Hamamelis (Hamamelis virginiana), or witch hazel is amazing plant used in cosmetology. It belongs to the family hamamelidaceae and can be found in North America. There are some other hamamelis plants, which can be found in Japan and China as well.

Extract from hamamelis plant contains different polyphenols (tannins and flavonoids). Among others we can find in its extract: ellagotannins, hamemalitannins, gallic acid, ellagic acid, saponins and leucoanthocyanidins. Thanks to these compounds it has strong antioxidative properties. It protects skin from free radicals and slows down ageing. Due to its composition, it has strong antimicrobial, anticancerogenic and anti-inflammatory properties as well. It can help fighting rash and eczema. It has been shown to tighten pores as well. It has sebum regulating properties and can help to reduce acne. It has been used to heal small wounds as well. People with swollen eyes and shadows in under-eye area can profit by using it as well. It's being used to treat sun burns. Sometimes it is being used to treat couperose, however it is important to be cautious with using it as hamamelis plant extract can irritate skin as well (especially when we use it pure). Therefor very important is to test first the skin reaction before use. It is used as well to treat haemorrhoids. It improves blood microcirculation and strengthens blood vessels.

Whenever you will see that use of products with witch hazel extract, or pure hamamelis extracts lead to occurrence of redness or rush, stop using it. A good way to use it is to prepare skin for it. You can start with using your skin care products with hamamelis 2 times per week, enhancing frequency over time. Sometimes it can lead to extreme dryness of the skin, so it is good to combine it with some moisturizing factors.

Summing up, hamamelis is good for:

– Acne vulgaris and other ance types / oily skin with enlarged pores
– Mature skin (antioxidative properties)
– Problems in under-eye area
– Wound healing / Haemorrhoids / Couperose (spider web)

Arnika montana is known as a wolf's bane or as a mountain tobacco. It belongs to daisy family- asteraceae and has beautiful small, yellow flowers. For a long time it has been used in a herbal medicine and homeopathy. The main ingredients of its extract and oil are: flavonoids (flavanone glycosides), lactones, thymol (phenol derivative of antiseptic properties), fatty acids and essential oils.

Similarly to hamamelis, arnica montana can speed up wound healing. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it stimulates blood and lymph flow. It strengthens blood capillaries. It can decrease face puffiness and is a big help in fighting couperose.

Arnica plant extracts and oils are used to slow down ageing and to fight acne as well. It can be helpful to strengthen hair grow by improving of blood circulation in hair follicles.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a plant, whose extract can help to keep the skin in a good conditions as well. It has strong antioxidant properties and is good weapon to fight ageing and act against free radicals. It contains isoflavons and is known to be a source of plant estrogens. It can stimulate collagen production and therefor improve skin thickness and moisture. Due to high isoflavon content, red clover is loved by women going through menopause. It is used to help wound healing as well. It can reduce size of pores and help fighting acne as well.

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