Not only are wildflowers lovely to look at and fun to frolic through (just stay on the established path, please!), but some of them offer incredible benefits for your skin. Let’s talk about wild geranium flowers in particular.
Wild geranium extract is a byproduct of a precious little flower that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also offers a full range of superpowers to help beautify your complexion. Read on to learn more about wild geranium extract and how to use it for your skin.
IN A NUTSHELL
Ingredient Category: Astringent, anti-inflammatory
Main Benefit: Wild geranium extract promotes a healthy, balanced complexion, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Find It In: Crème de la Cream Brightening Moisturizer, H2 Oh Yeah Hydrating Moisturizer, Eyes Eyes Baby Anti-Aging Eye Cream, and So Clean! Facial Cleanser.
What Is Wild Geranium Extract?
Wild geranium extract is a naturally derived, minimally processed byproduct of the botanical known as wild geranium; it is sometimes referred to as geranium matalatum, cranesbill, alumroot, or crowfoot. Wild geranium is a tough plant native to various parts of North America, ranging all the way from parts of Canada to states like Alabama and South Dakota. It can thrive in a variety of different growing conditions and is most naturally found in woodlands and shady roadsides. It prospers in wetlands, swamps, and meadows, as well savannas; wild geranium belongs to the botanical family Geraniaceae, which originates in subtropical southern Africa.
This pretty purple flower spreads by its rhizome, the thick, tubular, root-esque underground stem from which the tangential roots and upward shoots grow. This rhizome is extremely potent in power and full of tannins that offer a variety of different health benefits. Consequently, the rhizome is often distilled to formulate wild geranium extract. Quality wild geranium extracts start with carefully shade-dried and autumn-harvested plant matter. They are then often crafted in small batches and distilled with organic alcohols to help preserve the nature of the live plant’s phytochemicals and bioactive compounds to yield fast absorbing liquids.
It is a delicate process, but one that is well worth the reward. One of the most remarkable extracts available, wild geranium extract has been used for centuries in ancient Chinese, European, and Egyptian medicine to combat things like waning concentration, fatigue, tension, insomnia, and hormonal imbalance. It is also a powerful mood booster, often applied in aromatherapy to address feelings of anxiety and depression, and is said to have positive effects on digestive, respiratory, and circulatory functions. There’s no doubt about it– wild geranium extract can flex! However, what may be our favorite of wild geranium’s super talents is its ability to promote a clean, youthful, and radiant complexion.
Wild Geranium Extract Skin Benefits
It Clarifies.
Wild geranium extract is one of nature’s most powerful astringents. It contains antibacterial and cleansing properties that can help purge the skin of dirt, environmental stressors, makeup, and excess sebum to help clarify pores for a clean and smooth complexion. Bonus– it does so without stripping your skin of any of the good stuff, making it perfect for mature or sensitive skin.
It Nourishes.
This nifty little plant is full of micronutrients, proteins, and fatty acids. These, combined with the added hydration from the extraction itself and the adaptogenic properties inherent in wild geranium, make this extract highly nourishing for your skin.
It Soothes.
Wild geranium extract possesses natural phytochemicals that can actively prevent irritation of any kind when applied topically. It has a powerful calming effect and can quickly tone down redness and bumps, whether sporadic or recurrent, especially for those with sensitive skin.
It Balances.
Moisture levels in the skin are kept at healthy levels when wild geranium extract is applied. As it nourishes and moisturizes, it also manages the excretion of sebum, keeping excess oils at bay and ensuring that skin stays hydrated without becoming oily.
It Minimizes the Appearance of Wrinkles and other Signs of Aging.
Due to its astringent properties, wild geranium extract offers a tightening effect without drying out the skin. Consequently, it can result in a minimized appearance of large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. Because of its ability to balance moisture levels in the skin, it promotes healthy hydration retention, making pesky crinkles and creases even less perceptible and helping to prevent the formation of new ones. Wild geranium extract is also said to naturally improve the look of dark spots or hyperpigmentation for a more even and smooth complexion.
How to Use
With all the amazing benefits wild geranium extract offers for the skin, you’ll be glad to know that incorporating it into your routine is quite easy. You’ll find it already included in many toners, facial oils, etc.
One of our favorite ways to apply wild geranium extract is in a moisturizer. As a moisture regulator, the wild geranium extract assists in maintaining the hydration you need, while prohibiting an overproduction of oils to keep skin clarified and clear. For this reason, we’ve included it in both our Crème de la Cream brightening moisturizer and our H2 Oh Yeah hydrating moisturizer. Between the two, we have a moisturizer that will suit every skin type.
As mentioned above, wild geranium can amp up the wrinkle minimizing power of your chosen formulas to encourage a more youthful appearance by temporarily tightening and toning the skin without being too harsh. This makes it great for those with sensitive mature skin and perfect for the more delicate areas of the face. Catch wild geranium extract in our Eyes Eyes Baby for a gentle, yet effective anti-aging eye cream.
For the purists, you can easily blend wild geranium extract in the form of an essential oil with either witch hazel and distilled water in a spray bottle for a super refreshing spritz. If you apply the extract directly to your skin, be sure to add a carrier oil first, to avoid any potential irritation.
The benefits of using wild geranium extract for your skin are hard to ignore. So go wild with wild geranium extract and see all that it can do for your skin!
