Nettle: beneficial properties for youth and beauty

When buying another expensive product for the health and beauty of facial skin, we do not think about the fact that no less effect can be obtained from cheap medicinal plants. For example, nettle, the same one that grows everywhere in Russian cities, towns and villages, has many magical properties on our skin. The use of nettle for the face is very wide: masks, tonics for washing, decoctions for problem skin and much more are made from it. In this article we will talk about the benefits of nettle for the face, and how to make various “nettle” products for the skin of our faces.

What are the benefits of nettle for facial skin?
Ways to use nettle leaves for the face
Nettle decoction recipe
For problem skin
Nettle leaves for oily skin
Side effects and contraindications

Benefits of nettle for the face

It is not for nothing that the burning plant is included in many cosmetic products. The composition of nettle is incredibly rich and rich; it can provide the daily requirement of some vitamins and microelements. For example, there is 10 times more vitamin C in nettle than in lemon; in terms of carotene dosage, nettle is ahead of carrots. In addition, the “prickly” grass contains vitamins A, K, and E in large quantities.

It is not surprising that nettle decoction and infusion are extremely beneficial for facial skin. Nettle leaves have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Therefore, homemade cosmetics made from nettle will help get rid of skin diseases, acne, and pimples.

Decoctions and infusions from this plant will remove excess oily skin, while the skin will be sufficiently moisturized, thanks to the presence of the same carotene in the composition. A decoction of nettle leaves will help eliminate various peelings of the facial skin and scratches.

Nettle leaves can improve complexion; they will strengthen the skin and make it more elastic. Green “spite” also has a rejuvenating effect. It has regenerating properties, heals small wounds, and can reduce the brightness of freckles and spots. This is a truly universal remedy: depending on the method of preparation and additional components, nettle infusions are useful for both dry and oily skin. The beneficial properties of nettle are not limited to its beneficial effect on the skin; this plant is beneficial for the entire human body.

Useful properties of nettle

In the world of cosmetics and beauty, nettle rightfully occupies a high place and is loved by almost all cosmetologists. It is added to homemade masks, decoctions and infusions are made from it, and used as an active component in industrial cosmetics. All thanks to the beneficial properties of this burning beauty:

nettle has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which makes it indispensable for skin diseases, acne, and excessive greasiness of the dermis;
contains a record amount of vitamins A, K and C;
improves skin color, strengthens the dermis, increases vascular elasticity;
perfectly moisturizes thanks to the carotene included in the composition;
has a rejuvenating effect;
stimulates metabolism;
evens out skin tone and texture.

These and many other properties of nettle have earned it the love of many women. Below we will look at the basic recipes with this hot herb that will allow you to always remain young and beautiful.

How to use nettle for the face

As you can see, the beneficial properties of nettle for facial skin cannot be described in a nutshell. There are many ways to use nettle for your face. Decoctions, tinctures, and masks made from fresh and dry nettle leaves for the face are incredibly popular among women with different skin types. Of course, ladies with problematic facial skin especially appreciate this scalding plant.

Decoctions and tinctures can be added to store-bought and other homemade masks, and the decoction can also be frozen and used for SPA treatments with such ice cubes.

You can buy dried nettles at the pharmacy, or you can pick fresh ones and dry them yourself. Decoctions based on fresh nettle leaves are also popular.

Reviews

Oksana: “My grandmother taught me to use nettle decoction as a child. At first I simply rinsed my hair with the liquid, then I began to wash my face with it. A lot of time has passed since then, and I decided to return to using the burning plant. I use it to make homemade cosmetic ice and also brew it for my daily evening wash. The skin looks and feels great, no breakouts appear at all.”

Marina: “I constantly buy dry nettle at the pharmacy. It seems to me that it is not as useful as freshly harvested, but in the absence of an alternative, I use it. I pour boiling water over it, rinse my face and hair, and also add crushed powder to homemade masks. I really like combining nettle with blue clay: the skin after the product is very clean, the pigmentation gradually brightens. I also noticed that daily washing with the decoction not only reduces the number of blackheads and small pimples, but also smoothes out wrinkles.”

Karina: “After reading a lot of information about how well nettle helps against acne, I asked my husband to take me to the village to collect fresh branches there. At home, I prepared an infusion of them, pouring vodka. I keep the bottle in a dark place, use it several times a week as a lotion, and also apply it to acne with a cotton swab. I can say that the condition of my skin has improved significantly, it has become noticeably cleaner and smoother.”

