Floral ingredients have been a staple of beauty and skincare since the dawn of time. Flowers have been documented in ancient cosmetic recipes and remedies and grandma's handy hints worldwide. Although cosmetic companies initially used flowers and flower extracts primarily for their fragrance and feel-good factor, the industry has recently become aware of the powerful benefits that each of these flowers provide.

How flowers contribute in skincare?

Flowers are one of the most sought-after natural remedies for a range of illnesses in many cultures worldwide, including headaches and stomach issues to anxiety and exhaustion, and are also used as essential oils, carrier oils, and even food. When it comes to skincare, they're admired not only for their natural color and scent but also for their gentle yet powerful healing properties that resolve a variety of skin issues and beauty needs.

Flowers have a mysterious ability to cure and beautify our skin and hair. You can make a calming cup of tea with them, a relaxing face wash with them, an astringent with them, massage oil, lotion, and body soap with them - you name it! Some flowers are used to treat skin conditions, while others have anti-inflammatory agents or stress relievers. Woodflowers.com has compiled a list of eight easily accessible flowers that you can take home and use to enhance your beauty.

Let's look at some of the most common flowers in the world of skincare, their benefits, and how to use them:

·       Calendula/ Marigold:

Calendula, also known as marigold, is a widely available flower, particularly during the winter months. Its petals can be eaten and in addition to it calendula oil has anti-inflammatory effects. This flower can be used to minimize skin blemishes when ground into a paste. You can also make a strong tea by combining 1/2 cup of flowers with 1 1/2 cup boiling water to make a strong tea. The petals can also be added to a baby's bath to help with nappy rash, sunburn, and cradle cap. A poultice can be made and applied to insect bites because it is both calming and healing. The flower paste can help to clear the skin and reduce blemishes. Create a face mist or use it as a mask.

·       Dandelion

The word 'dandelion' comes from a French word that means 'lion's tooth.' It's a well-known diuretic and a key ingredient in herbal remedies for a variety of ailments. In terms of appearance, dandelion is nutrient-rich and beneficial to the skin. To relieve itchy skin or eczema, make a tea with the leaves and flowers and use it as a face wash. This flower makes a great body oil, which you can create by steeping the flowers and leaves in good quality olive or almond oil for a week before massaging your body or adding to your bathwater.

·       Elderflower:

Elderflower has a long tradition of medicinal use, ranging from treating the common cold and allergies to improving respiratory health. This is unsurprising given that elderflower has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it an excellent skincare ingredient. Elderflower extract is one of the most popular floral extracts used in natural beauty products, especially toners and face creams. Its beauty benefits range from softening to anti-wrinkle properties.

·       Hibiscus:

Hibiscus is a common flower in the beauty industry because of its exfoliating and skin-reviving properties. The flower has numerous benefits, including toning, firming, exfoliating, controlling oil output, hydrating, and protecting the skin from premature aging. Hibiscus oil is also used in various hair oils, as it aids in scalp replenishment and hair development.

·       Jasmine:

This favorite hair accessory in western and southern India is so much more! Jasmine has so many beauty benefits that it's hard to believe such a small flower can be so strong! To begin with, it is suitable for all skin types and seasons, making it a year-round herb. Jasmine and jasmine-based products are also inexpensive and widely available. Extracts of jasmine essential oil are the ultimate hydrator for the skin. They hold moisture in the skin, preventing it from drying out and resulting in dry, scaly skin. It's gentle, light, and doesn't clog pores like some of the more powerful extracts. Jasmine oil also protects the skin from free radicals and protects it from environmental stressors and contaminants. It can prevent a variety of skin cancers as well as age-related skin issues. It relieves aches and pains and alleviates dry skin in the winter. The all-time favorite jasmine tea has been used in Chinese medicine since the dawn of time to purify the skin from the inside out by removing toxins. It also helps to keep blood pressure in check and releases anti-antioxidants in the body.

·       Lavender:

Lavender is well-known for its use as an essential oil, and it aids in the normalization of dry, oily, and sensitive skin types by balancing sebum development. Lavender also has a soothing effect on the skin, which aids in providing relaxation and reducing anxiety. The flower has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which is why it's used in various face masks and creams.

·       Rose:

Roses are well-known for their strong hydrating properties, making them ideal for mature or dry skin. A cell rejuvenator that helps reduce scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles. It soothes inflamed or sunburned skin and restores broken veins. Rose is used in various beauty items; including rose water, face masks, lotions, and even night creams. Rose hydrates and heals the skin, as well as mends, damaged blood vessels, thanks to its hydrating and healing powers. Its antibacterial properties make it perfect for oily or acne-prone skin. Rosewater helps control excess oil on the skin, while rose creams and masks help eliminate acne.

·       Sunflower:

Sunflower oil is one of the most versatile oils, and its head-to-toe beauty applications work well for your hair and skin. Sunflower oil is highly recommended for acne-prone skin due to its high linoleic acid content. It's also high in antioxidants that aid in the protection and restoration of damaged skin. It moisturizes, hydrates, and cleanses the skin; relieves sunburn, redness, and insect bites; lightens dark spots and pimple marks; smoothes underarms and lightens elbows and knees; and relaxes tired, puffy eyes, to name a few of its many benefits.