What do red, itchy skin, eczema, rosacea, acne and psoriasis all have in common? They are all symptoms of skin inflammation…and they are all frustrating, embarrassing, and stubbornly difficult to get rid of! Not to mention, they dampen the dazzle of those lash extensions! So, Glad Lash is looking back across centuries…across millennia…to find natural and effective remedies that will eliminate your skin inflammation (and all its nasty symptoms) in no time flat!
The Outstanding Properties of Oats
Oats do your insides and your outsides good! Throughout the centuries, oats have proven their merit as a balm for dry, itchy skin or skin irritated by chicken pox, insect bites, and burns. Oats are rich in antioxidants that alleviate skin irritation by soothing inflammation. Redness, rashes and itchiness are symptomatic of the inflammation response that is activated when your body tries to fight off infections. Oats contain a natural anti-inflammatory substance called avenanthramide that blocks the release of inflammatory hormones, as well as histamine. Oats also have natural UV-absorbing properties that help protect skin from harsh UV rays and reduce redness in skin that’s spent a few too many hours in the sun.
Oats are also handy to have on hand for their exfoliating abilities. Cook up some oatmeal and apply as a mask. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, and then slough off dead skin cells with warm water and a washcloth.
The Lightening Effects of Licorice
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation (aka sunspots or age spots) invest in a pot of licorice powder. When mixed with aloe vera gel and left on over night, licorice can significantly lighten pigmented skin. Licorice owes its lightening properties to a compound called glycyrrhizinate, which also provides a hydration pick-me-up to moisture- deprived skin.
Those with chronically irritated or extra sensitive skin can soothe their skin troubles with licorice. A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology suggests that licorice is an effective remedy for the symptoms of rosacea, atopic dermatitis, skin irritation and sensitivity, and psoriasis. Another study confirmed licorice’s ability to ease inflammation. A gel consisting of 2% licorice significantly reduced itching, swelling and redness. These studies confirm what ancient Greek, Roman, Chinese and Egyptian physicians knew all along—that licorice has powerful skin healing potential!
The Skin Soothing Capabilities of Feverfew
Feverfew is a must have remedy for easing skin inflammation, irritation and redness. (Hint: it works wonders on razor burn.) It works just as well as topical steroids in treating eczema, and helps stop bacterial growth that can exacerbate skin conditions…including acne!
Invest in a skincare cream containing feverfew. Look for the label “Feverfew PFE,” which ensures that the product is parthenolide-free. A natural component of feverfew, parthenolide has been found to worsen skin irritation. With a skin cream containing feverfew as part of your beauty arsenal, you can be sure you’re getting added protection against free radical damage and environmental toxins that stoke inflammation.
The Essential Oil Medicine Cabinet
Every natural beauty queen needs a medicine cabinet full of essential oils. To ease skin inflammation, invest in thyme, fennel, rose, cinnamon, bergamot, and clove essential oils. Eucalyptus oil also soothes inflammation by preventing the release of COX enzymes that trigger the inflammation response. Be sure to dilute essential oils in a carrier oil like sweet almond oil.
