There’s nothing quite as calming as sitting outside in a garden, with the breeze blowing, nourishing plants, herbs, and flowers all around you, and a cool drink in your hand.

What’s even more incredible is that many of those herbs that may be growing “right outside your back door” are also power-packed skin healers and replenishers!

Just in time for summer’s bounty, in this fun article, I focus in on 3 “Keystar Ingredients” that can be found in a typical kitchen garden and are also featured within the CHARLIS Skincare or Face Care lines.

So let’s go out to the garden and get started!

Mustard Seed (Brassica Alba Seed Extract)

Brassica Alba, also known as White Mustard Seed, has existed for centuries. It is even referenced in the gospels (Matthew 17:20, Mark 4:30-32). The Parable of the Mustard Seed highlights this tiniest of seeds and its ability to grow big and tall in record time (similar to how our faith can grow).

Mustard seeds may be no bigger than a pinhead, but boy, can they pack a punch regarding the healing elements they contain! They have also been used through the ages for their culinary contributions and medicinal properties. Hailing originally from the Mediterranean area of Western Europe, a little-known fact is that these tall, yellow-flowered shrubs are part of the cruciferous category of veggies, just like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are.

Nutritionally, mustard seed contains strong anti-inflammatory properties and is a solid source of healthy fats. Studies have shown that a phytonutrient called allyl isothiocyanate, found in Brassica Alba seed extract, could reduce inflammation related to intestinal colitis and significantly lower inflammatory mechanisms in the colon. (1)

More than anything else, however, white mustard seed extract rises to the top for what it can do to moisturize the skin deeply. As a natural emulsifier, mustard seed penetrates deep into the skin to help retain moisture while at the same time helping achieve a balanced state on the skin’s surface. (2)

White mustard seed extract, with its high antioxidant content, can also detoxify the skin while it hydrates. It contains key vitamins A, C, and K, which are antioxidant powerhouses and essential nutrients for maintaining vibrant, age-defying skin.

White mustard seed is also rich in essential minerals, including zinc, manganese, copper, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and selenium. (3)

All of this power-packed goodness makes these tiny little seeds nutritional powerhouses for your skin and a delightful addition to your kitchen herb garden!

White Mustard Seed extract is found in the CHARLIS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer. Together with sandalwood, aloe vera, and other moisturizing ingredients, this product is a game-changer for deep cellular renewal. It can kickstart natural moisture retention factors to reinvigorate tired, weather-worn, overly dry skin.

Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil

If you check any foodie’s kitchen cabinet, there is bound to be a little bottle of thyme oil or a handy jar of dried thyme leaves on the shelf. Thymus Vulgaris, or Thyme herb, is a versatile cooking and healing herb that can be grown in just about any circumstance - in a pot on the windowsill, in containers on your patio, or right in the ground! As a pollinator plant, its delicate flowers also give nutrients to bees and other pollinator wildlife during the warmer seasons.

Besides being a chef’s best friend, you may be surprised to find that thyme oil is also a healer for the skin. Thyme is a stimulating herb; it can rev up circulation and blood flow and in turn, help to increase oxygen. For this reason, it is helpful for respiratory conditions and for lowering inflammation. Since the height of the Greek empire, it has also been used to boost mood and energize a tired body and mind when fatigue sets in.

For the skin, its stimulating properties tend to get things moving deep into the epidermis and dermis. It is a potent antiseptic and antifungal and, as such, is excellent for both acne and skin itchiness. Some studies suggest that thyme oil may be a “viable alternative” to antibiotics and other medicated creams for acne. (4)

Anything that can bring blood to the surface and get it moving in the body will also help with oxygenation- and oxygen is the Breath of Life for the skin! This is why thyme can also “perk up” old, tired skin and liven up fatigued skin. Its stimulating effect helps with detox too. According to research, this can greatly benefit those with eczema. (5)

Finally, thyme is a powerful antioxidant. It contains a hefty amount of vitamin C, the skin’s best friend for UV protection and collagen production. It also contains antioxidant phytonutrients called “terpenes,” which give it its pungent, refreshing aroma. Some healing terpenes found in thyme include linalool, thymol, and carvacrol.

For all these reasons and more, we include sustainably-sourced thyme oil in our lab-tested CHARLIS Nourishing Anti-Aging Toner. The synergistic effects of thyme, citrus, Alpine rose, and other healing substances allow this unique formula to enliven the skin while it deeply heals and replenishes.

Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Aloe is technically not an herb (it’s a succulent), but I just had to include it in this list! After all, no patio or garden space is complete without a little pot (or a big pot) of fresh aloe ready when needed. There are so many benefits to aloe vera on the inside, not the least of which is what it can do for your gut. And it is a true superstar because of what it can do for the skin. Here are just a few healthy skin benefits of this versatile garden succulent:

Wound healer. Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory, mainly because of a compound called aloin. This, combined with what it can do to rebuild collagen (mentioned below), makes it an ideal natural substance for wounds and scarring. (6)

Sunburn repairer. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms also make it a great go-to for the occasional sunburn. Just slather the gel from an actual plant on your skin (gently) or use pure aloe vera gel to feel instant relief.

Super hydrator. Aloe vera is one of the most effective natural substances for rehydrating the skin, which can increase elasticity and plumpness and leave your skin glowing. Its hydration mechanisms also make it ideal for those with dermatitis, psoriasis, dry skin, and rash.

Antioxidant protector. It is high in antioxidant content, mainly due to the presence of polyphenol phytonutrients within it. These super free radical busters protect the skin from major stressors in the environment, including the UV rays of the sun and environmental pollutants. (7)

Collagen builder. Aloe vera, when consumed as a juice, helped to increase collagen levels while at the same time decreasing fine lines and wrinkles for women in a Japanese study. (8) Other studies have found similar effects for the skin when aloe is used in quality topical formulas.

For all of these reasons and more, we chose to include aloe vera is several of our formulas, including the CHARLIS Daily Facial Cleanser in the CHARLIS Face Collection and our Orange Blossom Body Lotion, which is part of our exciting CHARLIS Body Collection!

Healing In the Garden and For Your Skin!

Step into the garden this outdoor season and be blessed by all the beauty that nature can provide!

At the same time, you can also take advantage of the healing properties of some amazing “kitchen garden herbs” - the timeless properties of white mustard seed, the pungent power of thyme, and the deep hydration of aloe- by choosing CHARLIS!

At CHARLIS, we’ve got you covered all year long with unique organic, sustainably sourced, lab-tested luxury skincare and face care formulas that are truly made with you in mind.

Because you’re worth it!

References:

1. Allyl Isothiocyanate Ameliorates Angiogenesis and Inflammation in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Acute Colitis
2. Skin penetration of topically applied white mustard extract and its effects on epidermal Langerhans cells and cytokines
3. What Are the Health Benefits of Mustard Seed?
4. Thyme may be better for acne than prescription creams
5. [Effects of Blending Oil of Lavender and Thyme on Oxidative Stress, Immunity, and Skin Condition in Atopic Dermatitis Induced Mice]
6. Aloin Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis by Inhibiting the Activation of NF-κB
7. Aloe vera (L.) Webb.: Natural Sources of Antioxidants – A Review
8. Effects of plant sterols derived from Aloe vera gel on human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and on skin condition in Japanese women.