Flowers have been used in skincare for ages – but they’re still continuing to make an impact in the industry.
Many floral ingredients offer a natural substitute for more traditional or conventional components in skincare and beauty products.
The natural preservatives found in many flowers provide restorative properties.
Today, I’m going to take a look at some of the most popular flowers used in skincare products, talk about their benefits, and examine the “natural ingredients” trend.
A Brief History Of Floral Healing
When you think of flowers and skincare, roses probably spring to mind first.
And they are for sure a prominent power in beauty regimens – they have been for centuries.
But let’s dig a little deeper and uncover all the wonderful ways flora and fauna serve a purpose in health, beauty, and – of course – in skincare.
First, we’ll stop and smell the roses on our quick history lesson.
Rose petals, rose oil, and rose water date back to the ancient Greeks and Romans.
They used it as perfume, in makeup, and to freshen up linens.
They believed roses helped to plump, brighten, and even out the skin.
Rose also contains anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective in preventing acne as well as in treating skin irritations like eczema, dermatitis, rosacea and fungal infections.
Lavender, hibiscus, and calendula have also been used in similar ways for many, many years.
Mostly everyone is familiar with the fresh, relaxing smell of lavender and the succulent, summery scent of hibiscus.
Lavender in particular also actually helps to increase cell renewal, so it can be used for scars, wrinkles, burns, and stretch marks.
Calendula is less known for its smell than its healing powers – it’s often used to reduce inflammation.
During the Civil War, in fact, calendula was used as an active healing agent for that very reason.
And chamomile?
It’s not just for tea!
While it’s known for its soothing effect – and helping us all relax enough to sleep better – it’s been used to help reduce puffiness around the eyes for centuries.
Flowers: Friends With Benefits Aplenty
Through flowers, almost all things are possible!
When it comes to skincare, anyway.
If you want to know more about the healing and beauteous benefits made possible by florals, I’ve created a list of the top floral ingredients you will find in beauty and skincare products.
Here is a comprehensive list from my own floral dictionary.
Now you can brush up on this information to become a floral knowledge buff!
Allantoin
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey root.
Benefits:
- Non-allergenic
- Good for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Soothing and calming
- Protects the skin
Purpose:
It helps protect the skin against external forces (i.e. cold/dry weather, wind), making it an excellent temporary anti-irritant.
Allantoin helps to heal damaged skin and is even believed to stimulate new tissue growth.
Skin is softened and soothed while cell regeneration is stimulated.
Let’s get started!
Also read 12 DIY Natural Remedies: How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on Face
