When choosing skin care products we often look for items that will help us target the reduction of acne, scarring, and help us heal wounds that may occur. It’s important to read product labels and understand what each ingredient does, not only to understand what we’re using but to understand what exactly is being marketed towards us. Many times we’ll see italicized Latin names for botanical extracts we don’t understand. When you start to research your products, over time it becomes easier to recognize them as many companies will use similar plant extracts. Below you can find a list of six popular plant extracts found in cosmetics and the ways they help us maintain healthy skin.
Witch Hazel - Hamamelis
- Contains tannins, Gallic acid, and physterol
- Helps control blemishes
- Soothes razor burn, diaper rash, poison ivy, and poison oak
- Can treat chicken pox blisters
- Heals bug bites
- Astringent properties help tighten the pores
- Helps remove excess oil
Aloe - Aloe Vera or Aloe barbadensis
- Wound healing
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- 99% water
- Helps moisturize the skin
- Vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene produce anti-aging properties
- Boosts cell reproduction
- Can help lighten scarring
Chamomile - Matricaria chamomilla
- Promotes wound healing
- Helpful in cases of eczema, psoriasis, and acne
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-fungal
- Antiseptic
- Antibacterial
- Promotes healthy glow
- Restores natural moisture
Almond - Prunus dulcis
- Can be used to exfoliate dead skin away
- Vitamin E fights UV damage and prevents wrinkles
- Linoleic acid helps reduce dry skin
- Antioxidants protect against cell damage
- Can help you maintain clear skin
Avocado - Persea americana
- Actually a berry
- Contains Vitamins A, C, and E
- Antioxidants to fight free radicals
- Can help heal the skin after exposure to UV rays
- Can help in cases of eczema and psoriasis
- Anti-inflammatory
- Contains linoleic acid
Calendula - Calendula officinalis
- Anti-inflammatory
- Reduces trans-epidermal water loss (promoting moisture retention)
- Promotes wound healing
- Antimicrobial
- Can help treat diaper rash
- Relieves symptoms of eczema and psoriasis
Resources
- Big bad book of botany - Michael Largo
- Witch Hazel for Skin
- Chamomile Benefits for Skin
- Chamomile Benefits for Skin
- Almond Benefits for Skin
- Almond to Treat the Skin
- Avocado in Cosmetics
- Calendula Benefits for Skin