Herbs exhibit numerous beneficial properties, including the ones connected with enhancing one’s beauty. Moreover, skin absorbs them better and they cause less irritations when compared to synthetic chemical compounds. Due to herbs, skin looks younger and hair becomes stronger and more elastic. What are beauty purposes of herbs? What action is carried out by phytohormones, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and mucus substances?
Phytohormones in beauty products – properties
Phytohormones are substances that deliver similar action to female sex hormones. They sweep free radicals away, delay skin aging processes as well as stimulate epidermal regeneration and hyaluronic acid production, which provides skin with moisturisation. Thanks to them, skin becomes better supplied with blood and gets visibly more nourished. For that reason, phytohormones are recommended to treat mature and dry skin type.
Flavonoids in beauty products – properties
Flavonoids is a group of compounds with a very diversified action. They are able to absorb UVA and UVB radiation as well as act inflammatory and fight back allergies, especially when combined with vitamin C. Also, flavonoids catch and remove free radicals and consequently delay skin ageing processes. Since they reduce vascular permeability, they are an important ingredient added to couperose skin cosmetics.
Tannins in beauty products – properties
Tannins bond with proteins to create a protective layer on skin. They act anti-inflammatory, constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling and impede deep toxins penetration. They play a key role in cosmetics designed to deal with excessive perspiration and acne-prone skin.
Saponins in beauty products – properties
A characteristic feature of saponins is their ability to reduce water surface tension and consequently produce lathering water solutions. They can be found in soaps, shower gels, face washes, makeup removing preparations and face toners. They reduce swellings, bring relief to inflammations, increase skin permeability which is strictly connected with improvement of skin tone and better oxygen supply.
Mucus substances in beauty products – properties
They contain disinfecting, soothing and skin reinforcing substances. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic properties as well as they are able to soften skin and lubricate it. Moreover, mucus substances create protective film on epidermis that shield skin against external factors. They are added to cleansing face products targeting dry and sensitive skin type.
Popular herbs and their application in beauty products
What decides that particular herbs are added to beauty products more often than other plants? Of course, their properties. The most commonly-used herbs are:
- aloe that soothes skin irritation and intensively moisturises it;
- arnica because it strengthens and makes walls of capillaries more elastic to prevent breaking;
- lavender that tones, accelerates skin regeneration, soothes irritations and prevents acne;
- burdock is able to soothe psoriasis, deals with seborrhea and acne;
- calendula because of its anti-inflammatory action, it soothes and eliminates skin roughness;
- nettle that tones and regenerates skin, it also combats dandruff and prevents excessive hair loss;
- rosemary is able to bring relief to skin lesions caused by bacteria and stimulates hair bulbs to more effective work;
- chamomile because it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and soothes skin, especially sensitive and allergy-prone skin;
- horsetail that seals capillaries, accelerates skin healing and strengthens hair;
- sage because it displays antiseptic properties, slows down hair loss and cures dandruff.
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