The average person’s skin weighs 8 pounds and measures 22 square feet. Our skin changes as we age regenerating itself about every 27 days or so. In order to keep your skin looking its best and healthy, proper care and treatment are essential. Here are three herbs that will help you keep your skin in top shape.
Neem Oil
Both neem oil and neem leaves have been used to treat the skin for thousands of years. The Neem Tree belongs to the Mahogany family and is an evergreen found mostly in India, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. All parts of the tree including the oils, seeds, bark and leaves have health promoting qualities.
Studies have proven that neem oil has antiviral, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Neem oil is loaded with nutrients and contains a high level of antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental toxins. The oil is high in fatty acids and vitamin E, which is easily absorbed into the skin to help rejuvenate tired cells and restore elasticity.
Neem oil will also smooth wrinkles and fine lines, giving skin a healthy glow. Use neem oil if you have acne-prone skin and watch your blemishes disappear. The aspirin-like properties soothe inflammation and irritation while fighting off the bacteria that cause acne, without the side-effects of over-the-counter medications.
Lavender
As beautiful as lavender is, it is equally therapeutic. Lavender has been used for centuries  for various medicinal purposes. Once such use of this fragrant herb is to put a few drops of lavender oil in water before washing. In fact, the Latin word for lavender means to bathe.
Lavender has antiseptic and antifungal properties and is used to treat a number of skin conditions such as acne, and psoriasis. Also used to help promote rapid healing of wounds, cuts, burns and sunburns, lavender helps encourage healing and the creation of scar tissue. Research has also indicated that lavender oil helps with reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Water infused with lavender rehydrates the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and youthful.
Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil is a tropical nut oil from the Pacific Islands. It has strong antioxidant properties and helps to protect skin from free radical damage. It is anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce inflammation and ease sensitive or irritated skin.
When put on burns, it helps with the formation of new skin tissue. A tiny bit of this oil goes a long way and will also kill the bacteria that cause blemishes. Use this valuable oil on cuts, abrasions, stings and any other insult to the skin for prompt healing.
– The Alternative Daily
