FLOWER THERAPY

Flowers can brighten anyone’s day, and they can brighten, as well as soothe, smooth, and heal your skin when they are ingredients in your skin care products. Some of the flowers with the most beauty power are rose, lavender, lilac, and marigold (aka calendula).

Studies have found rose oil can soothe your complexion and your mood. Rose is beneficial to mature and dry skin and calming to sensitive skin. Rose can also decrease redness because of its natural tonic and astringent effect on the capillaries just below the skin’s surface. The scent of a rose promotes feelings of serenity and relieves stress, fear, and grief.

Lavender soothes and heals inflammation. It is credited with being antiseptic, anti-allergenic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, balancing, energizing, toning, and stimulating. It works well on all skin types and is effective in treating oily skin, acne, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. A whiff of lavender helps to quell anxiety and clear the mind, and is considered a classic scent for skin care appealing to both women and men.

Lilac essential oil from the sweet-smelling blossoms works wonders on skin. It is an antioxidant and has antibacterial properties. Lilac also helps to heal blemished skin and to treat rashes, minor cuts and scrapes, and sunburn. The scent is said to calm and ease anxiety.

Marigold (Calendula) is beneficial for dry or damaged skin. It also has first-aid applications; it is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and promotes the fast healing and regeneration of skin. Calendula oil is also used to protect against premature aging and thinning of the skin, and can be used on the delicate skin around the eyes to prevent crow’s feet.

Sherrie Strausfogel is the author of Hawaii’s Spa Experience: Rejuvenating Secrets of the Islands. Writing about beauty, spas, health, cuisine, and travel, Strausfogel’s work has appeared in more than 100 magazines, newspapers, guidebooks, and websites. She is based in Honolulu.

Rose Tea

Teas made with rose petals or rose hips contain vitamin C and can benefit circulation for a younger-looking, “rosy” complexion.

One to try: Organic india Tulsi Sweet Rose tea, a blend of chamomile flowers, holy basil, and rose petals. Add honey if desired.

Good Buys:

Pamper and quench thirsty skin with KISS MY FACE Lavender & Shea Butter Natural Moisturizer. Calming and balancing lavender, hydrating shea butter, and soothing aloe nourish and protect the skin on your face, hands, and body, while natural essential oils of lavender, rose, and lemon leave a fresh scent.

Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin C, AUBREY ORGANICS Revitalizing Therapy Serum with Organic Rosa Mosqueta Rose Hip Seed Oil Intensive Antioxidant is made with organic rose hip seeds grown in the Andes and cold-pressed. Ideal for dry skin.

Let your skin bloom with JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS Calendula Hydrating & Toning Mask. Healing calendula, hydrating shea butter, and anti-inflammatory aloe work together to help regenerate collagen, balance the production of sebum, and protect against free radical damage.