Helichrysum Essential Oil for Young Healthy Skin

If you like essential oils and natural remedies, then you’re going to like this…

Helichrysum essential oil, or Immortelle, as it is also called, is a hidden gem amongst skin care oils.

This article discusses the science and use of Helichrysum oil in skin care and why you’ll be missing out if you don’t use Helichrysum into your skin care routine.

Best Helichrysum Species for Skin Care

There are over 500 different species of Helichrysum, so be sure that the full species name is listed when you check skin care product ingredient lists. The species that has the most therapeutic properties for the skin is called ‘italicum’. 

It is a native species of Africa, which is now adapted to cultivation in the Mediterranean. The serotinum sub-species, native to the island of Corsica, contains the highest levels of neryl acetate, which is responsible for the therapeutic actions we are looking for in skin care.

Helichrysum Science

The italicum species has been extensively studied in Europe for several reasons. Helichrysum stands out for its ability to reduce inflammation and improve skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and eczema.

At the cellular level, studies have also shown that Helichrysum:

• speeds up the healing process
• reduce scar formation
• encourages tissue regeneration
• promotes nerve regeneration

Helichrysum is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe inflammation in skin conditions such as dermatitis, rosacea, eczema and allergic reactions.

It is an effective antiseptic and healing agent for when used on wounds, burns, and acne. Helichrysum works well for acne because it is a dermal purifier – meaning it facilitates the cleaning of clogged pores.

Lastly, Helichrysum has powerful anti-aging effects because of 2 effects it has:

1. The oil is one of the best at scavenging free-radicals.
2. It promotes a six-fold increase in skin’s production of collagen.

Helichrysum Use

Helichrysum italicum essential oil is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. It can be used topically at full-strength concentration. However, it is most often blended with a carrier oil due to its high cost.  It blends well with Citrus oils, Chamomile, Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage, Rose, and Clove oils.

When searching for the best therapeutic-grade Helichrysum italicum, look for oil from organically grown and distilled plants so there will be no pesticide or distillation chemical residues in the essential oil.

Helichrysum Moisturizer

 

Our favorite moisturizer with Helichrysum, Herbe Sois Calming Moisturizer™, is free of preservatives and harsh chemicals and made for sensitive skin.

It’s made by Organic Radiance Skincare (ORS), a cause-based company which donates 10% of proceeds toward natural skin care research groups.

“When you have a skin condition that is associated with inflammation, it is important to adjust your skin care routine in order to find what’s right for you. A moisturizer designed for sensitive skin is very important, especially one with calming herbal extracts like Helichrysum.” Says Organic Radiance Skincare lead chemist, Candice Betty.

Herbe Sois Calming Moisturizer™ is formulated with a proprietary blend of anti-inflammatory essential oils and healing herbal extracts, which include Helichrysum.[1] These calming ingredients make it a favorite for people with acne, rosacea, and sensitive skin.

To sum up, Helichrysum italicum essential oil is a favorite natural remedy for people looking to calm and restore their skin. This pricey oil is hard to find in a natural product that doesn’t contain chemical preservatives. Organic Radiance Skincare™ blends Helichrysum and other organic anti-inflammatory oils to make a powerful yet natural calming moisturizer.

 

 

References

[1] Sala A1, Recio M, Giner RM, Máñez S, Tournier H, Schinella G, Ríos JL. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Helichrysum italicum. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2002 Mar;54(3):365-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11902802