The king of herbs
St. John's wort is a very common flowering plant that finds application in various aspects. It is highly respected in the making of delicious and aromatic tea. It has a long history in herbal tradition, for example as a tea. If you take St. John's wort by mouth, ask a pharmacist or doctor first, because it can interact with some medicines. But this is not everything. St. John’s Wort is broadly used in cosmetics. And there is a reason why. Below you will find what topical St John's wort means, how to use St John's wort water on your skin, what to check before you start and when to see a doctor.
Why is our St. John’s Wort so special?
Its beneficial substances and oils are extracted and processed with great attention by our caring workers in a modern distillery. The way the herbs are grown and processed is of great importance for their effectiveness. Here at InaEssentials, you can find only high-quality organic cosmetics. Our Wild Saint John’s Wort Water - HYDROLINA for psoriasis and sensitive skin is a primary distillate and has a high content of essential oil.
The King’s ancestry
Etymology. St. John’s Wort is also known as Hypericum perforatum (scientific Latin name), Tipton weed, Goatweed, or Klamath weed. Its name comes after St. John the Baptist as the flower bloomed around the 24th of June - St. John’s birthday. According to Old English “wort” means “plant.” The yellow petals plant has been used as far back as the ancient Greeks. Since then it has become an inseparable part of our traditions, folklore, medicine, and cosmetics.
Natural habitat. The king of herbs is native to moderate European regions but nowadays it has spread all over the world. We find it in grassy areas, pastures, along roads, and fields.
Harvesting. The flowering plant blooms from May to September. Its full bloom is around the 24th of June - the perfect time for harvesting. It is important to know that overgrown stems, which have already gone to seed, should not be collected.
Long live the King
Throughout the ages, St. John’s Wort has been valued for many traditional uses.
In ancient times the herb was used to treat wounds, animal bites, gynaecological problems, gastrointestinal disorders, and mental issues.
In Mediaeval times St. John’s Wort was included in magic rituals, potions, and door wreaths. People truly believed the herb will ward off evil spirits and diseases.
In today's times, St. John’s Wort is widely used in naturopathic, medical, and cosmetic areas.
How St. John’s Wort cares for skin with psoriasis plaques and itching, we explain in the article Which Herb Helps with Psoriasis?
Topical St John's wort: what it does for the skin
St. John's Wort is a popular plant in creams and body waters. Used on the skin as part of your care routine, it can help your skin feel more:
- healthy
- calm
- hydrated
- nourished
- radiant
Topical simply means applied to the skin, rather than taken by mouth. Topical St John's wort usually comes as a water or a cream, and it is used for skin that feels dry, rough, itchy or irritated. Our version is a distilled water of the wild flowering tops: one ingredient, light on the skin and easy to add to a routine you already have.
What can you realistically expect? A calmer, more comfortable feel on skin that is dry, tight or easily irritated, which is why it is popular in care routines for skin prone to psoriasis or eczema flare-ups. It does not change the condition itself, and it never replaces anything your doctor has prescribed. For more on the plant and very dry, rough skin, read St. John's wort: benefits for very dry and rough skin.
View the product HERE.
Our Wild Saint John’s Wort Water - HYDROLINA for psoriasis and sensitive skin is a primary distillate and has a high content of essential oil. It nourishes the skin and helps it feel comfortable. Its single-ingredient composition is gentle, and many people with sensitive skin use it every day (do a patch test first, see below). Wild Saint John’s Wort Water - HYDROLINA for psoriasis and sensitive skin can be part of a gentle care routine for skin prone to:
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psoriasis
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eczema - in combination with our Organic Chamomile Water - HYDROLINA for eczema and irritated skin, which is suitable for people of all ages. You can read more about the stunning effect of our Organic Chamomile Water - HYDROLINA for eczema and irritated skin here.
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dermatitis - in combination with our Organic Lemon Balm - HYDROLINA for dermatitis and skin inflammations.
Gentle organic care for psoriasis-prone and irritated skin
St. John's wort has a long tradition in skin care. We have put our heart and soul into a gentle product for dry, itchy and irritated skin, including skin that is prone to psoriasis and eczema flare-ups.
