Top 6 Reasons To Use Chamomile for Skin

Are you looking for a skin-soothing ingredient that can solve other skin problems as well? Chamomile is one such key ingredient that has been used to soothe skin since ancient times.

Read on to know how chamomile can improve your skin and ways to incorporate this ingredient into your daily skincare routine. Scroll down to read more!

What Experts Say

“Chamomile can be used against acne breakouts. It acts as an anti-inflammatory to reduce the inflammation caused by acne. You can team it up with lavender essential oil as it also has skin-soothing properties and reduces acne scars. However, these oils are to be used with carrier oils and in a lower concentration.”

Prajkta Sapre (PG, Cosmetic Technology), Product Development Executive, SkinKraft

Highlights:

• Is Chamomile Good For Your Skin?
• What Are The Types Of Chamomile Available?
• 6 Ways How Chamomile Can Benefit Your Skin
• How To Use Chamomile For Skin?
• Side Effects & Precautions While Using Chamomile

Is Chamomile Good For Your Skin?

Chamomile is a herb that is used for relieving stress and curing stomach ache and nausea. It can also ease heartburns and improve your overall health.

The history of chamomile for skin goes back to ancient times. Greeks, Egyptians and Romans were well aware of this ingredient and used it to treat wounds with it. To do so, they would crush the chamomile flower and apply it to wounds. This was also used to treat weather-related skin irritations, as the soothing properties of chamomile helped to heal the skin condition faster.

While the usage was limited back then, now with modern technology & scientific development, researchers have found that chamomile has multiple benefits for the skin. It can serve as a remedy for a range of skincare issues if used consistently.

What Are The Types Of Chamomile Available?

Two popular types of chamomile are widely sold in the market. They are Roman chamomile and German chamomile. Roman chamomile is also known as true chamomile, as it is commercially better known.

Many other plants are also called chamomiles such as Moroccan chamomile, Cape chamomile etc. But herbal and cosmetics products mostly use Roman and German chamomile as their key ingredient.

Both Roman & German chamomile contain an essential oil called chamazulene. It has a sweet apple-like smell that is extremely refreshing for the skin. It is also used as a mild tranquilizer, and for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

6 Ways How Chamomile Can Benefit Your Skin

1. Treats Skin Inflammation

Chamomile can treat short-term and long-term skin inflammation. [1] It can treat inflammation caused by acne breakouts and other skin conditions. Chamomile can also be used to treat sunburn. Sometimes, too much UV exposure can cause DNA damage. Using chamomile can reduce DNA damage too. [2]

2. Reduces Skin Redness

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile can heal skin that turns red due to underlying inflammation. Chamomile reduces the inflammation and then heals the skin irritation. Naturally, the redness goes away once the inflammation is gone.

3. Anti-aging Agent

Chamomile has an abundance of flavonoids and phytochemicals, which are highly useful for medicinal purposes. [3] These two nutrients can fight against free radicals and boost your cell regeneration process. As a result, the fine lines, wrinkles and age spots of your skin reduce to a large extent. [4]

4. Suits Sensitive Skin

Studies suggest that chamomile is capable of blocking the prostaglandins which are responsible for skin inflammation. That’s what makes chamomile the most suitable ingredient for people with sensitive skin. Also, applying chamomile oil to the skin can reduce allergy marks. [5]

5. Acne-Treatment

According to Prajkta Sapre, Product Development Executive at SkinKraft, “Chamomile can be used against acne breakouts. It acts as an anti-inflammatory to reduce the inflammation caused by acne. You can team it up with lavender essential oil as it also has skin-soothing properties and reduces acne scars. However, these oils are to be used with carrier oils and in a lower concentration.”

6. Heals Wounds

Chamomile has antimicrobial properties that provide protection against bacteria, fungi and certain viruses. A study conducted in 2018 found that ointments containing chamomile work well on treating bacterial infections, wounds etc.

How To Use Chamomile For Skin?

You can use chamomile extract to make DIY masks or face packs. You can also opt for chamomile essential oil for your skin. Chamomile extract and oil are often used in many skincare products. These have a powerful antioxidant named chamazulene that keeps your skin moisturized and soft. Last but not least, drinking chamomile tea is also helpful for your overall health.

Elaborated below are some homemade ways to use chamomile for your skin.

1. Chamomile Face Mask

Ingredients

• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• Hot water

How To Mix?

• Steep the tea bag in a cup of hot water.
• Add the aloe vera gel & honey into a bowl.
• Once the tea is made, add a few spoons of tea water into the bowl.
• Mix it well.

How To Use?

Apply the mask directly to your face and let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash your face with warm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

2. Chamomile Scrub

Ingredients

• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey

How To Mix?

• Steep the tea bag in some hot water.
• Take a bowl and add the sugar and honey.
• Mix the ingredients well and add a few spoons of tea.

How To Use?

Clean your face with a gentle cleanser and then take a sufficient amount of scrub into your palm. Use your fingers to gently massage the scrub on your skin. Do it for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse your face with water and pat it dry.

3. Chamomile Face Pack

Ingredients

• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 tablespoon of powdered oatmeal
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• Almond oil

How To Mix?

• Cut the tea bag open into a bowl.
• Add the honey and powdered oatmeal to it.
• Add three drops of almond oil.
• Mix it well and make a paste.

How To Use?

Apply the paste to your skin. Leave it for 15 minutes. Once the face pack is dry, wash it off with warm water. Apply a moisturizer to your skin afterwards.

Side Effects & Precautions While Using Chamomile

Chamomile is safe to use for any skin type. Cases of side effects like allergies and skin irritation are rare. However, if you are specifically allergic to chamomile, try to avoid it. Also, if you are trying any new product containing chamomile, first do a patch test. This will eliminate the chances of allergic reactions and other side effects.

Wrapping Up

Chamomile has been used for skin soothing and treatment since ages. While there's not much research done on the usage of chamomile for skin, it is known to control acne breakouts, heal wounds, reduce skin irritation and redness. You can use chamomile based skincare products or make your own chamomile face masks at home. However, conduct a patch test before applying any new product to check if it suits your skin type or not.

Begin By Knowing Your Skin