Using botanical skin care products may be a good idea, but it depends on the plants or the plant extracts that are included in the product.
Here are some examples of ingredients you might see, along with the benefits or risks of each.
Essential Oils Essential oils are concentrated plant fragrances.
In small quantities, they smell nice and are natural alternatives to the artificial chemicals found in perfumes.
In large quantities, they can cause allergic or adverse reactions.
Anyone with perfume allergy should avoid ingredients like balsam of Peru, linalool and Eugenol.
They are some of the most irritating of the essential oils.
Orange oil is a similar ingredient that is sometimes found in facial cleansers.
It is really too strong to be used for that purpose.
It can cause irritation.
Kelp, Algae or Seaweed Extracts Several varieties of kelp, algae and seaweed are included in botanical skin care products.
They provide various benefits, depending on the species.
For example, wakame kelp extracts have been shown to improve the skin's moisture content by protecting hyaluronic acid levels.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the skin's important components.
In addition to improving moisture content, it also plays a role in the production of new skin cells.
Something we all need, particularly as we age.
Canadian brown algae extracts are also beneficial.
They work to soften the skin and reduce wrinkles around the eyes.
You'll find both wakame and Canadian algae in some of the better anti-aging eye serums and facial creams.
Macadamia Oil Ideally, you should use a moisturizer every day, but to get a quick boost of moisture, you can use a deep moisturizing mask that contains macadamia oil.
The nuts contain a number of fatty acids, which are important for the skin's health and appearance.
Grape Seed Oil Some of the better botanical skin care products contain grape seed oil.
Like Macadamia oil, the seeds include a number of fatty acids, but the oil is light enough to use on a daily basis.
Macadamia oil can only be used occasionally by most people.
Grape seed oil also contains antioxidants, which are beneficial for protecting against the causes of visible aging.
Last but not least, grape seed oil is unique in that it has a filming ability.
If used under makeup, it helps to prevent clogged pores, while locking moisture into the skin's cells.
When you are comparing botanical skin care products, look for the ingredients mentioned above and check the label for warnings.
Protecting your skin's health is what's most important.