It is difficult to imagine a more accessible plant than nettle. You can meet her almost everywhere. Of course, for facial care it is better to choose clean twigs picked at a distance from roads and residential buildings. There are a large number of ways to use hot leaves in cosmetology, but each of them cleanses the skin of rashes, rejuvenates it, and evens out the complexion.

Nettle decoction for problem skin

It is not at all difficult to prepare a nettle remedy for problem skin, but in addition to nettle, you will also need other medicinal plants. For example, take one spoon each of nettle and string (or chamomile). Pour a glass of boiling water over the mixture, let it brew, and strain. Make a “waste-free production”: wipe your face with the broth, and make masks with the cake. It is effective to freeze the broth and wipe your face with the resulting ice cubes twice a day. Wipe with light movements, without pressing hard on the skin. Do not leave the cube on one area of skin for too long.

Nettle tincture

This product is useful for oily skin prone to inflammation. Acne tincture helps well, but in this case you need to treat the area of the rash directly, and not the entire face. It is useful to disinfect the skin with such a tincture; it will only dry it out without causing peeling of the epidermis. The product also has a pleasant refreshing effect.

Method for preparing the tincture:

Fresh, clean nettle is crushed, you can do this using a blender.
Fill with vodka at the rate of 2 parts of the plant - 5 parts of vodka.
Then you need to close the tincture tightly and leave it at room temperature for a day.
Then you need to put it in a dark place for 3 weeks.
Strain before use.
Store in a cool, dark place.

Nettle for oily skin

Those with oily skin will benefit from preparing a nettle mask. You need to take a spoonful of nettle and lemon juice, add protein. Mix the product and apply to the skin for 15 minutes.

The mask will be effective for acne-prone, oily skin. It will dry out pimples, make pores less noticeable, and brighten the face. For clear facial skin, this nettle product is perfect.

Nettle tincture

Nettle tincture is used for excessively oily skin, and also – locally – to eliminate acne and inflammation. The properties of this cosmetic product are truly magnificent; it has a very beneficial effect on the epidermis:

tones;
refreshes;
dries;
disinfects;
cleanses the skin.

Preparing the tincture is very simple. Fresh herbs and vodka are used for preparation.

Pour crushed leaves of a young plant with vodka in a ratio of 2 parts to 5 parts. The leaves must first be cleaned of dirt and washed well.

Close the container tightly and place it on the window for exactly one day. After this, put the bottle with nettle tincture in a closet or other dark place. Infuse the product for two to three weeks. Then strain and use for cosmetic purposes.

Contraindications

The healing properties of nettle for the face are difficult to overestimate. But this herb also has contraindications. Like most medicinal herbs, nettle can cause an allergic reaction.

But the “prickly” plant also has its own characteristics. Due to the rich content of formic acid in its composition, which makes the herb scalding, prolonged use can cause a burn. For this reason, you should not overdo it with the amount of nettle in the product. Do not exceed the dosage of nettle leaves listed above.

Recipes for home cosmetology

The variety of beneficial characteristics of nettle allows it to be used at home to improve the condition of the facial skin in various forms.

Ice

To prepare nettle ice with your own hands, which helps smooth out wrinkles and provide high-quality hydration, follow the following method:

Mix dried plantain leaves - 3 g and nettle - 12 g.
Pour the raw materials into a faience glass.
Brew half a glass of water, brought to a boil and slightly cooled (to about 80˚C).
After 40 minutes, two types of oil are added to the filtered infusion (mango - 8 drops and wheat - 12 drops).

Nettle is an effective acne remedy

Content

Almost every person experiences the period of acne. The skin deteriorates during adolescence and, often, acne accompanies a person’s transition to adulthood if the sebaceous glands continue to work intensively. Pharmacies will offer you a huge number of newfangled products. Many of them help, but they bring more than just benefits. Some of them cause significant harm. For example, salicylic acid dries the skin very much, and antibiotics undermine its immunity. Nettle for acne has a pronounced healing effect and works not to mask the effect, but to eliminate the cause. But there are two most important conditions - regular and correct use of this magical herb. An integrated approach is definitely needed.

Nettle works against acne from within the body. Only external use will not give a pronounced effect. Prepare an infusion - pour half a glass of raw material with a liter of boiling water and leave for about an hour. Then you can filter and take a glass a day.
Washing with nettle decoction. Fill a glass of raw materials with a liter of water, put on fire and bring to a boil. Cool and rinse your face after washing.
After washing your face, apply homemade cream to your face. Take half a pack of softened butter, pour two tablespoons of aloe juice and the same amount of nettle juice into it. Mix all this well and use as a night cream. Store the product in the refrigerator, removing it shortly before use.

