Great ingredients for natural skincare: A to E

Nature offers a bounty of plant-based ingredients that are excellent for your skin. Here are some of the best options for natural skincare – listed alphabetically from A to E – and tips on how to use them.

These simple, natural substances can have a positive effect on your skin.

• Almond. Used as an ingredient in many good-quality lotions and creams, almond oil is one of the oldest of all cosmetics. It's good for cleansing and nourishing dry and sensitive skin.
• Angelica. A pretty, lush plant that will thrive in the smallest kitchen garden. Its stems and leaves can be used in homemade recipes for eau de toilette and light fragrances.
• Anise. The aromatic seeds have mildly antibacterial properties and can be used to freshen the breath. The essential oil can be used in massages, but don't use it if you have a rash.
• Apricot. The fine-textured oil, derived from apricot kernels, is a very good all-purpose body moisturizer, helping to erase stretch marks. It can also be used as a facial anti-wrinkle treatment.
• Avocado. Contains lecithin, a protein that is good for dry or damaged hair. Use avocado in oil form as a moisturizer and hair conditioner. It's also good for softening nails and cuticles.
• Banana. Banana is rich in vitamin A and potassium. The mashed pulp is very gentle when used on the skin, making good refining and cleansing face masks.
• Basil. Steep the dried leaves of this herb in hot water, then cool and strain before using the tea as a fresh-smelling bath fragrance.
• Calendula. Strain and cool an infusion of calendula leaves to make an effective skin toner. It can also be used as a hair rinse, as it is particularly good for highlighting tints in brown and reddish hair.
• Chamomile. A good highlighter for fair hair, it is also effective in soothing tired eyes and chapped or dry skin. It makes a gentle skin toner and can be incorporated into a variety of bath treatments and face masks.
• Chervil. Use a cooled infusion to soothe blemishes or fresh juice from the plant to treat various skin conditions, including pimples.
• Chives. Chives have a high sulfur and iron content, so the juice makes an excellent skin tonic and cleanser when dabbed onto skin.
• Cloves. Clove oil's antiseptic qualities make it a valuable ingredient in toothpastes. Use it in mouthwashes and other oral hygiene preparations.
• Coconut. Blended with other ingredients, coconut makes a nourishing pre-wash hair-conditioning treatment. It may also be used as an intensive skin moisturizer.
• Coriander. The oil, made from the seeds, is a traditional ingredient in many famous perfume recipes. Try it in homemade eau de toilette and bath fragrances.
• Cornflower. Use an infusion as an eye bath, a mildly refreshing mouthwash, a facial steam treatment or a bath additive, or apply it as a dressing for itchy skin.
• Cucumber. Slices placed on the eyelids can reduce puffiness. The pulp can be used in after-sun body splashes, cleansers and soothing masks for sensitive skin.
• Eyebright. Contains anti-inflammatory plant glycosides. Use the strained tea in a compress or eye bath for sore eyes and dark under-eye circles.

With regular care using natural ingredients, you can keep your skin healthy and feeling great!