August is our bridge between summer and autumn.
A chance to celebrate the fruits of summer, while still basking in the sunshine.
Traditionally the time of the Lammas harvest, associated with hay baling, wheat and first fruits. It is a time of abundance, and a time to prepare for leaner months ahead:
‘make hay while the sun shines’ – or gather your skincare herbs while they bloom.
1. Nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus
This firey cress can tame over productive sebaceous glands, helping bring oily skin back into balance. With anti-microbial properties, she will help reduce infections, such as acne caused by bacteria on the skin, and her anti-fungal properties help with dandruff and scalp conditions. Perfect for healthy skin, hair and nails, nasturtium’s vitamin C content is greater than oranges, making her an effective antioxidant and support against fine lines, dark spots and wrinkles.
2. Chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile
Best known as a calming cup of herbal bedtime tea, gentle chamomile brings all those soothing and softening virutes to skincare. Used simply in an infusion or added to cleansers, conditioners, face packs and steams she will treat all sorts of skin problems for all sorts of ages. Mild and safe to use, she offers astringency to cleansers, healing comfort to baths and even helps bring lightness, shine and healthy growth to blonde hair through repeated rinses.
3. Sunflower, Helianthus Annus
Sunflower seed oil is a friend to all skin types. Dry and sensitive skin will be soothed and redness reduced; oily and acne prone skin benefits from her non-clogging nature. High linoleic acid content supports skin’s natural ceramide production strengthening the protective barrier they provide. Gentle, moisturising, anti-inflammatory sunflower oil will soften skin and bring shine and manageabilty to hair.
4. Yarrow, Achillea millefolium
A super protective and healing herb – latin name Achillea (from Achilles, the greek warrior who’s whole body was protected, apart from his heel). Yarrow is beautifully pungent, bitter and astringent. Add her to a facial steam for deep cleansing – great to tone and tighten skin bringing a youthful firmness. Add an infusion of yarrow tea to your bath and imagine her creating a forcefield of protection all around you.
5. Calendula, Calendula officinalis
Calendula is the golden headed flower that blooms throughout summer. Known for her gentleness, she is able to soothe even the most sensitive skin and provides moisture and healing for dry or sunburnt skin. Use calendula infused oil directly, within a balm or added to creams, lotions and serums. She’ll also be helpful for broken, cut or infected skin or rashes and helps stimulate growth of new tissue to support speedy recovery from wounds. Use her in a hair rinse to bring out natural colour and highlights.
LIKE THE IDEA OF GATHERING YOUR OWN SKINCARE INGREDIENTS? …
… you might like to read some more.
For everything you need to know to get started with Blend-it-Yourself skincare using the plants that grow around you, see Vital Skincare by Laura Pardoe. This book takes you through the techniques and ingredients you’ll need to know to make your own natural skincare.
