How Chamomile Flower Extract Soothes the Skin
Relax, girl. Chamomile's got your back.
Chamomile is one of the oldest traditional herbal medicines. It dates back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians in the B.C. era. Legend has it that Egyptians would use the crushed leaves of the chamomile plant for wound healing, skin irritations, and dry skin caused by the harsh desert climate.
Clearly, they were onto something. Nearly every soothing skin care product these days contains chamomile flower extract. But what exactly can chamomile extract do for the skin and how can you use it for the best possible effects?
Let's find out!
WHAT IS CHAMOMILE FLOWER EXTRACT?
Chamomile (common names: matricaria recutita and matricaria chamomilla) is a plant in the compositae daisy family (Asteraceae). Native to Europe and Western Asia, this herb possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Whether you drink chamomile tea or apply matricaria recutita topically, it's an excellent ingredient to help you de-stress.
There are three different chamomile plants: Roman chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, and German chamomile. German chamomile is considered the more potent variety and the best one for herbal remedies. Still, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try Roman chamomile (chamaemelum nobile). But in terms of skin care benefits, german chamomile is the one to choose.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE EXTRACT
For centuries, wild chamomile extract has been used to treat a range of health issues thanks to its high content of flavonoids, apigenins, coumarin, and bisabolol. These include fever, headaches, indigestion, allergic reactions, flatulence, anxiety disorders, skin irritations, hemorrhoids, colic, and menstrual disorders.
Naturally, we all know that chamomile works as a natural sleep aid too. It's one of the reasons people frequently drink it is as a herbal tea. Chamomile tea calms.
What's more, chamomile flower extract serves as an effective mouthwash to keep your gums and teeth clean, and prevent irritation.
HOW CHAMOMILE FLOWER EXTRACT HELPS THE SKIN?
Eczema
According to research, chamomile can treat a number of mild skin irritations, including sunburn, sores, rashes and chronic skin conditions like eczema.
In fact, studies even show that topical application of chamomile extract can help in the treatment of eczema. As per one double-blind trial, results indicate that chamomilla recutita can significantly ease symptoms of eczema.
Skin Aging
Another wonderful benefit of chamomile - its anti-aging effects. Chamomile oil contains α-bisabolol, a property shown to inhibit the production of new free radicals. Due to α-bisabolol’s high concentration in Chamomile liquid extract, it may be an effective treatment in preventing aging and also fighting against it. It's one of the reasons you'll often find chamomile extract in anti-aging lotions.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is essentially the darkening of the skin. It is usually caused by contact dermatitis, and acne and psoriasis. Thanks to its α-bisabolol content, chamomile can inhibit the melanogenesis. That's basically our body's production of melanin which causes hyperpigmentation of the skin. In other words, this makes the use of chamomile extremely effective in treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Redness
Even the most natural products out there can cause redness of the skin. In traditional medicine, chamomile flower extract helps soothe and calm the skin, reducing any redness that may be present. It really is one of the simplest solutions for calming the skin and improving your overall complexion.
Makes Your Moisturizer Work Twice As Hard
Not many skin care products do this, but matricaria recutita l extract does. Besides having its own benefits when applied topically, it's also a powerful penetration enhancer. In other words, it enhances the absorption of other products into the skin. Without a doubt, chamomile extract is excellent at making other skin care products work harder. Most likely due to its high content of chamazulene and α-bisabolol.
HOW IS CHAMOMILE EXTRACT DIFFERENT TO CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL?
Chamomile essential oil is frequently used in aromatherapy for its calming effects and usually comes in a tincture. Much like lavender or marigold oil. Unlike chamomile oil extract, it is more potent and has a stronger smell. The extract is used more commonly within skin products while the essential oil is used more in aromatherapy to help anxiety disorders and relax the mind.
ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF CHAMOMILE EXTRACT?
Fortunately, chamomile flower extract is a natural product with few side effects. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is far more safer than other drugs for calming the mind and serving as a sleep aid. Numerous clinical trials prove its safety.
As far as skin care is concerned, chamomile extract is just as safe. Being the anti-inflammatory that it is, it should be suitable for all skin types - including sensitive skin.
If you do experience any unwanted side effects, refrain from using immediately. Alternatively, run it past your healthcare provider beforehand. Already have sensitivities? A health care professional can advise you on the best actions to take and whether chamomile extract is a suitable choice.
RECOMMENDED CHAMOMILE FLOWER EXTRACT SKIN CARE PRODUCT
Moon Jelly Adaptogenic Body Cleanser
The next time you take a shower, make it a chill one.
Your shower or bath time is your "me" time. It's your chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life and just mellow out. Frankly, there's no better way to do that than with an ultra calming, sweet-smelling body cleanser.
Foam up your body in Truly's blend of super herbs that is Moon Jelly Body Cleanser. Formulated with ashwagandha, lavender, and chamomile, it'll help calm your mind and body in an instant. Not only that. These adaptogenic herbs protect your body from environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, lack of sleep, and stress.
Struggle to fall asleep at night? Thanks to Moon Jelly's content of lavender and chamomile flower extract, it'll help you drift out in no time, promoting the dreamiest sleep ever. Provided that you shower or bath at night, that is! We don't want you nodding off during your conference or work meeting.
How to Use:
Apply Moon Jelly all over your body. Massage in and rinse well with warm water.
Get your Moon Jelly Adaptogenic Body Cleanser for only $15.
