Benefits Of Chamomile For Different Skin Types

Benefits Of Chamomile For Different Skin Types

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Are you prone to frequent skin allergies? Then, it’s high time you try chamomile for your skin. Including chamomile in your regular skincare routine can quickly relieve you from skin sensitivity.

Chamomile, for its miraculous therapeutic properties, is the most used ingredient in various cosmeceutical products. It is also considered an age-reversing herb and consumed as a tea to enhance overall skin health. Read on to know more about chamomile’s benefits and different ways to use it for your skin.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“Present-day research and traditional use suggests Pitta (Inflammations) - Vata (Nervous system) balancing action of Chamomile. Shatapatri, from the same family - Asteraceae (daisy), is enlisted in our traditional pharmacopeias with similar therapeutic use.”

-Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

What Is Chamomile?

Chamomile refers to certain plants belonging to the Asteraceae family, amongst which 3 types are predominantly used in healing treatments. These bear flowers look similar to daisies and are known for being powerful healers and relaxants.

Chamomile is available as a tisane (herbal tea), essential oil, and extract powder. It can be consumed or applied externally for healing purposes.

What Are The Three Types Of Chamomile?

The history of chamomile as a medicinal herb dates back to more than five thousand years. The 3 main types of chamomile, which are used as herbal infusions are - Roman chamomile, German chamomile, and Egyptian chamomile.

1. Roman Chamomile

The Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) [1] is grown in western Europe. It is known for its dark greyish-green leaves, apple-like flavor, and superior anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat a variety of skin issues and medical conditions such as gastritis, stomach disorder, irregular menstruation, muscle spasms, and more.

2. German Chamomile

Unlike the Roman chamomile, the German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) [2] is an annual herb and needs to be cultivated every year. The dark blue chamomile essential oil, which comes from the German chamomile, is widely used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Egyptian Chamomile

This is one of the finest chamomiles that is directly sourced from Egypt and is known for its delicately smooth taste. The Egyptian chamomile [3] is a well-known treatment for insomnia and anxiety.

According to a 2015 study, regular consumption of chamomile tea increased the survival rate in Mexican-Americans, especially in women, by improving their overall health condition.

What Does Chamomile Tea Do For Your Skin?

Cup of chamomile tea

With amazing skin-regenerating abilities, chamomile is an effective herbal solution for all your skin problems. It is packed with sesquiterpenes, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, and various active phenolic compounds and volatile oils. These compounds in chamomile, exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, skin lightening, anti-microbial, wound-healing, and anti-cancer properties.

Consuming chamomile tea regularly or including it in your skincare routine can treat atopic dermatitis, skin allergies, free radical damage, and hyperpigmentation. Also, chamomile tea works effectively to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in your skin.

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, says, “Chamomile is a recent import from the European and Mediterranean regions in the Indian pharmacopeia. Present-day research and traditional use suggest Pitta (Inflammations) - Vata (Nervous system) balancing action of Chamomile. Shatapatri, from the same family - Asteraceae (daisy), is enlisted in our traditional pharmacopeias with similar therapeutic use.”

Chamomile Benefits For Your Skin

1. Treats Skin Sensitivity

Chamomile is a common home remedy for sensitive skin. Anti-inflammatory polyphenol compounds such as apigenin and chamazulene [4] are present in this herb. These compounds reduce skin irritations, redness and have a soothing effect on allergy-prone skin.

2. Anti-Aging

Chamomile contains quercetin, a flavonoid that is known for its anti-aging, antioxidant, and cell-renewal abilities.

Quercetin scavenges excessive free radicals, which are responsible for premature aging, and prevents cellular damage in the skin. Also, it aids in cell regeneration while reducing the depth, and appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

3. Reduces Puffiness Around The Eyes

The skin around your eyes is thin and prone to easy damage. The very first signs of aging tend to appear in this area.

Chamomile tea bags are a natural remedy for tired eyes and under-eye skin conditions. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects owing to the presence of bioactive compounds such as polyacetylenes and chamazulene. These properties of chamomile help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and crow’s feet around your eyes.

