Yuri Arcurs/www.PeopleImages.com
There’s a misconception floating around that the only way to achieve great hair and skin is by using products from our favorite brands and stores. However, that idea isn’t true. In fact, steps toward healthier skin and hair can be found in the common plants and spices found in your garden or kitchen.
Whether it’s using these natural resources directly on your skin (like aloe vera or mint leaves for example) or incorporating the extracts and oils of these items, you can easily turn them into DIY face masks or hair conditioners.
Ahead check out a few herbs, plants and spices to keep handy for your next self-care day.
1 of 11
Bildagentur-online/Getty Images
Chamomile is perfect to fade dark spots on the face, and give your skin a radiant and youthful glow.
2 of 11
Tetra Images/Getty Images
Aside from having a nice scent, cinnamon can help clear up zits. It helps prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria so it's perfect to add to a face or body mask.
3 of 11
Flowerphotos/Getty Images
A perfect ingredient for hair products, thyme is known for its ability to improve blood flow to the scalp and to help stimulate growth.
4 of 11
Flowerphotos/Getty Images
Known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, turmeric is great for healing and calming your skin. It also helps the growth of your hair.
5 of 11
Flowerphotos/Getty Images
Calendula repairs dry skin, reduces acne scars or wounds, and cures fungal infections that may cause acne or blackheads.
6 of 11
Flowerphotos/Getty Images
Rose-infused products are popular for skin care, as the ingredient locks in moisture, on top of that provides a sweet scent. It also soothes irritated skin, so it’s a great refreshing spray.
7 of 11
Judith Haeusler/Getty Images
Basil is a magic ingredient for both skin and hair as it is full of antioxidants and nutrients. With skin, it aids in clearing up acne, blackheads and pimples. In hair products, it helps to get rid of dandruff and promotes hair growth.
8 of 11
Flowerphotos/Getty Images
Serving as a natural astringent, witch hazel is a centuries-old cure-all for problematic skin: its helps fade scars, speeds up the healing of scabs and reduces redness.
9 of 11
Andia/Getty Images
A treasure trove of benefits can be found in mint, including cleansing and tightening skin, reducing puffiness around eyes and oil reduction on the skin. It's also popular in foot care products, as it aids severely cracked heels.
10 of 11
Flowerphotos/Getty Images
Lavender is a multi-use tool that can fix a number of skin concerns, including acne and eczema; use it as a facial toner. In addition to soothing skin, lavender heals inflammation and burning associated with insect bites and mild burns.
11 of 11
Akepong Srichaichana / EyeEm/Getty Images
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is perfect for keeping skin calm, hydrated and plump. You can also use it on hair, as it contains enzymes that repair dead skin cells in the scalp, ultimately leading to better hair growth.
You may like
Read More
Get The Essence Newsletter and Special Offers delivered to your inbox!