Chamomile—a relaxing skincare ingredient

Traveling extensively recently on a tight schedule, my crazy working schedule has wound me up into such a tight knot that no amount of hot yoga and running could unwind.  I’ve decided to take a break by escaping to an ocean side city.  Had a long run this afternoon along the shoreline--salty fresh air does wonderful things to one’s mind.  Coming back to the hotel—I enjoyed a chamomile infused bath with a chamomile infused facial.  Totally relaxing!    

Chamomile is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae.  The herb is commonly used to make an herb infusion that can help to induce sleep.  Topically, chamomile has been used for treating skin inflammations and skin sensitivity.  In addition, the herb can be inhaled for respiratory tract inflammations or irritations; used in baths as irrigation for anogenital inflammation; and used internally for GI spasms and inflammatory diseases. 

Major chemical compounds present in chamomile include apigenin and alpha-bisabolol. Other classes of chemical compounds include: sesquiterpenes, terpenoids, flavonoids (antioxidants), coumarins (antioxidants) such as herniarin and umbelliferone, phenylpropanoids such as chlorogenic acid (antioxidants and appetite suppressant) and caffeic acid (humectant), flavones (antioxidants) such as apigenin and luteolin, flavanols (antioxidants) such as quercetin and rutin, and polyacetylenes. 

Apigenin has demonstrated strong chemopreventive effects, while alpha-bisabolol has been shown to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.  Umbelliferone has been shown to be fungistatic.  In addition, extracts of chamomile have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antigenotoxic, and anticancer properties when examined in vitro and in animal studies. There is evidence to support the claim that chamomile possesses anxiolytic (anti-anxiety).

Here is a recipe for  Chamomile skin toner:

Soak dry chamomile (10g) (or just use several chamomile tea bags) in 1 cup of vodka (or any hard liquor with 40% alcohol content) for two days.  To make the skin toner, mix the chamomile vodka liquid (1 portion) with glycerol (1 portion) and water (5 portion).  Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil, one drop of gardenia oil and 5 drops of lemon oil.  Shake well.  The toner is especially good for oily skin.

I have to admit that I don’t use Chamomile routinely in my skincare regime (in comparison, I do use rose and pearl powder daily).  The reason is that—I noticed, sometimes, my skin would become super sensitive to chamomile.  A chamomile infused facial could cause itchy rashes.  A little digging on the internet seems to suggest that chamomile is known to have resulted in anaphylaxis, contact dermatitis, and other severe hypersensitivity reactions. Also, cross-reactivity to asters, chrysanthemums, ragweed, and other members of the Asteraceae family exists.  So, if you decide to use this herbal in your skincare regime, use with caution. 

Thanks for reading.

Connie

connie@cherruby.com