Nettle for acne is a natural, safe and effective remedy that will not only eliminate inflammation, but also improve the condition of the skin in general.

Features of application

If you use nettle cosmetics from a famous brand, there will be no problems or difficulties. Read the instructions - and use it to your health.

It’s another matter if you take a risk and cook something similar at home. There are a lot of advantages: much cheaper + natural + the composition can be varied at your discretion. So in the summer you can try and feel the difference between masks from Barex Italiana, for example, and your own preparation with the same composition - kaolin and burdock.

Blank

Nettle facial cosmetics can be prepared from a collection that is sold in pharmacies. But the maximum benefit can be squeezed out only from raw materials collected with one’s own hands.
Harvesting is done in May–June, while the grass is young, light green, with soft leaves and stems.
It is better to use a dioecious variety for cosmetic purposes (tall, dark green, with sparse, burning villi). The pungent is often collected by mistake. It is smaller, bright green, incredibly painful to the touch and can cause a severe allergic reaction on the face.
Don't forget to wear gloves when doing everything to avoid getting burned.
Collection is carried out in dry weather. Do not harvest a plant if it is wet or damaged by diseases or insects.
If the stem is tall, only the tops are cut off. If it’s small, go to the root.
If you plan to use raw materials, they are rinsed under cold water and used for their intended purpose immediately.
If dry herbs are needed to prepare cosmetics, the collected raw materials should be kept in a room with good ventilation and away from the sun for 1-2 weeks.
It all needs to be turned over several times a day.
As soon as the raw materials begin to crumble in your hands from abrasion, the leaves are separated from the stems and placed in paper bags (cardboard boxes as an option).
Shelf life - no more than 2 years.

Application

Dried nettle is less beneficial than fresh herb due to the much lower content of active substances in it. Therefore, it is better to engage in such skin therapy in late spring and early summer.
There are contraindications: individual intolerance, tendency to allergies, sensitive and thin skin, rosacea. Formic acid can cause not only a rash and hyperemia, but also a real burn.
Before using any facial product, try it on your wrist first. If no discomfort occurs, use for its intended purpose.
To treat acne, the decoction and infusion are also taken orally: 100 ml three times a day after meals for 10-14 days.
The duration of the course is 1 month, the interval between them is 2-3 weeks.

If the mask causes a burning sensation, and the hyperemia on the skin does not go away long enough after it, either reduce the concentration of nettle, or apply a thinner layer or even locally for a short amount of time. If the problem does not go away in this case, you will have to abandon the product.

Who should use it?

Nettle can be used for all skin types; it has a beneficial effect on each of them, for example:

Oily skin, prone to constant rashes and inflammation when using lotions infused with nettle, will receive a soothing anti-inflammatory effect combined with cell regeneration.
Dry skin, thanks to carotene and potassium, will receive the necessary hydration. Vitamin C will help strengthen blood vessels and activate the action of collagen fibers.
Every skin type will be grateful to vitamin K, which helps even out the complexion and promotes whitening.

Nettle-based products are suitable for people of any age.

Recommendations for use

Like any medicinal herbs, nettle requires careful and careful use. The plant contains a high concentration of formic acid, so people should use nettle especially carefully for sensitive facial skin.

Before applying masks, compresses or other nettle-based products, it is necessary to cleanse the facial skin of impurities. For better cleansing, you can pre-steam your face, then wipe it with a special lotion.

It is recommended to endure cosmetic procedures for no more than 15 minutes, then rinse off the medicinal mixture well with warm water. If irritation, itching or other unpleasant sensations occur, the product must be washed off immediately. To avoid this, you should initially do a susceptibility test on a small area of skin, for example, on the wrist. If after 20-30 minutes there is no discomfort in this place, you can safely use the cosmetic product.

When using nettle for dry and sensitive skin, it is recommended to pre-heat treat it.

People with skin diseases should consult a doctor before using nettle remedies.

It is necessary to collect nettle leaves before flowering begins. Collection should be carried out away from highways and polluted areas.

Popular home recipes

Every woman has her own beauty secrets. Some go to beauty salons, while others use the recipes of their mothers and grandmothers. Despite the fact that natural cosmetics differ significantly in price segment, the result can even surpass the most expensive procedures in a beauty salon. It turns out that ordinary nettle can help not only rejuvenate the face, but also get rid of acne and age spots.

