The legend tells of an incredibly beautiful nymph, Elicrisa. Elicrisa had long golden hair and a lithe body, she was happy together with her sisters and spent her time running on the meadows and among the streams. One day, however, she fell in love, unrequited, with a god. Elicrisa, then, desperate, surrendered to her pain, letting herself die. Zeus, however, took pity on her and decided to transform her into a wonderful flower, with lithe stems and golden corollas, the helichrysum, so that the nymph could continue her life on earth and that her beauty would remain forever, thus becoming immortal. And immortal is also the name by which the helichrysum is called in several countries thanks to the fact that the golden yellow color of its corollas is maintained even after the drying of the flowers, a true elixir of anti-aging substances that defy time and that can become precious beauty allies. So, let's close our eyes, entering a world of gods, heroes and nymphs, where everything is possible, and make small and simple cosmetics with incredible power. Today we'll see how to prepare cosmetics with helichrysum at home, but first let's find out what science says about the cosmetic properties of helichrysum.
Helichrysum and its properties for the skin, what science says
Helichrysum is characterized by an important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action thanks to its content in flavonoids and chlorogenic acid, a phenolic compound. In particular, these substances help protect the skin from damage from free radicals and UV rays, responsible for photoaging (Viegas et al, J Ethnopharmacol, 2014 - Tadic et al, Pharmaceutics, 2021). Not only that, the essential oils of helichrysum counteract the action of elastase and collagenase enzymes, responsible for the degradation of elastin and collagen that give tone and elasticity to the skin (Fraternale et al, J Med Food, 2019). And that's not all, in fact, the helichrysum also fights erythema, psoriasis, acne and dermatitis, is antimicrobial and is able to inhibit some bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium responsible for skin diseases, including acne (Djihane et al, Saudi Pharm J, 2017 - De Canha et al, Front Pharmacol, 2019). Finally, the helichrysum heals, stimulates wound healing and helps reduce signs and scars (Han et al, Biochim Open, 2017).
Helichrysum in cosmetics
Therefore, helichrysum gives the skin greater beauty and health. This wonderful plant, in fact, contrasts the aging processes that lead to the formation of wrinkles, dark spots and dry skin, acting on both external factors, such as the damage of UV rays, and internal factors, such as the destructive action of enzymes that degrade elastin. Not only that, as we saw in the previous paragraph, the helichrysum also helps in case of irritation, boils, acne and dermatitis. So let's see how to benefit from these properties by creating a cosmetic based on helichrysum. In 50 ml of argan oil, in case of mature skin, or jojoba oil, in case of young acne-prone skin, try adding 3-4 drops of helichrysum essential oil. Apply a few drops of this serum oil on the face with slow circular movements afterwards having sprayed a hydrolat. Excellent is definitely the helichrysum hydrolat, which you can find in specialized stores. Alternatively, in the case of mature skin, rose water is for you while in the case of acne-prone skin, help comes from lemon balm and lavender waters. Spraying a floral water before applying the oil helps to better absorb the product.
