26 Jul 5 Summer Skin Problems – Helpful Herbs for a Radiant Complexion
Did you know that a tan is the first sign of skin sun damage?
Summer is the season of sun, fun, and often, skin woes. As much as we love basking in the warm sunshine, it can take a toll on our skin. Dryness, premature age spots, and burns are some of the most common summer skin ailments. But fear not! By integrating the wisdom of herbalism into your daily skin care routine, we can naturally support our skin’s health and maintain a radiant glow all summer long.
As someone who cherishes a self-sufficient lifestyle, I grow my own herbs and vegetables, which deepens my connection to the earth and enriches my skin care routines. Let’s dive into the best herbs for skin care, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into your daily regimen.
The best part? You don’t need to spend a small fortune on thick creams in fancy bottles chock full of chemical ingredients. Nature is always the most natural and cost-friendly option!
Top Herbs for Summer Skin Care
#1 Skin Problem: Sunburn
Helpful Herb: Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant renowned for its soothing and healing properties, especially for sunburned or irritated skin. It’s incredibly easy to grow indoors or outdoors in pots. It thrives in well-drained soil and bright, indirect sunlight.
Benefits:
- Hydrates and moisturizes the skin
- Reduces inflammation and redness
- Promotes healing of sunburns and minor cuts
How to Use It:
- Gel: Snap open a small piece and apply the fresh, sticky gel directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate.
- Face Mask: Mix aloe vera gel with a high-quality honey and a few drops of lavender oil for a calming face mask.
#2 Skin Problem: Rashes & Eczema
Helpful Herb: Calendula
Calendula, also known as marigold, is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This bright, sunny flower is a staple in herbal skin care and is easy to grow in gardens or containers.
Benefits:
- Reduces inflammation and promotes healing
- Soothes rashes, eczema, and minor burns
- Has natural antiseptic properties
How to Use It:
- Infused Oil: Infuse calendula petals in a carrier oil (like olive or jojoba oil) and use it as a soothing skin treatment.
- Salve: Combine calendula-infused oil with beeswax to create a healing salve for cuts and dry skin.
#3 Skin Problem: Minor Burns & Bug Bites
Helpful Herb: Lavender
Lavender is well-known for its calming scent and skin-soothing properties, particularly effective for healing minor burns and bug bites. It’s easy to grow in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, making it perfect for home gardens. Lavender’s soft scent is also deeply relaxing.
Benefits:
- Reduces inflammation and redness
- Promotes relaxation and stress relief
- Helps heal minor burns and bug bites
How to Use It:
- Essential Oil: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your moisturizer or bath water.
- Toner: Brew a strong lavender tea and use it as a calming facial toner. Or stash the tea bags in the fridge until cold and rest them over closed eyes during an afternoon nap.
#4 Skin Problem: Irritated & Sensitive Skin
Helpful Herb: Chamomile
Chamomile is another fantastic herb for calming irritated skin, ideal for sensitive skin. It’s best grown in full sun and well-drained soil, and its gentle nature makes it perfect for soothing redness and irritation.
Benefits:
- Soothes irritated and sensitive skin
- Reduces redness and inflammation
- Promotes healing of minor skin irritations
How to Use:
- Tea: Brew chamomile tea and use it as a soothing facial rinse.
- Compress: Soak a cloth in chamomile tea and apply it to irritated skin areas.
#5 Skin Problem: Redness & Irritation
Helpful Herb: Rose
Rose petals are not only beautiful but also incredibly beneficial for hydrating and toning the skin. Roses prefer well-drained soil and ample sunlight, making them a lovely addition to any garden.
Benefits:
- Hydrates and tones the skin
- Reduces redness and irritation
- Has natural astringent properties
How to Use:
- Rose Water: Create rose water by simmering rose petals in water and use it as a hydrating facial mist.
- Face Mask: Mix rose water with clay for a soothing and purifying face mask.
A Natural Approach to Summer Skin Care
Growing and using your own herbs provides a sustainable, eco-friendly way to care for your skin. It connects you to the natural world and offers a sense of accomplishment and well-being. Here are some tips for integrating these practices into your daily routine:
- Consistency is Key: Regularly use herbal treatments to maintain your skin’s health and resilience.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Protect Your Skin: Use natural sun protection like aloe vera and wear protective clothing when spending extended periods outdoors. Reapply any sun protection after swimming or sweating.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporate fresh, nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet to support skin health from within.
By embracing herbalism, you can naturally support your skin’s health and enjoy a radiant, glowing complexion all summer long. This holistic approach not only nurtures your skin but also enriches your mind and spirit, fostering a deeper connection to nature and self-care.
To learn more about herbs for holistic wellness, grab your copy of my book, available here: Natures Pantry Everyday Herbs for Herbal Remedies
Embrace Natural Radiance…
Are you ready to transform your summer skin care routine with the power of herbal treatments? As an herbal enthusiast and Reiki practitioner, I’m here to guide you on this journey. Together, we can cultivate a lifestyle that prioritizes natural wellness and sustainable beauty.
Reach out to me to learn more about how we can personalize this journey to fit your skin’s unique needs. Embrace the natural path to radiant wellness and beautiful skin this summer!