Garden Plants with Skin Benefits: Nature’s Beauty Aids

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Aloe vera gel soothes skin, heals wounds, and prevents dryness.
• Witch hazel works as a gentle, natural toner for healthy skin.
• Rose of Sharon boosts collagen, elasticity, and reduces skin aging.
• Mint fights acne, promotes wound healing, and prevents acne scarring.
• Neem improves overall skin health with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Everyone wants to have glowing and flawless skin. But it’s not that easy these days. That’s because of the pollution and chemical-based products. Not to mention, skin care products can also be expensive. The global skin care market is also expected to reach $194.05 billion by 2032.

What people don’t understand is that nature has already created certain plants that can heal their skin. These plants have been used for various purposes for centuries. But what plants are they?

In this article, I’ll talk about garden plants with skin benefits. It’s going to be a very helpful write-up. Let’s get started.

5 Garden Plants that will give you Glowing Skin 

So, there are 5 key garden plants that can be easily planted or found. They offer various skin benefits. This includes: 

1. Aloe Vera 

Aloe vera plants are excellent for skincare as they contain a gel that is rich in nutrients and enzymes that promote healing and soothe the skin. An easy way to include aloe vera in your daily skincare routine is to cut a piece of the leaf, slit it open, and extract the clear gel.

Keep this gel in a small jar in your fridge and apply it to your skin every night for softer, smoother skin. Aloe gel can also be used to manage atopic dermatitis and similar skin conditions, as it reduces itching and helps to hydrate the skin, which prevents dry patches. Below, you can see the other benefits of Aloe Vera. 

2. Witch Hazel 

Witch hazel is a small tree that is low-maintenance and requires only occasional watering and pruning.  The witch hazel plant is popular for its fragrant yellow flowers that bloom even in fall and winter, but it is also an exceptional addition to your garden if you are looking to improve your skin health.

This is because the stems of the witch hazel plant have natural astringent properties and can be used to make a natural skin toner. Unlike alcohol-based toners that are harsh and leave your skin dry, a witch hazel infusion is tough on excess oil but gentle on your skin. 

3. Rose of Sharon 

The Rose of Sharon or Hibiscus plant is easy to maintain, and it thrives even in harsh weather conditions. This is a popular garden plant as it is available in a wide variety of colors from elegant white to pretty pink and purple, and even vibrant violet and mauve.

So, you can pick a color that is best suited for the mood you wish to create. Flowers are rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants that enhance skin health. Studies on the benefits of this plant also found that it promotes the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which improves elasticity and can even reverse skin aging.

You can steep the flowers in hot water to create an infusion and then strain the liquid and use it as a refreshing mist during the day or mix the liquid with your night cream. 

4. Mint 

While mint is often grown as an indoor plant, it is an excellent outdoor plant as its strong smell repels pests. Mint is commonly linked to food, yet it also serves in skincare. Mint leaves have strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which make them ideal for treating minor skin issues such as acne.

Researchers have found that the natural compounds in mint also promote wound healing. Using mint daily can help to reduce acne scarring as well as reduce the likelihood of an acne outbreak. You can add mint to your skincare routine by crushing a few leaves and mixing the paste into your night cream.

5. Neem 

Neem or Indian Lilac is one of many medicinal plants that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Neem is useful for various health concerns, including common skin conditions. Scientists have confirmed the presence of more than 300 complex compounds in neem that are linked to its health benefits.

Neem is well-suited to all skin types, and its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory compounds help to improve skin health when used regularly. The only downside to growing neem is that it is vulnerable to the cold, so it can only be grown as part of your garden in USDA Zones 9-10. If you live in a colder area, you will have to grow it in a pot so that you can bring it indoors during winter. 

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