Sheer beauty, smoothness, high gloss and amenability to intricate cosmetics make flowers an appealing raw material for make-up and adornment. In cosmetology, it has become fashionable to use biological floral complexes to produce preparations with a nurturing and curative or preventive effect.
Nature has been a source of cosmetic agents for thousands of years, and an impressive number of floral products have been isolated from natural sources, many based on their use in traditional make-up, both as an ingredient of cosmetics and as adornment.
The external surface of the body is circumscribed by the living organ skin, by such derivatives of the skin as hair, nails, lips, epidermis and glandular structures, and by several specialized types of receptors. The skin helps to regulate temperature and fluid balance and is always the first to bear the brunt of the pollutant, which are present in the external environment. Exposure to these harsh chemicals leads to premature ageing of the skin. In today’s world, this is a situation no one is comfortable with.
The body and the mind are not separate entities and they influence each other in innumerable ways. When a person is relaxed, the oil-moisture and acid-alkaline balances are well maintained. On the other hand, negative emotions such as anger and anxiety can disturb these delicate natural balances the resultant disharmony is mirrored on one’s skin. Stress, for example, has been recognized as a causative factor in skin conditions like acne, rashes and hair loss. Flower extracts help bring about the ideal harmony between body and mind- the key to their popularity. While they clean, protect and nourish the skin, their fragrance has a calming effect on the mind. This balance is a prime prerequisite to beauty.
All of us attempt a number of different ways to improve the skin and overcome its suffering to enhance our quality of life. If only we knew the tremendous shooting power of flowers we would not try any other expensive methods, which are altogether against nature.
Flowers have such relaxing and comforting ingredients that cannot be generated in the laboratory by chemicals. Herbal preparations were also the prime source and foundation of all cosmetics before methods were discovered of synthesizing substances with similar properties. It protects the skin against exogenous or endogenous harmful agents, as well as balances again the dermal homeostasis lipids altered by dermatitis and ageing. One does unlike many conventional treatments; flower remedies are gentle, non-invasive, and non-addictive and have no side effects.
The use of floral extracts and herbal preparations in cosmetic preparations is increasing day by day, mostly because of the poor image and fears that animal-derived preparations have acquired owing to pandemic COVID19. Flowers work on two levels- physical and mental and particular emotions associated with a tendency towards arthritic conditions are outlined.
It is well known that Mughal queen Noor Jahan made the first discovery of rose essential oil when she saw the tiny oil droplets on the water used for her bath. From dates, people used rose extracts as anti-depressants to keep the body cool, fragrant and gloomy. This is because the extract has a soothing effect on the nerves, is non–sedative and therefore has no harmful side effects. When applied externally, rose tones the capillaries improve blood circulation to the skin surface, refresh, revitalize and improve the general texture. No high-grade personal care preparation is complete that does not contain at least some quantities of rose oil, which lends beauty and depth to odour blends.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and receives a variety of sensations. A variety of pigments are found in the skin. Skin colour is yellow to black is due largely presence of melanin, while, yellow-orange owing to carotine. Wild rose is an effective cure for pigmented skin, scars, and blemishes, improving the complexion and beautifying the skin.
Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) in nature own anti-dandruff formula, which has an in-built action to fight hair loss. It promotes the growth of hair, chock greying and improves the condition of damaged hair. Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Saucer-shaped Californian poppy (Eschscholzia californica) flowers are useful for the hair. It effectively controls hair loss and dandruff, thus promoting the growth of strong healthy hair. Saucer-shaped Californian poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Egyptian lotus rejuvenates dull and dehydrated skin. It has powerful anti-ageing properties. The application of its extract leaves the skin smooth, soft and radiant. It blends well with sunflower. Egyptian lotus
Corn flower (Centuriacynus) flowers are available in blue to multicoloured ranges, and can be used to prepare distilled water, which is a vehicle for eye washes. Corn flower (Centuriacynus)
Eyebright (Euphasia officinalis) was once though to have enormous virtues, it was particularly believed to be effective for freshness of the eye and frequently used in eyewashes. Eyebright (Euphasia officinalis)
The mini antirrhinum-like flowers of Toad flax (Linaria vulgaris) flowers were used by them in an infusion or mixed with those of the Great mullein, which have been recommended for skin infection. Toad flax (Linaria vulgaris)
The tubular-shaped Sage (Salvia Officinalis L) flower is used in baths for scabies, skin diseases or inflammation, loss of hair, and greasy hair. For brunettes, a mixture of rosemary and salvia reputedly maintains a dark sheen and strengthens and stimulates hair growth. Its massaged into the salp can control dandruff, and falling hair if the papilla is dormant and not destroyed. Tubular-shaped Sage (Salvia Officinalis L)