St John's wort water in summer: soothing skin after the sun
St. John's Wort is one of the herbs known for its long list of beneficial properties. That is why our family brand decided to use this natural gift to create Wild Saint John’s Wort Water - HYDROLINA for psoriasis and sensitive skin. Here you can read why our waters became HYDROLINA.
Warm weather, strong sun, and seawater can cause the skin to feel dry and irritated. Besides, rashes and various skin inflammations can often occur this season. This product is a pleasant summer companion: a cooling splash can leave sun-exposed skin feeling soothed and comfortable. It is not a sunscreen and does not replace one, and it is not for blistered or broken skin from a bad sunburn, which needs a pharmacist or doctor. In case you are planning your summer vacation, do not forget to pack a bottle of our Wild Saint John’s Wort Water - HYDROLINA for psoriasis and sensitive skin as a helpful travel partner.
How to use St John's wort water on your skin
How to use Wild Saint John’s Wort Water - HYDROLINA for psoriasis and sensitive skin?
It is easy to use. All you have to do is apply a sufficient amount of it to a cotton pad. Then make sure you apply it well on the affected areas of the skin and wait for it to absorb completely.
It is recommended to apply it 2-3 times on pre-cleaned skin. Many people like to use it at bedtime. Why? The evening is a calm moment for skin care, and your skin is not exposed to the sun straight afterwards. You do not need to wash it off after application.
A few simple habits make it more comfortable to use:
- Patch test first: apply a little to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours. If you notice redness, burning or itching, do not use it.
- Use it on intact skin only. Keep it away from your eyes and from broken, bleeding or weeping skin.
- Use sun protection during the day, especially on areas where you use the water.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take prescription medicine and are unsure, ask your pharmacist or doctor before using any herbal product.
- Use it alongside the care your doctor has advised, not instead of it.
More about why St. John’s Wort is one of our favourite herbs, read in the article Why Is This Natural Product for Psoriasis So Underrated?
You can combine it with our Organic Lemon Balm Water - HYDROLINA for dermatitis and skin inflammations, which has moisturising and soothing properties. This is a great combo for hot sunny days. Yet, not only for summer. It is the perfect choice for cold winters when our skin cracks.
When to see a doctor
Cosmetic care can make dry, irritated skin feel better, but some signs need a medical opinion. See your GP or a dermatologist if:
- the skin is painful, hot, swollen, weeping or crusted with yellow, which can be a sign of infection
- patches spread quickly, cover large areas or appear suddenly all over the body
- you also have swollen, stiff or painful joints, or changes to your nails
- patches have not been diagnosed and have lasted more than a couple of weeks
- your skin gets worse after using a new product: stop using it and ask a pharmacist or doctor
If you are not sure whether it is psoriasis or eczema, our guide Eczema or Psoriasis? The Difference explains how they differ. Our cream for psoriasis, eczema and irritations is a richer option for very dry patches.
Frequently asked questions
What is St John's wort used for in skincare?
St John's wort is used in waters and creams for skin that feels dry, rough, tight or easily irritated. It is valued for its soothing, comforting feel on the skin. This is cosmetic care, not medicine. You can read more in our guide to St. John's wort for very dry and rough skin.
How do you use St John's wort on the skin?
Put a little St John's wort water on a cotton pad and smooth it over clean skin, then let it absorb without rinsing. Most people use it two or three times a day, and many like the evening best. Do a patch test on a small area first.
Is St John's wort water good for psoriasis?
It is a cosmetic care product, so it cannot treat psoriasis. It can help dry, itchy or irritated skin feel calmer and more comfortable as part of a gentle routine. Psoriasis itself needs a diagnosis and advice from your GP or a dermatologist.
Can I use St John's wort water on scalp psoriasis?
Many people use a gentle water like this on the scalp, applied with a cotton pad along the parting and kept away from the eyes. Do not use it on broken, bleeding or weeping skin. Thick, scaly or painful patches on the scalp are best checked by a doctor.
Does St John's wort make skin sensitive to the sun?
St John's wort taken by mouth is known to make some people more sensitive to sunlight. For skin care, we suggest using the water in the evening and wearing sun protection during the day, as you would with any new product.
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