NATURE : is not only a cosmetologist, but an expert chemist! She has provided such versatile natural ingredients that enhance the beauty of the skin and hair and have amazing curative properties. The body's response to organic substances is extremely good and there is the advantage of protection from chemical after-effects and irritative reactions. These ingredients may even be categorised under familiar cosmetological terms…..like cleansers, tonics, nourishers, fresheners, astringents, moisturisers, humectants and so on. In fact, an entire range of cosmetic products exists in nature!
Plant and herbal extracts, essential oils and tinctures have several benefits as cosmetics applications. Some have nourishing or cleansing actions, some whip up the circulation, others refine the pores, while some freshen the skin, leaving it soft and glowing. Many promote the skin's capacity to absorb, thus allowing better penetration of the product applied. Natural ingredients have preventive, protective and even corrective actions. Apart from the curative aspect, herbal cosmetic aids are ideal for maintaining the health of the skin and hair.
Sandalwood, eucalyptus, clove, comfrey, camphor, arnica are antiseptic and germicidal agents, yet soothe the skin. They have been formulated into creams and ointments to heal inflammatory conditions of the skin. Sandalwood creams protect the skin against sun damage and control acne conditions, soothing clove packs have been benefited sensitive skin conditions. Some of these extract have the ability to cleanse the skin, without any harsh effect.
Many herbs contain emollient substance, which keep the skin texture soft and smooth. Others provide excellent nourishment. Camomile is an emollient plant. Cabbage, carrot, almond, date, apricot, etc. have been included in nourishing creams as they are "skin food", with high vitamin and mineral contents. Such creams have been used to rejuvenate the skin, improve skin tone and elasticity and minimise wrinkling. Extracts of cactus and aloe have been used to rehydrate the skin. Many herbal products are not only excellent moisturisers, but also prevent moisture loss. In other words, they are natural humectants.
Skin problems arise out of imbalances in the acid - alkaline or the oil - moisture contents of the skin. This is also true of hair disorders, the scalp being an extension of the skin. When we use harsh cleansers, we upset the natural acid-alkaline balance, or cause a depletion of moisture. Herbal extracts and many natural substances like turmeric, shikakai, henna, reetha, lemon egg white, yoghurt have powerful cleansing actions. Plant products contain natural enzymes which help to cleanse the skin of dead cells. At the same time, they prevent imbalances or even correct them. Thus, the good health of the skin is ensured. Extracts of rose have been included in skin tonics for oily skins, removing impurities, refining the texture and improving skin tone. Ginseng, used by ancient Chinese, is an ideal skin cleanser, for its moisturising ability. It also achieves the right balance between oil and moisture.
Not only does Nature have a range so flexible, but there is a variety of products to choose from. Experiments have shown that these can be adapted very successfully to modern demands, in ready - to - use, bottled forms, with longer shelf life. Some natural ingredients are actually preservatives, while others are hardening agents, which can be used as bases for face masks. Many are excellent emulsifiers. Not only that, fruits, vegetables and other herbal extracts and oils have their own delicious aromas and fragrances. These qualities have allowed the manufacture of cosmetics that are truly natural, without any synthetic perfumes and preservatives.
Plant and herbal extracts, essential oils and tinctures have several benefits as cosmetics applications. Some have nourishing or cleansing actions, some whip up the circulation, others refine the pores, while some freshen the skin, leaving it soft and glowing. Many promote the skin's capacity to absorb, thus allowing better penetration of the product applied. Natural ingredients have preventive, protective and even corrective actions. Apart from the curative aspect, herbal cosmetic aids are ideal for maintaining the health of the skin and hair.
Sandalwood, eucalyptus, clove, comfrey, camphor, arnica are antiseptic and germicidal agents, yet soothe the skin. They have been formulated into creams and ointments to heal inflammatory conditions of the skin. Sandalwood creams protect the skin against sun damage and control acne conditions, soothing clove packs have been benefited sensitive skin conditions. Some of these extract have the ability to cleanse the skin, without any harsh effect.
Many herbs contain emollient substance, which keep the skin texture soft and smooth. Others provide excellent nourishment. Camomile is an emollient plant. Cabbage, carrot, almond, date, apricot, etc. have been included in nourishing creams as they are "skin food", with high vitamin and mineral contents. Such creams have been used to rejuvenate the skin, improve skin tone and elasticity and minimise wrinkling. Extracts of cactus and aloe have been used to rehydrate the skin. Many herbal products are not only excellent moisturisers, but also prevent moisture loss. In other words, they are natural humectants.
Skin problems arise out of imbalances in the acid - alkaline or the oil - moisture contents of the skin. This is also true of hair disorders, the scalp being an extension of the skin. When we use harsh cleansers, we upset the natural acid-alkaline balance, or cause a depletion of moisture. Herbal extracts and many natural substances like turmeric, shikakai, henna, reetha, lemon egg white, yoghurt have powerful cleansing actions. Plant products contain natural enzymes which help to cleanse the skin of dead cells. At the same time, they prevent imbalances or even correct them. Thus, the good health of the skin is ensured. Extracts of rose have been included in skin tonics for oily skins, removing impurities, refining the texture and improving skin tone. Ginseng, used by ancient Chinese, is an ideal skin cleanser, for its moisturising ability. It also achieves the right balance between oil and moisture.
Not only does Nature have a range so flexible, but there is a variety of products to choose from. Experiments have shown that these can be adapted very successfully to modern demands, in ready - to - use, bottled forms, with longer shelf life. Some natural ingredients are actually preservatives, while others are hardening agents, which can be used as bases for face masks. Many are excellent emulsifiers. Not only that, fruits, vegetables and other herbal extracts and oils have their own delicious aromas and fragrances. These qualities have allowed the manufacture of cosmetics that are truly natural, without any synthetic perfumes and preservatives.
