Grow Your Own Skincare Plants

You might be surprised to know that some of the most effective ingredients in your favourite skincare products can be raised in your own garden!

Many of the plants that grow in your garden are packed with active compounds like flavonoids, tannins, mucilage, antioxidants, resins, acids, vital proteins, and essential oils, that are effective skincare elements. If you are worried because you don’t have a garden space, well, these natural beauties can be easily grown in containers or small spaces with just a bit of effort, care, and lots of love!

Here are 5 plants that are ideal to grow in Pakistan, with regards to the climate here. They are usually either found in your garden or you can easily grow them at home to reap their skincare benefits with literally minimal effort.

1. Aloe Vera

This ‘magic’ cactus plant is easy to grow at home and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and other bounties that aid in hydration, moisture balance, soothing, and skin renewal by stimulating cell regeneration.

How to grow: Aloe Vera is a low maintenance plant that loves to be in the sun and needs occasional watering that must reach deep down to its roots. Water it weekly or bi-monthly and you are good to go!

2. Chamomile

A beautiful perennial herb with large daisy-like flowers, Chamomile grows in the summer, ripe with skincare benefits. It has a high concentration of ‘alpha-bisabolol’ which helps reduce inflammation, soothe acne, eczema, and rashes. This compound also helps resolve discoloration caused by sunburns or acne.

How to grow: Another sun-loving plant that needs lots of sunlight and sporadic watering. Once it is mature, harvest its flowers to extract its blessings!

3. Mint

A natural acne curer that is found in most acne-fighting products, Mint has ‘salicylic acid’ which helps in clearing skin pores and preventing acne. Furthermore, it is ‘anti-pruritic, inclining, and has soothing properties which makes it an ideal candidate to calm itchy and infected skin.

How to grow: Mint is a self-sustaining plant; it thrives best when you leave it alone – just make sure its soil is moist. Harvest mint leaves frequently to encourage more plant growth.

4. Cilantro

An essential aromatic herb, probably the source of flavour in your favourite dish, is also a beauty powerhouse! Cilantro is a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants that help fight free radicals and reverse photodamage (Skin damage due to sun exposure). It also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it an ideal candidate for use on acne-prone skin.

How to grow: Unlike other homegrown plants, cilantro requires a bit of care as it is a likely candidate for pests like aphids and worms. Cilantro grows best in sunny spots with moist, well-drained soil. You need to sow the plant frequently to maintain a fresh supply.

5. Rose

The ultimate favourite plant of most home gardens in Pakistan, the Rose plant is frequently used to make moisturizers and creams for dry skin. They are also known to be an active ingredient to treat acne and rosacea.

How to grow: Rose can grow well in a variety of conditions, require little maintenance, and are resistant to diseases. They can grow well in shady spots that receive at least six hours of sunlight a day.

Imagine having access to pure organic skincare plants that have been cultivated from seed to plant in your own supervision. If you are a beauty enthusiast, this is your sign to start your own skincare garden, just steps away from your everyday skincare routine. Save that demanding trip to the market for a plastic-covered extract and DO IT YOURSELF at home!