The Mediterranean immortelle plant has long been known as a plant whose oil brings many benefits to the skin. What are the exact benefits ? What makes the immortelle stand out and why is it really special? Find out below.
Immortelle is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and includes over 600 species of herbaceous plants, semi-shrubs and shrubs spread all over the world. In the European area, there is a mixture of two types of immortelle, Mediterranean and Asian. In Croatia, coastal or Mediterranean immortelle ( H. italicum) grows on stony pastures, next to abandoned fields and vineyards. It is also known by the popular names of bilobada, cmilje, marquis and has a branched stem, which grows up to 60 cm in height. It is recognizable by its yellow flowers gathered in small flower heads, often visible in many photos with various cosmetic products. In addition to its popular appearance, the scent of immortelle is completely unique. Enchanting and refreshing!
Eternal ally against premature aging of the skin
Although immortelle is used in a variety of ways, in our climate there is a belief that immortelle accumulates the heat of the sun, and for this reason women, in order to protect their household members from the cold storm, store it in pillowcases to keep them warm. However, one of the most common ways of using immortelle is the use of essential oil in skin care products. And not only in creams, but also in other products such as cleansing milk, micellar solution, mask, peeling and others.
The use of immortelle has always been associated with longevity, thus justifying its French name immortelle or immortal. Immortelle flowers retain their yellow color even after they have been picked, and they have an anti-aging effect on the skin due to the high content of polyphenols, especially flavonoids, which are known antioxidants. [1] Although skin aging is a normal and completely natural process that cannot be stopped in the long term, there are effective preparations whose ingredients promote collagen production. According to the conducted studies, the inhibitory effect of Helichrysum italicum essential oil on skin aging is proven, with a particularly relevant effect on elastase activity. [2] Immortelle essential oil restores elasticity to the skin and contributes to a fresher and healthier appearance of the skin. At the same time, it has an extremely nourishing effect and deeply moisturizes the skin. Also, with long-term use, immortelle helps balance the pigment and alleviates the appearance of small spots. Regular use achieves an even complexion and skin radiance.
For skin and body care
Immortelle is suitable for use on all skin types, except in cases of individual hypersensitivity to essential oils. It will have a calming effect on mixed to oily skin, mitigating inflammatory processes. It will help alleviate the appearance of various irregularities, and the skin will remain smooth and silky. Immortelle essential oil stimulates the renewal of skin cells and thus improves its health.
For tired and gray, and especially dry facial skin, immortelle essential oil will have a refreshing effect and will stimulate circulation. Due to better blood flow, puffiness will gradually decrease. With its regenerative effect on the skin, immortelle essential oil perfectly nourishes extremely dry parts of the skin and has a beneficial effect on various types of dermatitis and skin allergies.
In addition to the mentioned benefits, immortelle, in combination with other oils, will soften more visible changes on the skin. For this reason, it is recommended to apply it on stretch marks, enlarged and inflamed veins, broken capillaries, and bruises. Immortelle will restore fullness to the skin even with possible scars, with frequent application. It is important to note that immortelle essential oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and after excessive exposure to the sun, it helps reduce skin redness.
To conclude, immortelle offers a number of benefits:
- works effectively against skin aging
- relieves inflammatory skin processes
- improves microcirculation
- helps reduce the visibility of bruises
- reduces the visibility of scars and restores fullness
- relieves redness and has a beneficial effect on burns
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[1] Rajić, M., Bilić, M., Aladić, K., Šimunović, D., Pavković, T. and Jokić, S. (2015). From traditional use to scientific significance: The immortelle flower. Gazette of Plant Protection, 38 (6), 16-26. Retrieved from https://hrcak.srce.hr/162322 , 7/26/2021.
[2] Ascrizzi R., Flamini G., Fraternale D., The antiaging properties of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don essential oil: collagenase and elastase inhibition activities, Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa https://www.researchgate .net/publication/326683329_The_antiaging_properties_of_Helichrysum_italicum_Roth_GDon_essential_oil_collagenase_and_elastase_inhibition_activities accessed 26.7.2021.