Fresh Elder (Sambucus nigra) flowers extract known for their qualities of stimulating hair growth, improving hair texture and colour are used to give ‘colour’ to the hair. Fresh elder (Sambucus nigra)
Jasmine (J. grandiflorum) is good for old people, lessens inflammation, softens skin and is also used as a brain tonic. It is very giddiness. Spanish jasmine is a flower that is useful only for hair, with deep cleaning action that restores the natural balances and controls dandruff and hair loss. It adds to the hair for strengthens of root hair. Jasmine (J. grandiflorum)
Rosemary is a cleanser good for people with dry hair. It not only restores health to brittle hair with frayed, split ends but also prevents dandruff and hair loss. It acts as a conditioner for greasy hair, a rinse and a tonic that gives body and sheen to hair, and infused with fresh or dry rosemary and sage with a little borax, used daily and massaged into the root hairs, is considered to be an efficacious home remedy for dandruff treatment. It definitely adds body and lustre to the hair. Rosemary
Frilled begonia is useful in tightening the pores and nourishing the skin. It helps in making the skin lustrous and youthful. It is useful for lifting blackheads and impurities. It effectively controls facial hair and lightens stretch marks. It blends with lavender and orange flowers. Frilled begonia
Marigold is nature’s skin cleaner. It removes impurities, without causing moisture depletion. When marigold is combined with extracts of calendula, it acts as a deep cleansing, protective agent leaving the skin dewy and soft. Marigold
Common yellow coloured Sunflower forms a strong barrier against the drying effect of chlorinated water. Its potent anti-ageing properties, give the skin a soft satin smooth texture. It blends well with marigold. Sunflower
The flowers and foliage of Henna (Lawsoniainermis) are useful in premature greying of hair, reverting falling of hair and also in burning sensation, amentia and insomnia. Henna (Lawsoniainermis)
Dandelion (Leontodenturaxacum) roots, flower, stem and foliage abound with a milky juice, which has the property of causing a permanent dark-coloured stain on the skin and on linen. Dandelion (Leontodenturaxacum)
Morning glory restores moisture loss and protects the skin from environmental damage. In combination with basil and Camomile, it has a healing action on the skin for acne, pimples and spots. Morning glory
The Primose jasmine is the last word in hair care. It promotes the growth of luxuriant healthy hair and prevents premature greying. It also has curative properties that prevent hair loss, dandruff and other related problems. Primose jasmine
Himalayan musk rose is extremely useful in the treatment of the delicate skin around the eyes. It helps remove dark circles and wrinkles. Himalayan musk
The pink lotus is a flower that is extremely useful as sunscreen. It protects the skin from moisture loss. The biggest point in its favour is that it suits all skin types and has a healing action on eruptive skin disorders. It blends well with Chamomile. Pink lotus
The valuable rose petals and their preparations are used in aromatherapy as a mild sedative, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory remedy. Rose water is mildly astringent and makes a valuable lotion for inflamed and sore skin. White rose is excellent for clearing and replenishing the skin with moisture and skin softening oils. Rose
White thyme has long been used as a conditioner. In addition to revitalizing and conditioning the hair and scalp, it also repairs split ends. It adds a rich lustre to the hair, leaving it soft and tangle-free. White thyme
White water lily affords protection from skin disorders and imbalances, leaving the skin petal soft and youthful. It blends well with rose. White water lily
Lavender is a flower with no toxic effect. It revitalizes, refreshes and refines the skin. With its unique rejuvenating properties, it encourages cell renewal. It acts as a relaxant that relieves both mental; and physical fatigue, which is why it is an ideal ingredient for both preparations. It adds a healthy glow to one’s face because it promotes blood circulation, which also prevents pimples. Lavender
A flower decoction of Vernonia (Vernonia missurica) is considered efficacious for dandruff. Vernonia (Vernonia missurica)
Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) purifies and refines the skin, removing deep-seated microbes, pollutants and dead epithelial cells. It is an excellent remedy for scars, blemishes and other skin problems. It blends well with orange blossom. Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
Wild basil is useful in keeping the hair fragrant and well groomed. While it gives body and strength to the hair, the powerful properties of this flower protect the hair from damage. Wild basil
English daisies are extremely effective in maintaining the delicate moisture balance of the skin, improving blood circulation and increasing the vitality of the skin. They help control skin infections and eruptions. English daisies
Orange blossom has proved to be the finest of cosmetic ingredients. It has a pronounced effect on the skin and is totally non-irritant. It also blends very well with flowers like rose and carnation. Orange blossom
In cosmetology, it has become fashionable to use biological floral complexes to produce preparations with a nurturing and curative or preventive effect. Many common flowers are used in traditional personal care products, but their principles must be more carefully examined, and controlled experiments must be conducted before cosmetic value can be attributed. It is important to follow health care provider instructions on how to adopt floral formulations for various reasons. One does not deny nor forget the charm of flowers seeking their possible use function and use, particularly when the letter is so obvious and extensive.
