Lovely Lemongrass
Why lemongrass is the skincare hero we didn't know about.
This exotic grass, native to southern Asia, and used widely in Asian cooking, has a strong lemony (you'd never guess, huh?) scent and is packed full of divine elements to make it a very desirable skincare ingredient. Its fragrance is refreshing, energising and yet calming all at the same time; its antibacterial properties make it a healing agent, and de-odoriser , and it's full of antioxidants which prevent wrinkling, excess oil production and susceptibility to skin damage.
Here's a little more detail on why we at Conscious House love it:
Anti-bacterial
It is the anti-bacterial properties of lemongrass that make it such a key ingredient in natural skincare. It is excellent for soothing and reducing acne as it kills off bacteria in the pores preventing nasty breakouts or accumulation of dirt and bacteria in the surface of the skin. These anti-bacterial properties also make it a great ingredient for natural or DIY deodorants as it prevents bacterial decay which is what causes the pungent smells in sweaty crevices. Interestingly, lemongrass also has some anti-fungal properties which can be applied in home remedies for things like athlete's foot and ringworm - we recommend looking for professional advice before concocting your own potions though!
Astringency
Lemongrass also has astringent properties that tightens skin and helps to combat the production of excess oil, balancing out the activity in the epidermis and dermis (top two layers of skin). Lemongrass minimises pores through its tightening properties, preventing wrinkling. However, it's important not to over-do it as too much lemongrass can reduce natural oil production too far, leaving dry, easily-damaged skin that is prone to wrinkles and age spots.
Aromatherapy
Lemongrass, with a fresh, citrussy scent that's almost floral, has the components of classic aromatherapy fragrance. In aromatherapy, lemongrass essential oil is used to reduce inflammation on skin, or in muscles, relieve headaches, and ease indigestion. Breathing in the scent through candles, reed diffusers or using the oil mixed in with carrier oils for massage stimulates messages to the brain's limbic system which in turn controls nervous function encouraging us to relax both physically and mentally.
This Friday we are launching our first product containing lemongrass which is our new Bergamot & Lemongrass Hand Cream. We hope after months of extra hand-washing and alcohol gel this will be the perfect treat for sore hands. We envision this being the day-time partner to our Overnight Hand Cream which has a thicker base dosed with lavender essential oil designed to heal as you sleep. The Bergamot & Lemongrass hand cream is great for applying a thin sheen of moisturising goodness regularly throughout the day.
Stay tuned for it's release at 9.30am on Friday!