Best Facial care herbs for all types of skin

 Natures Goodness
We all want healthy looking skin therefore we return to nature.
 Herb  have been used to help treat skin problems, improve skin quality and enhance the skin’s appearance.
Herbal skin care is extremely personal. You are unique and so is your facial skin. Depending upon your genetics, age, climate and environmental conditions, the best herbs to use for skin care will vary greatly.

	Used for?	Name of herb and skin care description
	Toner Mature Skin Acne Oily Skin	Basil, Ocimum basilicum, a mild astringent, is a good cleanser and tonic for skin.  Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory  properties help with a wide range of skin problems including acne. Basil has been used for thousands of years as an anti-aging remedy due to the high antioxidant content which prevents free radicals from damaging skin cells.
	Acne Irritated >Skin	Burdock, Arctium lappa, rich in fatty acids that stimulate blood flow, increase blood circulation and eliminate toxins, has been used for centuries for treating all forms of chronic skin problems. The root is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties making it an excellent acne herb and natural acne treatment.
	Astringent/Toner Irritated Skin	Calendula, Calendula officinalis, known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and skin healing properties helps decrease skin irritation and inflammation of sensitive and acne prone skin. Effective in treating sun burn, acne, eczema, inflamed skin and rashes it also nourishes and softens skin.
	Astringent/Toner Dry Skin Irritated >Skin Congestion	Chamomile, Matricaria recutita, with its emollient, healing, tonic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has a soothing and calming effect on troubled skin. It contains azulene which helps to reduce puffiness and cleanse pores of impurities. Chamomile in a facial steam may also be useful in relieving a tension headache and stress.  Chamomile relaxes smooth muscles which helps with chest tightness due to congestion.
	Irritated >Skin	Chickweed, Stellaria media, useful in treating inflammatory skin conditions, brings relief from chronic itching caused by eczema, psoriasis and other rashes. Chickweed salve moisturizes dry or chapped skin.
	Acne Irritated Skin	Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, root helps the body dispose of unwanted skin bacteria. A rich source of vitamins A, B, C, D and trace elements, the root is is beneficial in promoting clear skin and excellent for treating skin disorders such as acne. It is applied topically to treat eczema and other skin conditions.
	Acne Mature Skin	Elder Flowers, Sambucus nigra, is the oldest herb cultivated by man. They are mildly astringent and help soothe dry mature skin. Elderflower tea was used to fade freckles, age spots and skin blemishes. Elder flowers have been used for thousands of years to treat skin inflammation.
	Congestion	Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus, acts as an antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, decongestant, expectorant and insecticide. Since the leaves contain a chemical called eucalyptol, which may help loosen phlegm, it is often used to help treat cold congestion and bronchitis.
	Dry Skin Mature Skin	Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, is a useful treatment for prematurely aged, sun-damaged and wrinkled skin. It can clear and tone skin, balance skin oils and reduce wrinkles.  A great source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, fennel seeds are known to have properties that help diminish the effects of aging.
	Irritated >Skin	Figwort, Scrophulara nodosa, is commonly been used in the treatment of skin problems that result in an itch or irritation, such as eczema or psoriasis. It has been used to speed the healing of burns and wounds.
	Acne	Green Tea, Camellia sinensis, is naturally rich in a group of antioxidants called polyphenols. These antioxidants are responsible for neutralizing the damaging effects of free radicals that damage skin and rejuvenating skin cells. A mild astringent, green tea is used  to cleanse, tone and purify the skin. One popular folk remedy used is to place damp teabags on your eyelids to reduce swelling, puffiness and dark circles. A mixture of green tea and honeysuckle called "pimple tea" is a popular Asian remedy for acne.
	Mature Skin	Helichrysum, Helichrysum arenarium,  is an excellent choice for anti-aging skin care formulations. An infusion of helichrysum can help heal scarring, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, calm inflammation and regenerate skin cells. It's natural anti-inflammatory properties, make it helpful for acne prone skin, irritated skin and combination skin.
	Mature Skin	Hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, or Javakusuma, a natural emollient, is great for softening skin. A natural antioxidant, hibiscus firms and lifts the skin. The flowers contains a firming agent that has a natural Botox type effect that helps calm skin and smooth out wrinkles.  Its high mucilage content helps hydrate skin.
	Irritated >Skin Mature Skin	Holy Basil (Tulsi), Ocimum sanctum, is used in facials to fight acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. As a powerful antioxidant, it helps in preventing early signs of aging signs and makes the skin more youthful. Tulsi is helpful in conditioning the skin by improving blood circulation thereby helping cells receive the nutrients and oxygen.
	Irritated Skin	Honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, flowers and leaves helps stimulate circulation and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve skin rashes including eczema and psoriasis. Honeysuckle is also used to help treat and cure acne on the face and body. It has vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help nourish and heal the skin.
	Dry Skin	Jasmine flowers, Jasminum officinale, have skin-softening properties and are beneficial to dry, sensitive or inflamed skin. Jasmine flowers have antibacterial and antifungal properties, nourish skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and increase skin elasticity. Jasmine has been used for beauty purpose since the ancient Ming Dynasty in China.
	Oily Skin Congestion	Juniper Berries, Juniperas communis, have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic >properties that> help balance skin oils, help with oily skin and have a healing effect on acne and inflamed skin conditions. Steam inhalations of juniper berries is an excellent treatment for colds, coughs and excessive phlegm.
	Mature Skin	Lady's Mantle, Alchemilla vulgaris, possesses excellent tissue firming properties. It helps soothe, cleanse and heal dry, sensitive skin and rashes in skin irritations such as eczema. A good astringent to help decrease large pores, Lady's Mantle is often found in anti-wrinkle creams.
