oat straw is generated from the stems of the oat plants. The stem releases a sap that’s milky in texture. This sap contains properties such as calcium and silica. Oat straw makes a perfect organic face wash and can be combined with essential oils or used alone as an herbal oil for skin.

Oat straw can be used to combat most skin conditions and to balance your blood sugar levels. You can add this herb to tea or mash it into extracts and add it to food.

Basil

Basil contains amazing properties stored in the leaves of the plant. Since basil’s properties are antiseptic, it can be used to treat a wide range of skin conditions from acne to ringworms. The juice or gel of this plant is often used topically to treat most common fungal infections. Basil is also ideal for those with acne or bacterial problems.

Horsetail

Horsetail is another name for shave grass that’s commonly used for exfoliating the skin. This herb is an astringent that contains silica, which promotes the suppleness of your skin. Horsetail can also be consumed in tea but is best used in dried and powdered form. You can also add horsetail to your bath to promote healthy skin.

Calendula

The orange parts of the calendula flower contain anti-inflammatory, calming, and healing properties. It’s one of the least astringent and antiseptic properties on this list, which makes it ideal for treating acneic, chapped, damaged, or irritated skin.

Calendula, an excellent herbal oil for skin, contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that treat most common skin conditions. It’s also good for getting rid of bruises, cuts, scars, and sores. Calendula is safe to use on all skin types, including those with extremely dry, damaged, or sensitive skin.

Alfalfa

The alfalfa plant has nutrients and properties that are found in the leaves and seeds. It also contains carotene, which has vitamin A, an antioxidant that contributes to healthy hair, skin and nails. Also, alfalfa has amino acids, vitamin K, chlorophyll and trace amounts of other minerals. These properties and attributes are almost always found in organic alfalfa, not GMO.

Chickweed

Chickweed is incredibly soothing when applied to the body. It also contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties. Chickweed treats a wide variety of skin conditions, including burns, chapped skin, dermatitis, eczema, insect bites and wounds. It’s safe to use on all skin types as it treats dry skin that’s been damaged by outside elements.

Nettles

Nettles is wonderful for treating inflammatory skin diseases, especially in children. It’s also useful for clearing up eczema and treating skin wounds and ulcers. If you’re interested in harvesting nettles in your garden, you should wear gloves to reduce your risk of being pricked or stung. Nettles can also be consumed in tea since its hairs are neutralizing and safe to digest.

Rose Hips

Rose hips are little known in the health and wellness industry but it’s gaining popularity. It contains vitamin C, which makes it the perfect health tonic since it has immune-boosting properties. Rose hips can also be consumed in capsules or hot tea. When it comes to skincare, rose hips can be used as part of a facial or mask.

Comfrey

Comfrey’s properties can be found in its flowers, leaves and roots. These properties can be used for anti-inflammatory and regenerative purposes. Comfrey is also ideal for dry skin since it can treat bruises, burns, eczema and open wounds. For an astringent, it’s incredibly soothing and healing.

You may want to consider using comfrey herbal oil for skin in the wintertime. It’s best for skin that’s been damaged by the environment since it activates the healing process. Comfrey can be used on dry skin, damaged skin and skin that has dermatitis.

Turmeric

Turmeric is found in the rhizome of a plant that looks similar to ginger. Like many other herbs, it also has incredible anti-inflammatory properties. You can use turmeric to treat lesions and other skin injuries.

When ingested, turmeric detoxifies the blood system, which improves your overall health and appearance. Turmeric is sold at most grocery stores or online.

Dandelion

The properties of a dandelion are located in the aerial parts and its roots. Dandelion tea is an excellent way to clear acne. The tea can also help treat boils, eczema and psoriasis. It’s ideal for all skin types, including patients with dermatitis.

How to Use Herbs as Part of Your Skincare Regimen

Some of the best herbs in skincare contribute to the appearance and health of your skin. However, you need to know how to use them properly. Always follow the guidelines and instructions when using any herbs or natural skincare product.

If you want to improve the health of your skin, it’s important to incorporate some other healthy habits. Some of those habits include drinking plenty of water, exercising, practicing meditation, deep breathing exercises and getting plenty of sleep at night.

Book a Consultation Today

Don’t let intentionally malicious information scare you off from using the best herbs for skin care. If you still have questions about skin conditions or want to schedule your appointment, then we can help.

At BHSkin Dermatology, we will address your skin problems and help you find the right treatment for your needs. Call us at 310.205.3555 or 818.914.7546. To look and feel your best, the decision is in your hands!

Author: Don Mehrabi

Don Mehrabi, MD, FAAD, is LA’s leading board-certified dermatologist who treats patients, builds the BHSkin clinics, and raises three kids. This blog builds on medical studies combined with Dr. Mehrabi's first-hand experiences from practicing in Encino-Tarzana, Glendale, and online