4. Treats Acne

The main factors contributing to acne are- excess sebum and bacterial infection. Chamomile’s astringent nature helps regulate oil secretions on your face. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory [5] properties prevent bacterial proliferation in your pores and soothe inflamed acne lesions. It also helps to fade post-acne scars and marks on your skin.

5. Accelerates Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex process and has various stages to it. Topical application of chamomile shows quick drying of the wound and enhanced epithelialization (proliferation of epithelial cells).

Components of the herb such as chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol [6], have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that prevent the wound from getting infected. It is also known to aid the restoration of dermal fibroblasts, which produce connective tissues during the wound healing process.

6. Reduces Effects Of Stress On Skin

Chronic stress can cause various skin conditions. High cortisol (stress hormone) and adrenaline levels in the body can lead to a state of inflammation. This can aggravate existing inflammatory conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It weakens your skin’s immunity [7], making it prone to infections. Also, excess cortisol increases sebum production, causing acne breakouts.

Chamomile is an amazing stress buster. Its anxiolytic abilities reduce stress, relax your mind, and help fight the adverse effects of stress on your skin. Sipping chamomile tea improves sleep quality. This, in turn, allows your skin to repair and rebuild itself during the night, giving it a fresh and healthy look in the morning.

7. Fades Dark Spots

Flavonoids such as quercetin, terpenoids, and caffeic acid in chamomile, act as a natural skin brightening agents. When topically applied, these compounds restrict tyrosinase (an enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis) activity and inhibit melanogenesis in your skin.

With regular use, chamomile can fade dark spots, sun tan, and other forms of hyperpigmentation while enhancing your skin’s natural radiance.

8. Soothes Eczema Skin

Man applying cream in the treatment of eczema

According to a study in 2010, topically applied chamomile aids the treatment of eczema or atopic dermatitis. It is about 60% as effective as corticosteroid medications that are commonly used to treat eczema symptoms.

9. Heals Skin Infections And Bug Bites

Chamomile essential oil or creams containing its extract, can be used to heal skin infections due to its antibacterial properties.

According to a study conducted in 2019 on the Antimicrobial Activity Of Chamomile Essential Oil, it’s proven that chamomile oil inhibits the bacterial growth effectively. And, it can successfully kill certain strains of bacteria and fungi.

Moreover, its anti-biofilm [8] activity helps to prevent infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Chamomile oil is also a recognized antihistamine and effective in reducing itchiness and inflammation related to insect bites.

10. Exhibits Anticancer Abilities

Chamomile extracts show growth-inhibition abilities on cancer cells. By inducing apoptosis (cell death), it can control melanoma skin cells from multiplying. Further, its anti-inflammatory properties prevent chronic inflammation, which can trigger cancer in the body.

Vedix Tip: Dilute chamomile essential oil with jojoba oil or safflower oil before using. It works as a moisturizer to alleviate dry skin and improve your overall skin health.

How Do You Use Chamomile For Your Skin?

A. Chamomile Essential Oil For Skin

Chamomile essential oil in the glass bottle

1. For Acne

Chamomile essential oil can be used as a spot treatment for acne. Dilute 5 drops of essential oil with 10 ml of light astringent carrier oil such as jojoba or grapeseed. Apply it on the acne lesions and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water. Repeat twice a day till the condition improves.

2. For Skin Infection

Add 5 drops of Roman chamomile oil to 10 ml of coconut oil for a 2% concentration. Apply the oil to the infected area and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day. This will help cure mild skin infections.

For more severe cases, you can add 8 drops to 10 ml of carrier oil for a 3% concentration. However, strong concentrations may irritate, especially in sensitive skin. Hence, it is advisable to consult your dermatologist beforehand.

3. For Anti-Aging

Mix hibiscus, gotu kola, and manjistha powders in equal parts. Dilute 5 drops of chamomile oil in 10 ml of argan oil. Add a few drops of this oil into the powder mix to make a paste. Apply it to your skin and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off.

4. For Skin Brightening

You can add a few drops of chamomile essential oil to your regular skincare products and face packs for skin brightening.

