WATRERBLOMMETJIE:
1. It is used as a folklore medicine and is also an important ingredient in the preparation of ayurvedic medicine. Some species have been used to treat many diseases.
GRAPESEED OIL
2. Grapeseed oil for healthy skin
Many of grapeseed oil’s beauty benefits may be due to its vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acid content. Free radicals and environmental factors such as sun, wind, and pollution can do a number on your skin. They may increase the signs of aging and cause dry skin and discoloration.
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are crucial to skin function and appearance. And omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for skin barrier functioning. The main omega-6 PUFA in grapeseed oil is linolenic acid. This fatty acid may help reduce inflammation in the skin’s middle and outer layers.
Other reasons grapeseed oil is used are to: moisturize skin
heal acne, lighten skin, tighten pores, reduce the appearance of scars, remove makeup.
Grapeseed oil penetrates your skin quickly and doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily. To use grapeseed oil on your face, massage several drops into clean skin before you go to bed at night. You can repeat the process in the morning, if desired. Since grapeseed oil doesn’t clog pores, it’s ideal for all skin types, including oily skin that needs moisturizing.
Grapeseed oil for healthy hair: Grapeseed oil may improve the condition of your hair and scalp. If you have dandruff, which is often caused by a dry scalp, applying emollient grapeseed oil to your scalp can help loosen dead skin and restore moisture.
Grapeseed oil is used as a natural remedy for baldness. Linolenic acid is thought to stimulate hair growth. The oil contains flavonoids called procyanidin oligomers. These are powerful antioxidants. In vitro and in vivo studies show procyanidin oligomers may induce hair growth, but more research is needed.
GLYCERIN
3. Glycerin is a humectant, a type of moisturizing agent that pulls water into the outer layer of your skin from deeper levels of your skin and the air. In skin care products, glycerin is commonly used with occlusives, another type of moisturizing agent, to trap the moisture it draws into the skin. According to a 2016 study, glycerin is “the most effective humectant” available: to increase hydration on the top layer of your skin, in comparison with numerous others, including: alpha hydroxy acids, like lactic acid and glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol and butylene glycol
sorbitol, urea.
BULBINE
4. The results of this study suggests that the leaf extracts increase tensile strength by increasing fibroplasia, differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, and increased collagen deposition and maturation. This study further validates the use of the Bulbine leaf gels for the treatment of skin wounds.
Vit B3 (NIACINAMIDE)
5. Niacinamide, or nicotinamide, is a type of vitamin B-3. Taking it can help prevent B-3 deficiency and may treat acne and eczema. More research is needed, however.
Overall, niacinamide can help build proteins in the skin and lock in moisture to prevent environmental damage.
Individual benefits include: Immunity. Niacinamide helps build keratinTrusted Source, a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy.
Lipid barrier. Niacinamide can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrierTrusted Source, which can, in turn, helps retain moisture. This is beneficial for all skin types, especially if you have eczema or mature skin.
Minimizes redness and blotchiness. Niacinamide reduces inflammationTrusted Source, which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Minimizes pore appearance. Keeping skin smooth and moisturizedTrusted Source may have a secondary benefit — a natural reduction in pore size over time.
Regulates oil. The benefits of moisture retention aren’t just for those with dry skin types. Niacinimide can also help regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevent your glands from going into overdrive.
Protects against sun damage. Niacinamide can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
Treats hyperpigmentation. Some research has found 5 percent niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots. Benefits were seen after four weeks, but not beyond two months. This benefit may be due to increased collagen production.
Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Research has also found that the same concentration was helpful in reducing some signs of sun damage that come with aging. This includes fine lines and wrinkles.
Protects against oxidative stress. Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins.
Treats acne. Niacinamide may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture.
PAPAYA
6. According to a 2013 paper, the many benefits of papaya can be attributed to the high content of vitamins A, B, and C. Its proteolytic enzymes, such as papain and chymopapain also have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Papayas have gained popularity as a natural home treatment, and for their use in skin and hair products. Their benefits vary and are summarized; Skin benefits: wrinkle reduction, acne control, melasma treatment. Hair benefits: conditioner, hair growth, dandruff prevention.
Wrinkle reduction: Papaya is rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, that may defend against the visible signs of aging.
A 2015 study indicated that much of the skin damage and wrinkling that occurs with aging can be attributed to excessive free radical activity.
According to a later study, these antioxidants can help fight free radical damage which may help your skin remain smooth and youthful.
Papaya may also help improve the elasticity of your skin according to 2012 research on rats. This improvement in skin elasticity could minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
A 2014 study of older women who consumed a mixture of antioxidants including vitamin C and lycopene, had a measurable reduction in the depth of facial wrinkles.
Acne control: The enzymes papain and chymopapain in papaya can decrease inflammation. The protein-dissolving papain can be found in many exfoliating products. These products help reduce acne by removing dead skin cells that can clog pores.