The most popular homemade recipes for nettle masks:

Nettle mask. Nettle foliage must be washed well, doused with boiling water and crushed to a liquid consistency. Apply the resulting mixture to your face for 10 minutes. This nettle face mask will help moisturize, rejuvenate the skin and even out the color. Should be used with caution by people with sensitive skin. In this case, you should not leave the mask on your face to avoid getting burned.
Warm nettle face mask . Wash and chop the foliage of the plant, pour boiling water over it and boil in a water bath for 10-15 minutes. Let cool and strain. Apply the warm porridge-like mass to your face for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. This mask will help get rid of acne on the face, improve skin turgor, and restore water-acid balance.
Firming mask. Grind one tablespoon each: mint leaves, nettle leaves and chamomile flowers. Add a tablespoon of cottage cheese and honey. Mix everything thoroughly and apply a thin layer to your face for ten minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Honey and nettle mask. Finely chop fresh nettle leaves and mix with the same amount of honey. Apply to face for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. This mask nourishes the skin and promotes a rejuvenating effect.
Egg mask with nettle. Crushed nettle leaves are ground with egg yolk. Mix the resulting slurry with a small amount of warm milk. Leave on face for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water. The mask has a tonic effect on the skin.
Whitening mask made from nettle and parsley. Nettle and parsley leaves are crushed in equal proportions, two tablespoons of sour cream and half a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice are added. Apply the mask to the face for no more than 15 minutes. The mask helps even out the tone of the face, get rid of age spots and freckles.

Contraindications and harm

A negative effect on the dermis can occur if you overexpose the medicine with nettle. The duration of the procedure for more than 10 minutes provokes a burn of the dermis. It is also not recommended to resort to local remedies in the following cases:

Individual intolerance to the active components of the plant;
Thin dermis of the face and neck, characterized by hypersensitivity.

Drugs for oral administration are prohibited if the patient is diagnosed with increased blood clotting - this increases the likelihood of blood vessels clogging with blood clots.

Cosmetics with nettle

There are many cosmetic recipes based on nettle. According to the results of surveys and studies, the most effective recipes were the following:

Nettle decoction for the face . Dry nettle leaves are poured with boiling water. Let the broth brew and cool. Strain. Wipe your face morning and evening with a cotton pad soaked in the broth. The second way to obtain nettle infusion: pour nettle leaves with a glass of hot water and boil for twenty minutes in a water bath. Allow to cool and strain. Use for washing and wiping the face in the morning and evening.
Cosmetic nettle ice for the face . The nettle decoction prepared as described above is filtered and poured into ice cube trays. To enhance the nutrients, you can add a drop of vitamin E to the broth. The molds go into the freezer. In the morning and evening, gently wipe your face with pieces of ice. Such ice cubes will be an excellent preventive measure in the fight against fine wrinkles.
Nettle oil . Fresh nettle leaves are crushed, poured into a small jar and completely filled with olive oil. Keep in this way under the lid for a week. Next, the extract is drained, the pulp is thrown away, and fresh leaves are placed in the old oil. The process is repeated. You can use nettle oil instead of cream. It helps smooth out fine wrinkles.

How is nettle good for our skin?

Nettle is used in cosmetology for several reasons:

firstly, the substances included in its composition have an antiseptic and bactericidal effect;
secondly, vitamins promote skin regeneration, help cure acne, fight swelling, make the skin more elastic and perfectly moisturize;
thirdly, organic acids, trace elements, flavonoids and tannins exhibit rejuvenating properties, smooth out skin texture, even out complexion and maintain a normal level of hydration.

For these reasons, nettle is considered one of the best remedies for the skin, and most importantly, the preparations of this plant are natural, and if all the rules and recommendations for their use are followed, they are absolutely safe.

Indications for use

As already noted, cosmetologists consider nettle the most versatile plant. The optimal natural composition is designed for any skin type, any age. Due to this, the use of nettle masks is prescribed to people to treat skin with acne, dehydration, and pigmentation.

Common problems when prescribing nettle masks are:

– pimples and acne; – dehydration; – small wrinkles; – dark or yellow complexion; – wrinkled, aging skin.

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However, despite all these excellent indicators, the nettle mask should be used more carefully by people who have thin and sensitive skin on their face. This is due to the fact that nettle contains formic acid, so the procedure for applying the mask should not exceed ten minutes.