Want to update your beauty routine and switch to natural alternatives? You can try using herbs and spices for skin. They have been a part of traditional medicine and a go-to remedy for skin care issues, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and spots. Several herbs and spices have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may repair skin tissues and reduce the signs of aging.
In addition, they are cost-effective and have fewer side effects compared to chemical-filled products. If you are keen to give them a try, we have curated a list of the best herbs and spices that may boost your skin health and ways to use them. Keep reading.
In This Article
20 Best Herbs And Spices For Your Natural Skin Care Regimen
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1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains vitamins and minerals that are good for the skin. It may help produce collagen and elastin fibers that make the skin more elastic and prevent wrinkles (1). It may also treat pigmentation and speed up wound healing by improving blood circulation and preventing cell death around the wound (2).
What You Need
- 2-3 aloe vera leaves
How To Use
- Cut open an aloe vera leaf.
- Scoop out the gel.
- Apply the gel to your skin like a moisturizer.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that treat skin irritation, insect bites, and wounds. Studies show that it may help control inflammatory and infectious disorders of the skin (3). It may also help treat psoriasis and atopic and iatrogenic dermatitis.
What You Need
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
How To Use
- Add turmeric powder to the milk.
- Mix them well to make a fine paste.
- Apply the paste all over your face and neck.
- Leave it on for 10-20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water.
StyleCraze SaysTry an aloe vera-turmeric face mask for glowing skin. Add a pinch of turmeric to 1 tsp each of aloe vera gel and honey. Apply on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water.
3. Mint
Mint soothes and refreshes itchy skin. Its strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties may help solve skin problems. It also contains salicylic acid that helps clear clogged follicles. This results in reduced acne and blackheads (4). A study also suggests that the antioxidant activities of mint may help reduce oxidative stress and hyperpigmentation (5).
What You Need
- 10-15 mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons water
How To Use
- Grind the mint leaves.
- Add some water to make paste.
- Apply the paste to the affected area.
- Leave it to dry.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Related: 10 Easy Ways To Use Mint Leaves To Get Rid Of Acne Scars
4. Green Tea
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The benefits of green tea are not restricted to weight loss alone. It may also reduce the risk of skin cancer and reactivate dying skin cells (6). Besides, green tea extracts are claimed to protect the skin from UV-induced damage and treat skin disorders like psoriasis. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the same.
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon steeped green tea
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon honey
How To Use
- Take one tablespoon of steeped green tea.
- Add one tablespoon of baking soda and honey to it.
- Mix them well to form a fine paste.
- Apply evenly over your face.
- Massage the skin in a circular motion.
- Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile has traditionally been used to treat skin irritation, eczema, sunburn, sores, bruises, wounds, and even ear and eye inflammation (7). It is widely used in skin care products for its soothing and softening effect. However, more research is needed to prove these benefits of chamomile.
What You Need
- One cup brewed chamomile tea
- ½ cup oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon honey
How To Use
- Prepare a cup of chamomile tea.
- Mix it with half a cup of oatmeal and one tablespoon of honey.
- Make a paste of desirable consistency.
- Massage the paste into your skin.
- Rinse it off with warm water after 10-20 minutes.
6. Cinnamon
The high cinnamaldehyde content in cinnamon may promote collagen production. Thus, cinnamon extracts may help reduce the appearance of aging signs by reviving the stagnant collagen synthesis (8). The antioxidant properties of cinnamon may also help protect the skin from free radicals (9). It can also help treat mild to moderate facial acne (10).
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
- 3 tablespoons honey
How To Use
- Mix one tablespoon of cinnamon powder with three tablespoons of honey.
- Warm up the mixture in the microwave. Make sure it is not too hot.
- Apply it on your face like a mask.
- Rinse it off after 10 minutes.
Related: 9 Benefits Of Cinnamon, Nutrition, How To Use, & Side Effects
7. Neem
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of neem may aid in treating inflammation, infections, and other skin issues (11). Studies suggest that neem is an effective herb that may boost collagen and elastin production. It is also shown to reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles, water loss, thickening, and skin rashes (12).