Papain can also remove damaged keratin that can build up on the skin and form small bumps. A 2017 studysuggested that papain is a viable treatment for scarring.
Papaya is also rich in vitamin A. Although it’s believed that vitamin A might play a role in the development and treatment of acne, the impact of diet on acne remains unclear.
Melasma treatment: Papaya is a popular home remedy for melasma. Proponents of natural healing suggest that the enzymes, beta-carotene, vitamins, and phytochemicals in papaya have skin lightening properties.
Although unsubstantiated by clinical research, they claim that these qualities — combined with the clinically proven action of papain in dissolving inactive protein — can lighten and soften the skin.
Hair conditioning: According to a 2012 study, the vitamin A in papaya can have positive effects on hair by helping your scalp produce sebum which nourishes, strengthens, and protects your hair.
Hair growth: According to a 2018 study, compounds in papaya, including lycopene, showed “a potent hair growth stimulating activity.”
Dandruff prevention
One of the main causes of dandruff is a yeast-like fungus known as malassezia. A 2011 article indicated that the antifungal properties of papaya seeds can assist in both controlling and preventing dandruff.
CASSIA
7. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from Cassia angustifolia, Rheum palmatum, Coptis chinensis, Phellodendron amurense and Scutellaria baicalensis, plants used in traditional East Asian medicine against different skin disorders, was studied. Though in different degree, all the extracts significantly inhibited the edema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), in both single or multiple application, oxazolone, and arachidonic acid (AA). None of the extracts inhibited in vitro the activity of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) from Naja naja.
JOJOBA OIL
8. When applied topically, constituents of plant oils (triglycerides, phospholipids, FFAs, phenolic compounds and antioxidants) may act synergistically by several mechanisms: (i) promoting skin barrier homeostasis; (ii) antioxidative activities; (iii) anti-inflammatory properties; (iv) direct and indirect (upregulation of antimicrobial peptides) anti-microbial properties; (v) promoting wound healing; and (vi) anti-carcinogenic properties.
9. It’s moisturizing. Jojoba oil is a humectant ingredient. This means that it works to attract water to the top layer of the skin, helping to keep the skin hydrated. This may help prevent bacterial infections, acne, and dandruff from forming.
Jojoba oil contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties. While lab testsfound that jojoba oil doesn’t kill all bacterial or fungal species, it does kill certain bacteria and fungi that can cause salmonella, an E. coli infection, and candida.
Jojoba oil is an antioxidant: can help your skin fight oxidative stress caused by everyday exposure to pollutants and other toxins.
It’s noncomedogenic: Although jojoba oil is a botanical substance, its makeup is so similar to the oil (sebum) your body naturally produces that your skin can’t tell the difference. This makes it less likely to build up on your skin and clog your pores, leading to fewer breakouts and less severe acne.
It’s hypoallergenic: On a molecular level, jojoba oil is a wax. Although it can be absorbed into your skin, its waxy nature allows it to create a soothing seal on the surface.
Unlike other botanical essential oils, jojoba oil is typically nonirritating. Allergic reaction is rare.
It helps control sebum production
Jojoba oil regulates sebum production because it’s so similarTrusted Source to the sebum that your body produces naturally.
When you put jojoba oil on your skin, your skin is soothed and moisturized. This sends a signal to your hair and sweat follicles that your skin doesn’t need additional sebum for hydration. This keeps skin from looking oily and helps prevent acne caused by clogged pores.
It may help promote collagen synthesis
The antioxidants in jojoba oil may help your body produce collagen. Collagen is a protein that’s in your skin and joints as well as the parts of your body made of cartilage.
Collagen levels decrease as you get older. This is part of the reason your facial structure changes as you age. At least one studyTrusted Source links antioxidants applied to the skin to improved collagen synthesis.
It may help speed up wound healing
Jojoba oil is a promising ingredientTrusted Source in stimulating wound healing. Preliminary research showsTrusted Source that jojoba oil encourages your skin cells to bind together after they’ve been separated by a scratch or cut. This may also be the reason for its ability to treat acne and acne scarring. These wound-healing properties could be connected to jojoba oil’s concentration of natural vitamin E. It may help soothe eczema, psoriasis, and other drying skin conditions
Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Topical application may help relieve dryness, flaking, itching, and related symptoms. People who have inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema may find jojoba oil especially beneficial.
It may help soothe sunburns. Jojoba oil is a popular ingredient in some natural sunscreen products. One study suggests that vitamin E, when combined with other antioxidants, can help protect your skin from sun damage. Jojoba oil contains both.
Sun damage can dehydrate your skin and cause flaking. Jojoba oil restores vitamin E, adds moisture, and promotes healing to soothe these symptoms of sunburns.