Mix 5 drops of the essential oil with 10 ml of sweet almond oil/rosehip seed oil /argan oil. Soak a half teaspoon of saffron in this oil for an hour and apply it to your skin. Massage gently, leave it on for 20 minutes, and wash off.

5. As A Hydrating Face Mist

Add 8-10 drops of chamomile oil to 20 ml of rose water. Pour it in a spray bottle and mist your face whenever it feels dry.

B. Chamomile Tea For Skin

1. For Puffy Eyes

Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water. Let the water cool down to room temperature. Apply the tea over and under your eyes to reduce puffiness, crow’s feet, and dark circles.

2. To Remove Sun Tan And Hyperpigmentation

To use chamomile tea for skin whitening, soak 2-3 tea bags in hot water or boil 2 tablespoons of tea powder for 10 minutes. Let the tea cool down. Now, strain the liquid and use a cotton pad to apply it on tanned or hyperpigmented areas. Leave it on for 1 hour and wash it off.

C. Chamomile For Different Skin Types

Cream with chamomile in hand

1. For Dry Skin

Boil 8-10 dried chamomile flowers in water for 10 minutes, strain the liquid, and keep it aside. Mash a ripe avocado and add a teaspoon of honey to it. Now, add the chamomile water to the mixture to form a thick paste. Apply it as a face pack and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing off.

2. For Sensitive Skin

Crush 5-6 dried chamomile flowers and 8-10 neem leaves together into a fine powder. Add a spoon of fresh aloe vera gel to the powder to make a paste. Apply it to your skin. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and wash off with cool water.

3. For Oily Skin Issues

Homemade chamomile toners are a good way to control excess oil on your face. Simply, boil 10-12 dried chamomile flowers or 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile powder for 10 minutes. Cool it down to room temperature and strain the liquid. Fill it in a spray bottle and use it as a toner.

Chamomile Side Effects

  • Though chamomile is a skin-beneficial herb, its essential oil has a highly potent formula. It must not be directly applied to the skin as it can cause contact dermatitis, characterized by a severe allergic reaction.

Important Note:

Always begin with a low concentration and do a patch test if you are using the chamomile essential oil for the first time. This rule applies to all essential oils.

  • Chamomile is used as a sedative for treating patients with insomnia. While a few teas a day don’t harm you, consumption in large doses may have certain risks.
  • People who are allergic to chamomile or any other plant from the Asteraceae/ Compositae family must check with their doctor before using chamomile. Pregnant or lactating mothers should also consult a doctor before using chamomile.
  • Chamomile, when used as a herbal supplement, may cause adverse effects by interacting with certain drugs such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), especially aspirin.
  • It contains the plant compound, coumarin, which when used simultaneously with NSAIDs, can lead to excessive bleeding. Also, opioid analgesics can increase depression in patients, when it is used with chamomile.

Frequently Asked Questions On Chamomile

1. Does Chamomile Darken Skin?

Chamomile does not darken the skin. It is used as a natural remedy for hyperpigmentation. Including chamomile in your regular skin routine can enhance your skin complexion.

2. Does Chamomile Lighten Skin?

Chamomile contains various phytochemicals such as quercetin, polyacetylenes, caffeic acid, alpha-bisabolol [9], and others that have significant skin lightening abilities. These compounds prevent excess melanin production in your skin and help treat various forms of hyperpigmentation skin disorders.

3. Can I Put Chamomile Tea On My Face?

Chamomile tea can be safely applied to the face to treat a variety of skin issues. Topical application of chamomile tea can lighten your skin tone, prevent oily skin issues, treat acne conditions and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

The Last Word

With an ancient history of medical use, chamomile is recorded as one of the most potent herbs with therapeutic abilities. As more recent researches prove its skin healing properties, chamomile has become an all-time favorite ingredient for all skin types. It hydrates, soothes, heals, and protects your skin from various common skin issues. Using it as an essential oil or adding the extract to your toner, moisturizer, or face pack, can keep your skin healthy, young, and radiant.

At Vedix, we craft a customized Ayurvedic skin care regimen to address the unique needs of your skin.

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