There are a number of botanical ingredients that have been used in skincare and medicine for thousands of years. Today, we’re able to combine these natural ingredients with up-to-date technology to derive the most from them, getting the best results for our skin.
Below, we look into some of the best botanical skincare ingredients, to see what advantages they can bring and how we can use them in our skincare routine.
Rose water
Rose water not only brings a beautiful, gentle scent to skincare, but it also has many other benefits. Rose water is rich in antioxidants, so it helps to protect skin from environmental stressors. It can reduce redness and inflammation and calm irritation, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Rose water can also help to fight signs of aging, by firming and plumping the skin. This helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Rose water is hydrating, so a rose water face cream is a great way of moisturizing the face and leaving a healthy, dewy glow.
Orange blossom water
Orange blossom comes from the bitter orange plant, not from orange trees. It’s often used in toners as it can help to cleanse and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of pores and clearing away impurities.
Orange blossom water is packed with vitamins, such as Vitamin C that helps to brighten the skin and also promote collagen production, for younger-looking skin. It’s also rich in B vitamins which help to even the skin tone. Orange blossom water hydrates, refreshes, and soothes skin to leave it soft and glowing.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is commonly used in skincare for its soothing properties. It is anti-inflammatory, so can calm redness and irritation on the skin, helping to even out skin tone. Aloe vera works great on both oily skin, due to its fast absorption, and dry skin. It helps to repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier, so it is also used for hydrating purposes, locking in moisture to keep skin dewy.
Aloe vera is another botanical skincare ingredient rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin E. These help to brighten skin and protect it from damage. It helps to fight the signs of aging and keep skin looking fresh and radiant.
Aloe vera can be used alone or within an exfoliating night serum, to keep skin soothed and calm whilst it’s exfoliated.
Chamomile
Chamomile may be well known for being consumed as tea, but it also has benefits when used in skincare. It can help to calm and soothe irritated skin, reducing redness for an even skin tone. It can be especially beneficial on sensitive skin and it has some healing properties to repair the skin barrier.
Chamomile also has antioxidant properties so can protect the skin from environmental damage. When used regularly, it can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and fade scars. It can also help to fight acne; it has antibacterial properties and can tighten the skin and pores.
Hibiscus flower
Hibiscus flower is a multi-tasking botanical ingredient used in skincare. It contains several naturally-occurring acids that can help to even out discoloration and hyperpigmentation for an even skin tone. They can also gently exfoliate dead skin cells away for a fresh, glowing complexion.
Hibiscus flower can also fight the signs of aging, by preventing the enzyme that breaks down elastin in our skin from working. This helps to keep skin firm. Hibiscus can also help to hydrate and keep moisture locked in, for soft, plump skin.
Hibiscus flower is rich in antioxidants that keep skin protected from free radical damage such as pollutants. Hibiscus flower can help to tighten the skin to reduce the appearance of pores and also calm and soothe redness. It can be used throughout the day as a glow mist, giving you a refreshing boost whenever you need it.