What You Need
- 8-10 neem leaves
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
How To Use
- Crush 8-10 neem leaves.
- Mix it with one teaspoon of turmeric powder to get a paste-like consistency.
- Apply it to your face or the affected area.
- You can leave it on overnight or rinse it off after 20-30 minutes.
StyleCraze SaysTry a DIY neem face scrub. Mix 1 tbsp each of neem powder, Multani mitti, and rose water to form a thick paste. Scrub your face gently and wash it off with warm water. Use it twice a week for rejuvenated skin.
8. Thyme
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The phenolic compounds in thyme make it a powerful antiseptic. It can replace your toner and may fight against infectious bacteria on the skin. Its antibacterial and antifungal benefits may help treat pain, rashes, wounds, acne, and sores (13).
What You Need
- 2-3 thyme stems
- 1 bowl of water
How To Use
- Soak thyme in hot water for 20 minutes.
- Apply the thyme-infused water to the affected area with a cotton ball.
- Wait for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
SubscribeRelated: 13 Health Benefits Of Thyme, Nutrition, And Side Effects
9. Basil
Basil’s unique combination of antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities helps in treating skin diseases, infections, and acne. It also accelerates wound healing (14).
What You Need
- 10-15 basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon rosewater
How To Use
- Make a paste of basil leaves with rosewater.
- Apply it to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cold water.
10. Calendula
Calendula boosts skin hydration and firmness (15). A study shows that ointments and creams that contain calendula are more effective in healing wounds and other skin irritants (2). The anti-inflammatory properties of this flower accelerate wound healing, and the sulfur derivatives in it help dry out acne (16).
What You Need
- 10-15 calendula petals
- 100 ml olive or almond oil
How To Use
- Leave some calendula petals out to dry in the sun.
- Fill a jar (up to 75%) with these petals.
- Add olive oil or almond oil to it.
- Seal it with a lid and leave it in a warm place.
- Shake it every few days for 2-3 weeks.
- Strain it with a fine sieve and separate the flower and oil.
- Apply the oil to the affected area as a moisturizer or use it as massaging oil.
11. Lavender
The topical application of lavender oil stimulates collagen production and improves wound healing. It accelerates the formation of wound-healing tissues and the contraction of a wound (17). Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help manage the inflammation caused by psoriasis effectively (18).
What You Need
- Brewed lavender tea
- ¼ cup of alcohol-free witch hazel
- 2 drops of vitamin E oil
How To Use
- Brew lavender tea and let it steep for 20-30 minutes.
- Add the alcohol-free witch hazel and vitamin E oil to the tea.
- Combine all three ingredients and store the mixture in a cool place.
- Apply the mixture to the skin like a toner.
- Shake well before each use.
12. Sage
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Sage contains antioxidants that fight aging signs and free radicals. It can also reduce UV-induced wrinkles (19). It is also a natural astringent for oily and acne-prone skin.
What You Need
- 1 cup green tea
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 2 teaspoons sage oil
How To Use
- Brew a cup of green tea and chill in a refrigerator.
- Add a teaspoon of jojoba oil and two teaspoons of sage oil.
- Mix it well.
- Apply the tea to your face as a toner.
13. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory properties help in soothing sensitive skin and slow down skin aging (20).
The antioxidant and astringent nature of witch hazel help in treating acne, psoriasis, eczema, ingrown nails, cracked or blistered skin, and insect bites. It is also useful as an aftershave (21).
What You Need
- ¼ cup of witch hazel
- ½ teaspoon of vitamin C powder
- 6 drops of lavender essential oil
How To Use
- Mix the vitamin C powder, lavender essential oil, and witch hazel.
- Store the mixture in a dark glass bottle.
- Use it as a toner on your face every time you wash it.
14. Oat Straw
Oat straw contains polysaccharides and silicon dioxide in soluble form that help regulate various skin processes. It helps treat inflammatory and seborrheic skin conditions, especially those that cause itching (22).
What You Need
- 500g oat straw
- 2 liters of water
How To Use
- Add oat straw to water.
- Boil it for 30 minutes.
- Mix with your bath water.
- Soak in the bath for as long as you like.