	Dry Skin Mature Skin Oily Skin	Lavender, Lavendula officinalis, has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti fungal and anti-septic properties that can be helpful for those suffering from acne. Its ability to balance oil production makes it a great choice for those with combination skin. It helps calm stressed skin, increases blood circulation reduces local pain on inflamed skin, stimulates the growth of new skin cells and promotes healing. Lavender is a great herb for all skin types.
	Astringent/Toner Oily Skin	Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, a mild astringent with antibacterial properties, is great for oily and acne prone skin types.  It helps tone, balance and refresh the skin. It cleanses and closes open pores and has a soothing effect when used as a face toner or facial steam for dull, sensitive skin.
	Astringent/Toner Oily Skin Acne	Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratum, has astringent and tonic properties that help balance skin oil, minimize pores and firm the skin. An anti-fungal and anti-bacterial herb, lemongrass can help limit bacterial and fungal growth on the skin.
	Acne Irritated >Skin	Licorice root, (Yashtimadhu) Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a traditional herbal remedy used in India and around the world. The root has strong anti inflammatory properties that will both soothe the skin and inhibit the production of irritants which contribute to skin conditions such as acne.
	Irritated Skin Oily Skin Dry Skin	Marsh Mallow, Althaea officinalis, has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and help calm irritation and inflammation. Valued for its ability soften skin, emollient marsh mallow helps skin maintain its natural moisture level without increasing oil production. It also tones down blotchy complexions and helps with blemishes.
	Acne	Neem, Azadirachta indica, naturally astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal has been recognized in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Its leaves and bark are used to heal rashes, minor wounds and a myriad of skin conditions.
	Acne/Toner	Oregon Grape Root, Mahonia aquifolium, is similar in chemical structure to goldenseal and has very similar healing properties. They both contain berberine which has been shown to stimulate the immune system and help protect against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It also contains tannins that ease skin irritation, inflammation and itching. Studies have shown that when used in skin washes, it helps deter the over production of skin cells that occurs in placque psoriasis.
	Astringent/Toner Dry Skin Congestion	Peppermint, Mentha piperita, leaves are widely recognized for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent properties. It stimulates nerve endings and increases local blood flow, which may help with dry skin. Peppermint cools, refreshes and revitalizes, helps restore elasticity, tone tissue and clarify skin. It's astringent properties make it good for oily and large pored complexions.  Peppermint leaves contain menthol, a common ingredient in over-the-counter decongestants. Peppermint leaf steam produces menthol vapors that may help relieve nasal and chest congestion. >
	Irritated Skin Mature Skin	Plantain, Plantago major, rich in beta carotene (vitamin A), calcium and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps nourish, sooth and calm itchy, inflamed and irritated skin conditions as it draws out impurities. Plantain oil helps revitalize tired skin and is often found in anti-aging treatments.
	Irritated >Skin Mature Skin	Red Clover, Trifolium pratense, a natural anti-inflammatory, has been used for centuries to help with many types of skin problems. It is one of the most useful remedies for children with eczema. It is also useful for the treatment of other skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne.>
	Astringent/Toner Oily Skin	Red Raspberry, Rubus idaeus, leaves act as an astringent by tightening the top layers of skin. Great for people with oily skin or those suffering from acne, raspberry leaves can relieve irritation and improve tissue firmness.
	Astringent/Toner Dry Skin Mature Skin	Rose Petals, Rosa spp, has healing properties that are useful in treating mild  inflammation.  It's has a cleansing, astringent, toning, moisture retaining, stimulating and soothing effect.  It's moisturizing and nourishing qualities give a boost to all skin types. Rose is particularly beneficial to dry, sensitive skin, it is also great fro mature skin as it may help to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
	Mature Skin	Rose Hips, Rosa spp, are packed full of vitamins and minerals. The oil contained in rose hips is useful for treating dry and mature skin. In a facial steam, rose hips may be included to reduce signs of aging and provide moisture.
	Astringent/Toner Dry Skin Congestion	Rosemary, Rosemarinus officinalis,  stimulates blood circulation by improving blood flow to the skin.  As an invigorating toner and astringent, rosemary  helps restore elasticity.  Great for dull, lifeless or oily skin, it antibacterial properties help with blackheads. >
	Astringent/Toner Oily Skin	Sage, Salvia officinalis, rich in antioxidant, astringent, and antibacterial qualities, soothing sage leaves are great for oily skin and for wrinkled, sagging complexions.  Sage cleanses, stimulates blood circulation, closes pores and restores elasticity.
	Acne Astringent Irritated Skin	Self Heal, Prunella vulgaris, high in anti-oxidants and tannins, has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties. It has long been used topically to treat acne, rashes, scarring, eczema and skin irritations.
	Irritated >Skin	Speedwell, Veronica officinalis, is a soothing herb that helps relieve chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.  It has some astringent properties and helps relieve itching.
	Acne Astringent/Toner Oily Skin Congestion	Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, has antiseptic and antifungal properties that cleanse, heal and soothe inflamed skin. Thyme is often used for deep cleansing.  Studies have shown that thyme has antibacterial properties greater than benzoyl peroxide, which is the active ingredient in anti acne preparations.
	Oily Skin Astringent/Toner	Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, leaves are astringent and help deep clean oily skin. It can soothe red, irritated skin, while helping to prevent acne. Witch Hazel can be used on all skin types, but is especially great for combination skin.
	Astringent/Toner Oily Skin Congestion	Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, flowers are used for their astringent, healing and soothing effects on the skin.  Yarrow strengthens skin tone and can be used for problem, oily skin, large pores and wrinkles.  It's strong soothing properties can be helpful to those suffering from inflamed skin or chronic redness. Yarrow steam may also help relieve inflammation of mucous membranes and bronchial tissues.