FLOWER POWER
Why Your Skin Care Is Getting A Floral Twist This Spring
Fragrant , delicate and beautiful to behold , flowers might not seem like the most obvious choice when it comes to potent problem solvers but it appears there is a place for botanical extracts in the stereotypically scientific world of skin care – and they are delivering real results . The trend for softer , natural-based skin care has started to gain momentum amongst experts as more and more people try to move away from chemicals and lab-based ingredients in the search for something cleaner and greener . While this shift might seem like a complete U-turn in terms of formulation preference , the use of flowers and plants as topical remedies can be traced back as far as the Egyptians , who would make ointments and lotions out of ground up petals and botanical oils .
So which floral fancies do the most good ?
Rose – For Soothing and Regeneration The most regal and recognisable of blooms ,
almost every part of the rose plant is utilised in some way by the cosmetics industry . The petals are pressed to extract valuable skin-plumping essential oils , the fruit is harvested for its powerful antioxidant benefits , and the buds are distilled to make rose water , a refreshing anti-bacterial extract that is added to everything from face mists to serums .
Lavender – For Balancing Oil Production More widely known for its relaxing scent than its sebum-controlling powers , lavender is an amazing ingredient for problematic skins . It cuts through excess oils on the surface while neutralising blemish-causing bacteria before it can upset the skin , helping to minimise and prevent breakouts the more readily it is used .
Chamomile – For Calming Redness This gentle flower was used by the Romans to heal wounds following a battle and its anti-inflammatory benefits are still as effective today . It contains high levels of bisabolol and flavonoids
Sources : HerbWisdom . com
ISSUE # 03 | 2017 | SkinHealthMagazine . com 26