15. Red Clover
A study conducted on rats has found that red clover stimulates collagen production and reduces skin aging (23). However, research on humans is required to prove the same.
It is also said to promote the healing process of the skin, sores, burns, and ulcers with its antispasmodic and expectorant effects (24).
What You Need
- Red clover tea
- 3-4 drops of any essential oil
How To Use
- Brew a cup of red clover tea.
- Add a few drops of any essential oil of your choice.
- Refrigerate it.
- Apply it all over your face or to the affected area like a toner.
16. Horsetail
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A mixture containing horsetail along with various other plants and seeds was found to inhibit elastase enzymes that break down elastin and collagen. Its silicon content may also reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity (25). Studies have also shown that the topical application of an ointment with horsetail promotes wound healing and helps relieve pain (26).
What You Need
- 1 cup of water
- 2 teaspoons dried horsetail
- ¾ cup of almond oil
- 2 tablespoons shaved beeswax
How To Use
- Boil the dried horsetail in the water. Let it brew for 10-20 minutes.
- Strain out the horsetail and retain the herbal infusion. Keep it aside.
- Mix the beeswax and almond oil in a cup and place it in a saucepan of water. Heat it up on a low flame until the beeswax dissolves.
- Let it cool for 2 minutes.
- Blend the herbal infusion on high speed with the lid on.
- Slowly add the beeswax mixture to the herbal infusion. Continue adding until the mixture attains a lotion-like consistency.
- Apply the lotion to your face or the affected area.
- Rinse off with warm water after 20 minutes.
17. Alfalfa
Alfalfa extracts have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This herb may prevent photoaging and oxidative stress related to skin diseases (27). Alfalfa contains genistein that helps accelerate skin repair (28). Therefore, you can use alfalfa extracts to repair skin and reduce the appearance of aging signs.
What You Need
- 2-3 alfalfa stems
- 1 bowl of water
How To Use
- Soak the alfalfa stems in hot water for 20 minutes.
- Apply the water to your face with a cotton ball.
- Rinse it off with warm water after 20 minutes.
18. Chickweed
Chickweed helps boost wound healing. Its emollient properties soothe the skin affected by itching and irritation (29). It can also be used as an antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antipruritic, and emollient agent. The whole plant can be applied as a plaster on swollen areas due to its anti-inflammatory properties (30).
What You Need
- 8-10 chickweed leaves
- 1-2 teaspoon rosewater
How To Use
- Make a paste of chickweed leaves with rosewater.
- Apply to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with cold water.
19. Rosemary
Rosemary contains caffeic and rosmarinic acids that have antioxidant effects. These help prevent the signs of aging caused by the UV rays of the sun. Its antibacterial property is also effective against acne (2).
What You Need
- 3 tablespoons oats
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground rosemary
- 1 teaspoon honey or water
How To Use
- Grind the oats and rosemary together.
- Add some cold water or a teaspoon of honey and mix to form a paste.
- Apply the paste all over your face.
- Scrub it in circular motions.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off.
20. Dandelion
Dandelion may protect the skin from sun damage and photoaging (31). Its extracts may also reduce acne, and treat warts, eczema, and other skin conditions (32).
What You Need
- 3-4 dandelion roots
- 5-6 calendula flowers (if needed)
How To Use
- Add dandelion roots to boiling hot water. You may also add some calendula flowers.
- Take steam with this water for about 15 minutes.
- Once cooled down, it can also be used as a facial scrub.
Wondering if these herbs and spices cause any harmful effects on your skin?
Well, the answer mainly depends on your skin condition. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test on your forearm before incorporating these herbs into your skin care routine. Consult a healthcare professional for infections and chronic issues that require immediate attention.
Herbs and spices have been used to treat several skin issues for ages. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of several herbs and spices make them wonderful choices to solve issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, blackheads, and dark spots. In addition, you can use herbs and spices for skin rejuvenation and moisturization. The 20 herbs discussed here may help you achieve healthy skin, minimize the signs of aging, heal skin irritations, and get glowing skin. The more consistent you are, the better the results will be. Also, always do a patch test before using these to avoid adverse effects.
