Written by Adeline J. Wells
Late June is here, and we are soaking in the final days of the spring season. Heavy rains resulted in our hillsides being painted with color, wildflowers in patches of violet, red, and gold. While flowers cover our horizons, bloom in the yard and decorate our tabletops, many do not know that certain flowers are key in the realm of skincare as well. Here a few favorite floral ingredients to incorporate into your skincare routine:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Beloved in the self-care sphere by way of bath oils and mists, lavender oil has a variety of medicinal attributes that promote clear, healthy, as well. Its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from free radicals, which are unhealthy molecules that damage or plug the skin. Further, lavender oil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties aid in reducing acne and redness.
Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil
Sometimes known as the Turkish Rose, the Bulgarian Rose, or the Castille Rose, Rosa Damascena is a cultivated flower with origins in the Middle East. Commonly known as the Damask Rose, this essential oil is widely recognized for its potent floral fragrance, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing redness and irritated skin. Rose oil’s high potency of Vitamin A encourages cell turnover as well, promoting healthy, youthful looking skin.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
While sunflower seed oil is typically associated with cooking, sunflowers also provide a beneficial ingredient in skincare, as well! Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, or sunflower seed oil, contains high quantities of Vitamin E, which is extremely moisturizing for rough, dry skin. The oil is also composed of a blend of fatty acids that help reproduce ceramides, or lipids that maintain the skin barrier, keeping it strong and healthy.
Calendula Officinalis Extract
Derived from the common marigold flower, Calendula Officinalis Extract is both cleansing and hydrating, making it a key ingredient in many skincare products. With antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, it works to support clean skin without overdrying it. It also helps soothe a variety of skin ailments, rashes, and wounds. Additionally, Calendula Officinalis Extract also has properties that aid in blocking ultraviolet radiation, working to help protect skin from sun damage.
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Seed Oil
Extracted and cold-pressed from the tea plant of Eastern Asia, also known as the camellia flower, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil is a crucial ingredient in the world of skincare. This oil contains a host of fatty acids and nutrients that are imperative for deep nourishment of the skin. Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil’s potency of Vitamins A and B help promote elasticity of the skin, preventing fine lines and wrinkles, and it inhibits the production of melanin, which reduces the effects of hyperpigmentation. The result is Camellia Seed Oil being one of the best oils for anti-aging; at Mojave Desert Skin Shield, it is for this reason that we include it as a feature ingredient in our Organic Nourishing Oil, our hero product that will keep skin aglow all summer long.
