Yarrow is the hot new beauty ingredient that will totally transform your skin, here's how...
Mother nature. She’s all wise, all knowing, and all over our skincare.
Some of her ingredients are common knowledge – tea tree can shrivel spots, honey has antiseptic properties and nut oils are ultra nourishing. But for some reason, one herbal hero remains off our radar.
We’re talking about yarrow. No, not marrow, yarrow. Or if you are a stickler for Latin, Achillea Millefolium. An absolute must-try for those with oily or combination skin, this natural astringent can knock back the breakouts, balance your complexion (see ya, shine!) calm inflammation and even reduce acne scars.
Want to know more? So do we, which is why we called upon Tipper Lewis, naturopathic herbalist at Neal’s Yard Remedies to fill us in.
What is yarrow?
Yarrow is a plant, commonly used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments. It can be found in North America, Asia, and Europe growing wild in grassy banks and verges.
Why is it exciting?
In herbal medicine, yarrow is a veritable medicine chest. It has a multitude of traditional uses, from supporting the immune system to helping with PMS and digestion.
What are the skincare benefits?
Historically, yarrow would have been used as a wash or compress to heal wounds and prevent them from infection. Folklore says that Achillies used the herb after battle, which is where the Latin name ‘Achillea Millefolium’ comes from. Today, we use it to help balance and control skin that is prone to excess oil and blemishes.
How should we use it?
Yarrow is readily available as an essential oil or an extract. If you use the correct dilutions, you could mix your own face cream – our Create range is a great way to try this, or just switch your regular day or night skincare for a yarrow-infused option.
Can’t wait to try it? These products are aching to add the super herb into your skincare regime.
Yarrow & Comfrey Moisturiser, £22, Neals Yard Remedies
Hydrate and regulate with a cream that manages to mattify and balance your complexion, reduce pores and give skin a big old burst of hydration. How? Clue's in the name.
Basil Yarrow Mist, £28, Noto Botanics
An invigorating, multi-purpose mist that blends eight natural ingredients. Rosewater hydrates, chamomile and witch hazel tone, while yarrow gets to work purifying, calming, healing, and more.
Aphrodite Facial Oil, £26, Magic Organic Apothecary
People are raving about this botanical oil's ability to reduce redness, unclog pores, calm irritation and reduce acne scars (must be the yarrow), all while being super duper nourishing.
Packed with natural ingredients, this organic toner promises to soothe, hydrate, and balance skin. It also contains fruits extracts that exfoliate and lift dead skin cells, but most importantly - it smells amazing.
