10 Herbs to Incorporate in Your Skincare Routine for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Herbs have been used for centuries to enhance facial care, improving skin quality and appearance.

Are you ready to elevate your skincare routine naturally? Beyond their potent anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties, herbs offer a spectrum of benefits that include hydrating, cleansing, astringency, nourishment, soothing qualities, and healing effects, actively promoting a healthy, glowing complexion from the outside in.

I've discovered that infusing herbs into your skincare routine is not only empowering and joyful, but personalizing it makes it even more effective than merely using essential oils.

Let’s dive into the diverse world of herbal skincare—where personalization meets holistic efficacy—and unlock the secrets to tailor-made, radiant skin.

Here are 10 herbs to consider when incorporating herbs into your skincare routine:

1. Lavender: Known for its calming and soothing properties, lavender can help reduce inflammation and redness on the skin. Its antibacterial properties make it an effective ingredient for treating acne and preventing breakouts.

2. Calendula: With its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, calendula is a great herb for soothing dry or irritated skin. It can also help to heal wounds and prevent scarring.

3. Chamomile: Another calming herb, chamomile can help soothe inflamed or irritated skin, making it a great ingredient for those with sensitive skin. Its antioxidant properties can also help to protect the skin from environmental stressors.

4. Rosemary: This herb has antimicrobial properties, making it effective at fighting bacteria and reducing inflammation on the skin. It can also help to improve circulation, leading to a more even skin tone.

5. Sage: Known for its antibacterial properties can help to fight against harmful bacteria that can cause breakouts and skin infections. Sage is also rich in antioxidants that can protect the skin from free radicals that contribute to premature aging. In addition, sage contains compounds that can help to regulate sebum production, making it an excellent ingredient for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of sage can also help to reduce redness and inflammation in the skin, making it an ideal ingredient for those with sensitive or irritated skin.

6. Yarrow: Yarrow’s flowers are renowned for their astringent, healing, and soothing qualities on the skin. This botanical strengthens skin tone and effectively addresses various skin concerns such as oily skin, enlarged pores, and wrinkles. Its potent soothing properties offer relief for inflamed skin conditions and chronic redness. Additionally, yarrow steam can alleviate inflammation in mucous membranes and bronchial tissues.

7. Thyme: This herb boasts powerful antiseptic and antifungal properties, effectively cleansing, healing, and soothing inflamed skin. Renowned for its deep cleansing abilities, thyme surpasses benzoyl peroxide in antibacterial potency, making it a valuable ingredient in anti-acne formulations.

8. Rose Hips: From the Rosa spp. plant, rose hips are rich in vitamins and minerals, offering potent benefits for the skin. The oil extracted from rose hips is particularly effective for nourishing dry and mature skin. Including rose hips in facial steams can help diminish signs of aging while providing much-needed moisture to the skin.

9. Lemon Balm: This herb possesses gentle astringent properties along with antibacterial effects, making it ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It works to balance and tone the skin while providing a refreshing sensation. Lemon balm effectively cleanses the skin, minimizing open pores, and offers a soothing experience when used as a facial toner or in facial steams, particularly beneficial for dull, sensitive, or maturing skin.

10. Hibiscus: A natural emollient, Hibiscus offers excellent softening properties for the skin. Additionally, its natural antioxidant properties contribute to firming and lifting the skin. Hibiscus flowers contain a firming agent that mimics the effects of Botox, aiding in calming the skin and reducing wrinkles. Moreover, its high mucilage content provides hydration, promoting skin moisture.

You can benefit from herbs by using them fresh or dried in a variety of ways.

1. Infused oils: Infusing fresh or dried herbs in carrier oils (such as jojoba, olive, or coconut oil) is a popular way to incorporate their beneficial properties into bath and body products. The infused oils can be used as a base for body lotions, massage oils, or even in hair care products.

2. Herbal teas: Herbal teas can be used to make a facial steam, or added to bath water or used as a rinse for hair to nourish the skin and hair.

3. Bath salts: Dried herbs can be mixed with Epsom salts or other types of salts to create a fragrant and therapeutic bath soak.

4. Herbal powders: Dried herbs can be ground into a fine powder and added to body scrubs or face masks.

5. Face toners: Fresh herbs can be used to make floral waters, which can be used as a toner or a refreshing mist for the face and body.

Find the recipes for these uses by scrolling through some of my other blog posts in the Herbal Personal Care section.

If I’ve peaked your interest in learning more about using herbs in your own skincare products, check out my ebook Bringing Nature Back Home: A Guide to Natural Bath + Body Care. This guide offers a detailed, step-by-step process for making your own herbal-infused oils and using them in 20 of the most common and essential personal care products.