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 are 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 attributes that promote clear, healthy skin. Its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from free radicals, the unstable molecules that damage skin over time. Further, lavender oil's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties aid in reducing the appearance of 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 calming redness and irritated skin. Rose oil's high concentration of Vitamin A encourages cell turnover as well, promoting healthy, youthful looking skin.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
While sunflower seed oil is typically associated with cooking, sunflowers also provide a beneficial ingredient in skincare. 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 support ceramides, the 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 complaints, rashes, and minor wounds. Additionally, calendula has properties that aid in buffering ultraviolet radiation, helping protect skin from sun exposure.
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 important for deep nourishment of the skin. Its concentration of Vitamins A and B help support elasticity, softening the appearance of fine lines, and it inhibits the production of melanin, which reduces the look of hyperpigmentation. This makes camellia seed oil one of the best oils for the visible effects of aging. At Mojave Desert Skin Shield it is a feature ingredient in our Organic Nourishing Oil, our hero product that will keep skin aglow all summer long.
