The Spice of Beauty: Using Spices & Herbs in Your Facial Care Routine

Spices and herbs taste good and they smell good too, but did you know that they can also help make you beautiful and keep your skin looking young and healthy. Skin care manufacturers are using herbs and spices in your facial products in a major way these days in order to help you be more beautiful, and healthy from the outside in. What are they using and how does it help your skin? Here are seven of the latest spice and herb fads that you will be finding in your facial products.

Fennel

Fennel is good for sensitive skin, it is cleansing and soothing. It can help to purify oily skin and to reduce redness. Use two tablespoons of crushed fennel seeds mixed with a half cup of buttermilk as a facial cleanser. Boil the mixture in a double boiler for about a half hour, strain and let sit for two hours before use.

Cloves

Cloves have antimicrobial properties, which is why they have been used in the dental profession for centuries. Cloves work great for deep cleansing, and can be a great help at combating acne.

Pepper

Pepper helps to increase the blood flow and helps with circulation. It is great for use in massage oils, and it can help keep the face and skin looking young. May be an irritant to those with sensitive skin.

Turmeric

Look for facial items that have Turmeric in the ingredients if you are having a problem with age spots. It helps to remove dark spots, and may be good for blemishes too.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a warming ability that is great to help defeat cold skin. Find it in soaks and scrubs. Cinnamon is not recommended for those with sensitive skin though.

Thyme

Stimulating as an antiseptic. Boil thyme in some water and then strain. Let cool for a couple hours and use as an astringent.

Sage

Sage is cleansing and stimulating. Use it to help tighten pores. Boil sage in some water and then strain. Use as a final rinse after your facial routine to keep your pores from getting filled with your make-up and creams.

Reference

Bremness, L. (1990). Reader's Digest Home Handbooks: Herbs.