Nourishing Herbal Serum
This herbal serum is wildcrafted from three plant-based ingredients that are reverently and responsibly foraged from the forests and fields surrounding my home and the rocky Maine coast--field horsetail shoots, dandelion blossoms, and beach rose. It smells lovely, with a light scent of rose, and absorbs quickly into skin with no sticky residue. No essential oils are used in this formulation. To make the serum, each of these ingredients is infused in olive oil for a period of 6 weeks, in a cool dark place, slowly releasing their goodness into the oil. Jojoba oil is added to the preparation. **See the benefits of olive and jojoba oils for all skin types (including those who are prone to breakouts) in the carrier oil description section below.
About the plants contained in this serum and how they can benefit your skin:
Field horsetail (the sole survivor of plants in the equisetaceae family, going back 300 million years) grows in abundance on our property. This plant contains high amounts of vegetal silica, which is known to help form collagen and support elastin synthesis. It softens and smoothes skin, has an astringent property that firms and tightens, and has the ability to soothe inflammation and help with acne. Horsetail contains flavonoids and saponins which help rebuild and regenerate skin cells and prevent and correct free-radical damage. It also increases circulation, giving skin a healthy glow.
Dandelion blossoms provide skin benefits as they contain high levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is known to provide strong protection against cellular damage and oxidative stress. Dandelion controls oil, reduces and prevents acne, is highly moisturizing, relieves puffiness, and helps calm skin. It also contains magnesium and zinc, which help detoxify skin.
Rose has so many properties that are good for skin. It's a natural antibacterial that helps with acne, is anti-inflammatory so it can calm sensitive skin, contains high amounts of vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant and has the potential to lighten ages spots, and contains natural oils that help lock moisture into the skin and keep it feeling soft and smooth.
About the skin-loving carrier oils used in this product:
My oils of choice for this serum are extra virgin olive oil and jojoba oil. Olive oil has been used for skincare since ancient times and contains antioxidants that fight free-radical damage, and an ingredient called squalene, which is extremely hydrating. It also contains linoleic acid, which helps keep moisture from evaporating. Jojoba oil is hydrating, controls oil on your face, soothes skin, and keeps skin calm and comfortable. The vitamin E and B complexes in this oil help in skin repair and damage control. Both olive oil and jojoba oil have a low comedogenic rating of 2, so they should not clog pores.
How to use this serum:
Serums are highly concentrated preparations, so you will only need a few drops, ideally applied to dampened skin for best absorption and to lock in hydration. If your face feels oily after application, you are probably using too much. Place 2-3 drops in your palm, rub your hands together, pat into your moist skin, and gently massage it in. A little of this serum goes a long way. You can even add a tiny amount to your daily moisturizer, to give your skin some glow.
**I highly recommend pairing this serum with one of my face creams and toner for optimal effects. After cleansing, use toner, then serum, and complete your beauty regimen with the face cream.**
∆ No essential oils are used in this formula.
∆ This serum comes in a 1oz. glass bottle with dropper cap.
