These days, estheticians are used to clients seeking herbal or more natural skincare ingredients for in professional services as well as home care. Be prepared to educate them about how the following botanicals will help keep them looking radiant.
Chamomile: Chamomile tea has long been a favorite nighttime beverage for relaxing before bed. But ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians actually used chamomile flowers to treat wounds and promote healing—and you can too. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile can protect skin from free radical damage and soothe irritation. It may even help fade dark spots and surface scars. It’s also recommended to ease eczema and rosacea symptoms.
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Matcha Green Tea: You’re probably already familiar with matcha’s health benefits, but you may not know how it compares with traditional green tea. Both come from the Camellia sinensis plant, but matcha tea is grown and harvested differently. The tea leaves are shaded during their last month of growth, which lowers the rate of photosynthesis to produce more chlorophyll, antioxidants and L-theanine (an amino acid touted to promote relaxation), all of which can be used topically to enhance the complexion. As a skincare ingredient, matcha is best suited to ridding pores of impurities while replenishing nutrients to keep skin soft and supple.
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Hibiscus: Hibiscus products will make your clients feel as beautiful as the flowers look, thanks to the naturally occurring, gentle acids contained within. These exfoliating acids increase cell turnover and help control acne breakouts. Hibiscus also has a high mucilage content, which helps skin retain moisture—ideal for clients with dry, dull skin.
Aloe Vera: Aloe has been used to treat painful burns for generations, but the plant offers plenty of additional benefits for clients’ skin. Aloe is a gentler option for those suffering from acne, psoriasis and eczema, not to mention that it’s deeply hydrating—which in turn helps boost the results of professional treatments.
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Jojoba: Jojoba is an evergreen shrub native to the southwestern part of the U.S. Its oil is actually extracted from the plant’s seeds and widely used in cosmetics. Jojoba oil helps reduce chaffing and redness caused by extremely dry skin, and can also repair damage thanks to vitamins B and E. And probably best of all, it’s able to moisturize without clogging pores.
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—Kiley Morrow