Flower-power! Why you need chamomile in your skincare
Who hasn’t had those nights where they sip on a cup of chamomile tea before bed to help calm and soothe the body and mind, especially after you’ve had a long day or you're just generally feeling under the weather.
Chamomile comes from the blooming plant in the daisy family, aka asteraceae and it is a flower rich in terpenoids and flavonoids and has been used over thousands of years to promote sleep, relieve stress, alleviate stomach-aches and ease heartburns and nausea. Historically used by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to treat wounds due to its healing attributes.
The same way chamomile tea can help calm the mind and body, it has similar effects on the skin.
Benefits
Soothing and calming
- By now, I think we all know about the anti-inflammatory properties chamomile possesses that can reduce redness and irritation caused by inflamed skin.
- Studies show that chamomile helps to prevent the signals in the body responsible for inflammation, called prostaglandins. One of the main reasons why chamomile is a great ingredient for people with sensitive skin and skin conditions that constantly face inflammation, like rosacea.
- Chamomile can also relieve inflammation and skin damage caused by sunburns. Some home remedies include placing a cold compress of chamomile tea on the skin to quicken the healing process.
Brightens the skin
- Chamomile is also sometimes referred to as “natural skin bleach” as it helps the skin to appear brighter and more radiant. This is because chamomile is a vasodilator, meaning it works to improve blood flow and oxygen to the skin.
Mild astringent
- Chamomile can also treat acne as it targets the bacteria in the skin and detoxes the skin from any other irritants, whilst preventing future breakouts and balancing sebum production as well.
Antioxidant benefits
- Chamomile is a potent antioxidant, containing polyphenols and phytochemicals that boost cell regeneration, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scarring.
- Like all antioxidants, polyphenols help fight against free radicals and environmental threats that can speed up signs of ageing skin.
Treats wounds
- The mild antiseptic qualities, combined with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make chamomile suitable for treating wounds as it can prevent any infections from taking place.
- Other than facial conditions, chamomile can also be used to treat diaper rash or chickenpox.
What to note?
- Due to the gentle nature of chamomile, there are no known side effects of chamomile, but a patch test is still recommended.
- There are instances where one is confused between chamomile and calendula, another amazing flower ingredient with soothing benefits, the main difference is that chamomile leans more towards soothing, while calendula leans towards healing. You can read more about calendula here.
Products we recommend
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Chamomile and Lavender
Replenish skin with an infusion of calming botanicals and Lavender Essential Water. This facial mist delivers a soothing boost of hydration as antioxidant Vitamin C combats skin-aging free radicals—leaving the skin balanced and bright.
Chamomile Pure Toner is formulated with chamomile flower extract which will help soothe sensitive skin.
Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
A gentle spot treatment cream that provides comfort to rapidly calm & soothe sensitivity. Powered by nature, it contains chamomile oil, which carries powerful skin calming abilities, and Centella Asiatica, which helps hydrate and relieve redness.
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Soothing & Calming Lotion
This body lotion is enriched with oat extract to help lock moisture in for a full 24 hours, and lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang to help calm and relax your mind.
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