In the day and age of beauty and cosmetics, we find it necessary to be very cognizant of the way we look on the outside. However, did you know that what is going on in the inside of your body can really affect your outward appearance?

Factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, toxic (unhealthy) diets, and even environmental exposures can either positively or negatively affect our skin health. There is not enough makeup in the world that can hide our true health, especially if we are continuing to fill our bodies with toxic food items, cane sugar, and unhealthy fats.

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Skin: The Largest Health Organ

With the skin being the largest organ of the body, weighing 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) and lying 22 square feet wrapped around the body, we must take proper precautions to keep it at the optimal function especially being that it is an important organ with essential functions. The functions of the skin include: protection, absorption, excretion, secretion, regulation and sensation. Dysfunction of the skin’s natural homeostasis may set off adverse effects that could affect other systems of the body and reduce the skin's functionality.

The most important ways to maintain skin homeostasis (stability and equilibrium) is to cleanse it with non corrosive products and replenish it with all the vital nutrients needed to rebuild cells and tissues in order to protect the three layers of the skin — epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Herbs do an effective service in the re-station of skin homeostasis no matter what the current state is.

In order to help you optimize skin care and promote lasting skin health, we cover 8 very important herbs that you should include in your skin care regimen!

Herbs for the Skin

It is important to choose the most important herb for your skin needs based on it’s mechanism of action or effect. Some of the most important mechanism of action to consider for optimal skin health are: astringent, antibacterial, cleansing, and moisturizing. Below we have included the top picks used for centuries. These herbs can be used to benefit the skin through facial steam, infusion, DIY creams and self formulated masks!

• Calendula has antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it ideal in the healing of irritated wounds, eczema, burns, blackheads, and even rashes.

• Comfrey contains allantoin and mucilage, which makes this herb ideal in salves and ointments to reduce inflammation and restore tissue integrity .

• Rosemary has been used for hundreds of years for the benefit of the skin and hair. It works to tone the skin and improve circulation .

• Lavender is a soothing herb, that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing characteristics that work to eliminate dry patchy skin, inflammation, acne scaring and breakouts.

• Roses are high in Vitamin C, and essential antioxidants needed to fight inflammation. It has wonderful timing and astringent properties as well.

• Chamomile is a calming herb that serves as a gentle anti-inflammatory to reduce redness and swelling (of zits).

• Lemon Balm contains volatile oils, tannin and bitters that have a relaxing effect on the skin. It has even been used to alleviate herpes (cold sores) lesions. Other proprieties of lemon balm include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and astringent.

• Sage is warming in nature and helps to fight free radicals that disrupt skin homeostasis. It also works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, uncovering beautiful radiant skin cells.

Skin Care Routine

The herbs mentioned above are just a few of our favorites that work to benefit the skin health. In addition to those herbs, it is also vital that you follow a daily, weekly and monthly skin care routine for fresh and youthful skin!

Daily

1. Cleanse the skin well with grains, herbs, oats, nuts, or clay.

2. After cleansing, close the pores with an astringent herb such as lemon balm, chamomile, rose petals, elder flowers, peppermint, calendula, comfrey leaf, or witch hazel bark.

3. Massage in a light serum such as rose hip, or jojoba oil for light moisturizing.

4. Finish with a light spritz of rose water or diluted astringent.

Weekly

Perform above steps and add the use of a hardening mask (honey or clay) that is appropriate for your skin type for 15-20 minutes.

Monthly

1. Cleanse skin with grain as above and rinse.

2. Select an appropriate facial steam using the above herbs best for your skin type for 5-8 minutes .

3. Apply a deep pore facial mask, preferably with natural clay, to help heal blemishes and acne.

4. Rinse clay using circular motions and blot dry skin. Then use an light and gentle astringent depending on skin type.

5. Finish off with a small amount of moisturizing cream, such as a concoction of nut oil, cocoa butter and or beeswax, in a small circular motion until absorbed.

Additional Skin Care Tips

To ensure optimal skin health be mindful of what you choose to put on the inside of your body. This means that you should not only use antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-inflammatories on the skin, but you should also eat food items that are rich in these properties. Organic fruit, vegetables, grains, nut seeds and health oils will continue to promote healthy skin output. In addition, drinking plenty of clean fluoride free water will keep your skin hydrated and youthful.

With the tips of this blog you can expect to be on the right path toward healthy and more radiant skin ! Keep in mind that not everyone’s holistic health journey will be the same. It is important to test out certain formulations based on your skin type and correct them as they apply to you. Be patient with your skin and feed it with the proper nourishment and it will glow .