It may help treat acne: At least one clinical trial indicates that jojoba oil can help keep acne at bay. Jojoba oil has soothing anti-inflammatory agents, healing properties, is moisturizing, and is a natural antimicrobial. These properties suggest that jojoba oil could help you avoid breakouts as well as promote healing for mild acne.
It may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Oxidative stress can be linkedTrusted Source to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There’s no research that links jojoba to treating wrinkles and fine lines directly, but other plant products with antioxidant properties have been shown to improve the elasticity of skin. This means that the antioxidant power of jojoba oil may help slow the signs of aging when used on your skin.
It may help minimize the appearance of scars
Vitamin E has long been recommended by health professionals to help with scarring. Research on whether this works — and, if so, to what extent — is still ongoing. If you’d like to try vitamin E as a remedy to scarring, jojoba oil may prove to be beneficial in the healing process.
Jojoba oil’s natural wound-healing properties combined with its vitamin E content, could minimize the appearance of scars.
LACTIC ACIDS
10. Benefits of using lactic acid on the skin
According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source, some of the potential benefits of using lactic acid on the skin include:
improving skin texture and tone, improving skin appearance or firmness, reducing dark spots
smoothing fine lines and surface wrinkles
unblocking and cleansing pores.
HONEY
11. Raw honey is packed with components beneficial for your skin, especially if you have acne or autoimmune skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Even Candida overgrowth may be controlled by applying honey to your skin.
Raw honey helps balance the bacteria on your skin, which makes it a great product to use for acne. Manuka honey has been studied as an anti-acne product and found to be significantly more effective than other popular products.
Honey speeds up your skin cells’ healing processes. If you have blemishes or an eczema outbreak, honey that’s unpasteurized could speed healing and reduce inflammation. Manuka honey is so effective at healing wounds quickly that it’s now used by doctors in clinical settings.
Raw honey is also a natural exfoliator, which means applying it to your face takes off dry, dull skin and reveals new skin cells underneath.
Honey for face acne, psoriasis, and eczema: It’s vital that the honey you use still contains its healthy bacteria to be effective. This will activate your immune system and help with inflammation and redness, as well as heal blemishes.
Honey for skin lightening and brightening
Researchers haven’t drawn a direct connection between using honey on your face and lightening dark spots. But since honey has exfoliating properties, using it on your face can eliminate dead skin cells that make your skin look dull. This can reveal brighter skin.
Honey for scar fading: Honey helps your body’s healing process, which may help fade acne scars.
SODIUM HYALURONATE
12. Moisturize the skin: Sodium hyaluronate is hydrophilic, meaning it easily mixes with water. When applied topically, it attracts moisture in skin cells. This reduces dryness and flaking by increasing skin hydration.
Compared to high molecular weight HA, sodium hyaluronate can provide a greater hydrating effect.
Reduce appearance of wrinkles: Dry skin makes fine lines and creases more noticeable. But as sodium hyaluronate hydrates the skin, it improves the appearance of wrinkles.
In a 2014 study, formulas with sodium hyaluronate decreased wrinkle depth and improved elasticity. The researchers linked this effect to the hydrating properties of HA.
Reduce skin inflammation: Sodium hyaluronate can also soothe skin inflammation.
In a 2013 study, an HA sodium salt cream reduced symptoms of rosacea in adults. Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, burning, and bumps.
According to the study, low molecular weight HA promotes the production of beta-defensin 2 (DEFβ2,) a compound that promotes tissue healing. It also controls the activity of inflammatory cells.
Similarly, in a 2014 study, HA sodium salt gel improved an inflammatory skin disorder called seborrheic dermatitis.
Heal wounds: In a 2017 case report, HA sodium salt gel helped heal a recurring skin ulcer. According to the researchers, this was due to HA’s ability to promote cell multiplication and tissue repair.
The rise in DEFβ2 also played a role. DEFβ2 has antimicrobial effects, which protects wounds from infection. These properties, combined with the anti-inflammatory activity of sodium hyaluronate, can help support proper wound healing.
XANTHAN GUM
13. A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics found that adding xanthan gum in vitamin C-containing flexible liposome suspension increased the absorption rate and it also whitened the skin
HYSSOP
14. Some people use hyssop as a gargle; in baths to cause sweating; and on the skin for treating skin irritations, burns, bruises, and frostbite.
15. Anti-Cancer Properties: A 2014 review found evidence that herbs in the Lamiaceae family, including hyssop, may be able to destroy cancer cells.
16. A study published in 2017 concluded that hyssop oils and extracts have the potential to kill cervical cancer cells. However, the study was performed in a lab and not on human subjects.
17. Ulcer Treatment: Many traditional uses of hyssop involve indigestion, and one lab study uncovered a possible reason for that. Researchers found that hyssop acts against two chemicals in the body that are involved in developing gastric ulcers and peptic ulcers: urease and a-chymotrypsin.3. These findings helped researchers conclude that hyssop may be an effective ulcer treatment. However, this has not yet been proven in a human trial.
