June Flowers Herbs and Skin Care

As the old song goes "June is Busting Out all Over"  and it is with two of my favorite flowers/herbs for skin care.

CALENDULA

My all time favorite herb, Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is the Herb Society of America's herb of the month.  Calendula is used in skin care for it's anti-inflammatory properties. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center Calendula has high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect cells from being damaged by unstable molecules called free radicals. Calendula appears to fight inflammation, viruses, and bacteria. Also great for skin rashes.  It addition it improves hydration and may help firm the skin.  I make an oil infused with the Calendula Petals or an alcohol based tincture and then add one or both to most of my Renew Botanical skin care products.  In addition to the healing properties, the addition of the infused oil add a beautiful pale golden yellow color to my products.

ROSE

Aside from being considered one of the most beautiful flowers with a heavenly aroma, the rose has many therapeutic benefits for the skin.  Whether using the essential oils or rose water most skin types can benefit from the queen of the flowers.  The natural oils found in the rose help retain moisture.  I use rose oil in my blends for Renew Botanicals Hydrating Cream and the Hydrating and Rejuvenating Cream.  Even sensitive skin can benefit from rose oil and rose water due to the high sugar content which is very soothing.  Because of it high antibacterial properties it can be beneficial to some types of acne.  A spritz of rose water on the skin is also very refreshing.  Keep in in the fridge and use on a hot summer day. In addition to skin benefits, the scent of rose oil can be uplifting and is said to help those grieving.  For many it is a favorite in perfume blends but only the pure essential oil...many find synthetic rose fragrance overpowering and can give you a headache.  My favorite flower water is blending rose, rose geranium, chamomile and lemon balm. 

Keep in mind that the essential oil that is steamed distilled is referred to as Rose Otto and has a light fragrance.  The Rose Absolute which is solvent extracted and best used for perfumes has a deeper aroma and needs to be well diluted.

If you haven't I hope you try some products that use these wonderful plants.