8 of the Best Herbs for Radiant Skin

Our skin is the largest organ in the body, so it’s critically important to be intentional with what we put on it. The outer care we give ourselves will be reflected in our skin health. Our skin also reflects our inner nourishment and self care. Eating nutrient dense foods, managing stress, getting the sleep and exercise we need, and using herbs in our skincare can make all the difference. In herbal traditions, plants have long been cherished for their ability to soothe, restore, and support radiant skin. Let’s take care of it from the inside and outside! 

Below are some of our favorite beauty herbs and ways you can use them both internally or topically to support your best skin.

8 of the Best Herbs for Radiant Skin

Rose 

Rose (Rosa spp.) petal is for gentle toning and cooling support, encouraging softness and a natural glow. It’s full of flavonoids, phenols, and other antioxidant compounds, which can support healthy aging in mature skin. Rose is also an anti-inflammatory and astringent to help with those puffy eyes.

Here are a handful of fabulous recipes from the Herbal Academy blog for using rose for your skin:

Homemade Probiotic Rose Milk Cleanser
Rose Helichrysum Skin Serum
Wild Rose Undereye Firming Cream
How to Make Rose Water

Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower is a golden, sunny blossom that supports hydration and provides comfort to dry or delicate skin and supports restoration. This Gentle Calendula Lotion Recipe is great for all skin types, including sensitive and mature skin. Or try this Shelf-Stable Calendula Cream for dry, inflamed skin.

Plantain

Plantain (Plantago spp.) leaf is used to soothe and calm stressed skin and support skin recovery. It is high in mucilage, which gives it an emollient, moistening quality that your skin will love. This Plantain Leaf Face Mask is one way to add vulnerary and anti-inflammatory properties to your skincare routine.

Aloe

Aloe (Aloe barbaensis) leaf is cooling and replenishing, offering deep hydration and cooling to overheated skin. It smooths fine lines and wrinkles and has a calming and soothing effect. This Aloe-Calendula Cleanser gently clears, moisturizes, and encourages healthy circulation. It’s also great for all skin types. 

Red Clover 

As we age, estrogen levels decline, leaving our skin thinner and more prone to wrinkles. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) aerial parts support aging skin with natural phytoestrogens that help with elasticity and hydration.  Try Red Clover Flower Tea or Tincture Recipe.

Chamomile 

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flower is known as one of the most gentle herbs available, and yet also very versatile and powerful. It’s comforting for skin that feels sensitive or irritated. It reduces irritation in dry skin and is calming as an anti-inflammatory. Soak in this Herbal Bath Tea with Chamomile to enjoy its relaxing aromatics while it calms irritation in your skin. And try this Chamomile Steam to soothe your pores.

Hibiscus 

Hibiscus (Hibisicus sabdariffa) calyx is a plant rich in acids and antioxidants, supporting brightness and vibrancy in the skin. This Hibiscus Jujube Tea Recipe is rich in antioxidants and ready to nourish from the inside out. 

Lavender 

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) flower bud is beautifully aromatic and a welcome addition to any skincare routine for its calming scent alone. It does have some enticing skin benefits as well—it balances and clarifies many skin types, is cooling, promotes circulation, and reduces redness.

Lavender Infused Oil Recipe AKA “Heaven in a Bottle”
DIY Lavender Bath Salts
How to Make Lavender Shower Steamers 

Herbal allies are a beautiful support when nourishing our bodies from the inside out. We can turn to them time and time again to help us achieve our radiant skin goals. For further studies, we invite you to check out our skincare courses. If you’re ready to dive in to prepare your own natural skincare products, we have courses that explore everything from botanical skin care to natural perfumery and ways to make your products last longer. Check them all out here!