18. Antioxidant Activity: Hyssop is thought to have antioxidant properties that may provide many benefits. Antioxidants are powerful components that can fight off harmful substances and free radicals in your body. A team of researchers in Romania published an article that explored the antioxidant activity of hyssop. The article revealed high levels of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, to be found in hyssop oils and extracts. These polyphenols were shown to have moderate levels of antioxidant activity within hyssop.
19. Antiviral Properties: Few viruses are as well-known to the general public, or as common, as herpes simplex 1 and 2. Hyssop may have some use in preventing the spread of these and other viruses. A 2016 review of Iranian herbal medicines for herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) reported on the potential anti-viral activity of hyssop. The review lists several studies that showed hyssop extract to be able to slow the onset of HSV-1 infection by more than 50% in mice.
20. A 2018 review of the literature on Lamiaceae plants against the retrovirus HIV showed promising preliminary results from in vitro (laboratory test tube) studies. Researchers said the plants, including hyssop, appear to target structures that allow the virus to infect cells. Hyssop may also destroy key enzymes that HIV relies on for its life cycle.
21. Hyssop may also have anti-microbial properties, as evidenced by in vitro studies
SPIKENARD OIL
22. Research has also shown that spikenard essential oil can reduce neuroinflammation, which may help the following conditions:
anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress.
Spikenard essential oil is also said to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities, which may help with: fungal-related infections, such as athlete’s foot, dandruff, pains related to muscle aches and menstruation, joint pain, migraine
gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation
pancreatitis.
CEDARWOOD OIL
23. Cedarwood oil and its components have been analyzed in animal and human studies for potential health and beauty benefits. The components found in cedarwood oil include cedrine, cedrol, and thujopsene. These may have the following properties: antiseptic,
anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic,
insecticidal, antifungal.
Cedarwood oil for hair loss: Alopecia areata is a disease that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Cedarwood is one of several essential oils that may improve hair growth.
A small 1998 study reported in Archives of DermatologyTrusted Source indicated that people with alopecia areata experienced significant hair growth when given a daily scalp massage of cedarwood, thyme, rosemary, and lavender essential oils, along with a carrier oil. This mixture was applied directly to the scalp for a seven-month period.
Cedarwood oil for scalp conditions: Massaging your scalp with a mixture of cedarwood oil and a carrier oil may also help reduce and soothe an itchy, flaking scalp. This may make it beneficial for treating dandruff and scalp eczema.
Cedarwood oil for skin
Cedarwood oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This may make it beneficial for skin conditions like acne.
One case study indicated that the addition of cedarwood oil to traditional acne treatments was helpful for alleviating and reducing stubborn breakouts. This finding is backed up by anecdotal evidence.
CALAMUS OIL
24. The results strongly confirm the beneficial effects of A. calamus in augmenting the wound healing process.
MYRRH
25. The findings of this investigation support the valuable anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity of myrrh; in addition, the wound healing properties could be attributed to its ability to modulate macrophage function. Using in vitro testing, our results revealed that myrrh had an anti-cancer effect against several cancer cell lines and an immunomodulatory effect with acceptable ADME properties.
SAFFRON
26. Protects against UV radiation: Crocin, the active compound in saffron, might help. A 2018 lab studyTrusted Source found that crocin has potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are molecules that reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. The study also found that crocin protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which are responsible for premature skin aging. Another 2018 lab study found that crocin also works against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which also contribute to early skin aging.
Fights inflammation: Inflammation, which can be caused by oxidative stress, is the root of many diseases. This includes inflammatory conditions involving the skin. The antioxidant properties of crocin can help fight this oxidative stress and inflammation. According to the 2018 lab study
mentioned above, crocin suppresses the expression of various inflammatory proteins.
Additionally, a 2018 animal study found that crocin improves atopic dermatitis in mice. The atopic dermatitis was caused by Dermatophagoides farinae (house mite) extract, which commonly causes the condition in humans.
Supports wound healing: Proper wound healing is key for healthy skin. It lowers your risk of developing complications, including skin infections and scarring. In a 2008 animal study, a cream with saffron extract improved wound healing in mice. It increased the growth of skin cells, which is necessary to close wounds. The researchers credited this effect to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of saffron. A 2017 lab study also found that saffron stimulates wound healing by promoting cell multiplication.
Reduces hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation occurs when parts of your skin become darker than the surrounding skin. It’s caused by excess pigment, or melanin. You can develop hyperpigmentation due to scarring, sun exposure, or hormonal changes.
A 2013 human study discovered that saffron’s active compounds, including crocin, can decrease melanin. The compounds work by suppressing the tyrosinase, an enzyme that’s essential for melanin production.
