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5 Flowers That Help Skin Bloom

Apr 17 08:54am

We all know flowers are beautiful and smell great. But did you know they may also offer skincare benefits? Here are five blossoms to watch for.

Rose
Studies have found that rose extract can significantly reduce wrinkling and damage to elastin fibers caused by UVB rays. Look for it in Korres Wild Rose Serum and Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist.

Anemone
Derived from the leaves of anemone flowers, the ingredient kinetin was made popular by the by the anti-aging cream Kinerase and is said to be a gentle alternative to retinoids, which can cause peeling and redness. While I don't know of any impartial studies confirming this claim, many people swear it works. If you don't want to shell out $119 for Kinerase, try the Body Shop's 24-Hour Treatment Lotion with Kinetin ().

Cornflower
These blossoms may have anti-inflammatory and skin clarifying properties and can be found in Sundari Cornflower Hydrator and Caudalie Gentle Cleanser.

Evening Primrose
Oil from this fragrant flower is rich in linoleic acid, which the skin needs to make ceramides, and is a great option for those prone to excessive skin dryness, eczema or psoriasis. You can take oral supplements, but I prefer to use it topically, as in Skin Vitamin Cream by Robin Pharmaceuticals.

Hibiscus
Companies like Kosmea claim hibiscus extract has similar effects to Botox. Though it sounds promising, I haven't heard of any research on hibiscus extract yet. It's also found in Steven Victor MD Intensive Wrinkle Repair Kit.

Find these products at SkinStore.com and Drugstore.com.

Wishing you blooming skin and a great spring!

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Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, " The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com.

All of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available online, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.

You can sign up for Dr. Baumann's newsletter.

Visit Dr. Baumann's online forum and join thousands of other people who share your skin type.

4 Comments Report Abuse

1. veronicag76 - Apr 19 09:46am

great article.

2. mbulesoul - Apr 20 02:08am

Hello,

I'm a shop manager for The Body Shop. Unfortunately we discontinued our Kinetin Line. The only way to get it is during sale and maybe online while supplies last. June sale is the next available opportunity for that to happen.

We do have another line coming out it but don't have an exact drop date for it.
Thanks!

3. poochdealwis - Apr 20 01:00pm

In South Asia, the common red hibiscus is known as a blood purifier when boiled and the liquid extract is drunk. When the blood is cleansed, one's complexion automatically clears as well, giving the skin an internal "luminence".

I haven't heard of good or effective topical applications.

4. lthaney2000 - Jul 01 08:40am

The good Doctor should state the benefits of natural sugars as opposed to refined sugar which is not a FOOD and thereby robs the body of vitamins and minerals in processing it. While it is good advice to balance our natural sugar intake, we shouldn't be afraid of eating potatoes, etc. Going out for a suntan is the most damaging exercise we can do and I see people doing it all the time. What they don't realize is, the damage will show up and you can count on that. Using natural E-Oil, Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter are the best, reasonably priced. Save your money and your skin at the same time.