From daisies to marigolds, flowers have been adored for their loveliness and beauty throughout the ages – but you already knew that! What you may NOT know is that many flowers also possess an array of nutrients that may replenish and heal when applied topically. In many cultures, flowers are included in timeless remedies and some of the most desired natural healing treatments worldwide. In addition to their ability to add an often striking natural color and fragrance to products, floral extracts are valued for their gentle, yet potent curative abilities. Indeed, that may include a variety of beauty and skin care concerns. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help moisturize, soothe, and cleanse skin, the application of certain floral extracts can also be a powerful way to fight premature aging and reverse free radical damage.
With that in mind, you might be wondering which floral extracts will help you address your individual skin care needs.
To help you navigate, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular flower extracts used in skin care today:
Chamomile: Dating all the way back to ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, Chamomile has been used topically to help treat minor skin abrasions and to reduce puffiness and inflammation. Its anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic qualities allow it to address a range of skin concerns including swelling, scars, acne, and dryness.
Scientific Name: Chamomilla Recutita
Eve Hansen Products that contain this extract: Gentle Milk Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid Cream, Activated Charcoal Clay Mask
Rose: If the rose were a superhero, its name would be ‘The Rejuvenator’! Aside from their beauty, roses are renowned for their intensely hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties – making this flower ideal for dry and mature skin types. Rose extract can heal broken veins, calm inflamed and sunburned skin, and help to minimize the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles. As if we needed more reasons to love roses, the extract may also be used overnight as an eye bag treatment. Soak a cotton ball in rose water and lightly dab over eyes. You’ll notice a visible improvement in the morning!
Scientific Name: Rosa Damascena
Eve Hansen Products that contain this extract: Rose Water Spray
Safflower: Rich in vitamins, linoleic acid, and omega-6, safflower extract cleanses skin while helping it to retain moisture and better prevent dryness and roughness. For these reasons, safflower is often a key ingredient used to soothe eczema, psoriasis and acne while promoting greater skin elasticity, a healthy glow, and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.
Scientific Name: Carthamus tinctorius
Eve Hanse products that contain this extract: Blue Tansy Facial Oil, Rose Camellia Facial Oil, Instant Hydration Lip Plumper, Exfoliating Sugar Lip Scrub
Lavender: Regenerative, brightening and soothing – Lavender’s benefits don’t end at aromatherapy. Along with its beautiful hue and scent, Lavender flower has a calming effect on the skin and helps to treat acne and congested skin with its gently antiseptic properties. In skin care products, lavender extract may also help to revive tired and dull skin cells.
Scientific Name: Lavandula Angustifolia
Eve Hansen products that contain this extract: Hyaluronic Acid Cream, Retinol Day Cream, Gentle Milk Cleanser
Marigold: This flower is known for being one of the most potent medicinal flowers. Marigolds protect skin from premature aging and free radical damage while alleviating a variety of health and skin care concerns. Its anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities make it an effective acne treatment as well as a natural remedy for skin irritations like dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, and various fungal infections.
Scientific Name: Calendula Officinalis
Eve Hansen Products that contain this extract: Gentle Milk Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid Cream, Retinol Day Cream, Activated Charcoal Clay Mask
Sunflower: Rich in linoleic acid, the use of sunflower oil is highly recommended for acne and blemish-prone skin. It is also filled with antioxidants that can help to protect and restore damaged skin. In skin care products, sunflower extract has a versatile nature that may enable it to moisturize, cleanse, hydrate, relieve redness and bites, and to lighten dark spots.
Scientific name: Helianthus Annuus
Eve Hansen Products that contain this extract: Vitamin C Night Repair Cream
We hope we’ve inspired you to embrace flower power in all of its glory! Happy spring, all!
