We love K-beauty, ideas, don’t we? Short for Korean beauty, this trend is renowned for its innovative formulations and multi-step skincare routines that focus on hydration, prevention, and gentle care. With a natural approach towards dermal wellness from within, it emphasises achieving healthy, glowing skin. One active ingredient in the K-beauty regime is Mugwort extract derived from the leaves of this herb. Scientifically called Artemisia vulgaris (or Artemisia princeps), this aromatic perennial herb has been used for centuries not only in traditional Korean but also East Asian medicine and celebrated for its powerful combination of skin-calming, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties.
What Is Mugwort And Why Is It a Skincare Star?
Commonly known as ‘ssuk’ in Korea, Mugwort grows abundantly in temperate regions across Asia, Europe, and North America. In Korea, Japan, and China, it has long been valued for both culinary and medicinal uses, especially in teas, soups, and intensive skin treatments. Mugwort leaves have a feathery or fern-like appearance. The upper side of the leaf is a deep green, while the underside is silvery-white and slightly fuzzy with fine hair. These aromatic leaves release a distinct, earthy scent when crushed, which reflects the herb's natural property.
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Skin Benefits Of Mugwort
Often used in essences, toners, and facial masks, especially in K-beauty, Mugwort offers potent herbs with impressive skin benefits:
Fight Skin Stress
Packed with anti-ageing power, the herb is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols and tannins. By mitigating oxidative stress, they all help reduce visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and combat dullness.
Soothes Sensitive And Irritated Skin
Mugwort is anti-inflammatory and gentle, making it ideal for eczema, rosacea, or reactive skin. It reduces redness, itchiness, and flare-ups mildly.
Calms Acne and Blemishes
Naturally antibacterial and antifungal, the herb is great remedial solution for pesky acne causing bacteria. Without drying the skin like harsher acne treatments, it reduces mild to severe skin breakouts.
Strengthens The Skin Barrier
The herb has Vitamin E in a significant amount. This skin-benefitting ingredient promotes skin resilience and helps repair an affected or compromised skin barrier.
Hydrating And Nourishing
Mugwort leaf extract hydrates the skin while calming inflammation, making it suitable for dehydrated but acne-prone skin, and encourages healing of sun- damaged skin.
Improves Skin Texture
With the presence of Quercetin, luteolin the leaves can help smooth uneven texture, fade blemishes, and promote a more radiant complexion.
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How To Use Mugwort In Skincare?
A go-to solution for sensitive, acne-prone, and irritated skin, here is how you can use it:
Toners And Essences: Lightweight formulas for daily calming hydration.
Sheet Masks: For intensive soothing, especially during flare-ups.
Cleansers And Soaps: For gentle cleansing and acne support.
DIY Steam Or Infusion: Steep dried Mugwort leaves can be used as infusions in facial steam or skin rinse.
Spot Treatment: Apply Mugwort-infused oil or extract to irritated or acne-prone areas.
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Ready to experience the soothing magic of Mugwort? Here are two simple DIY skincare recipes you can try at home to nourish your skin and achieve a natural, healthy glow.
DIY Mugwort Toner
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tbsp dried Mugwortor a handful of fresh leaves of this herb
- 1 tsp witch hazel or a few drops of lavender essential oil for acne-prone skin
Method
- In boiled water, add the leaves or powder
- Add witch hazel or your choice of essential oils
- Strain the liquid into a clean glass container
- Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing or misting
- Store in the fridge for ten days
DIY Mugwort Face Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Mugwort powder or finely ground dried powder
- 1 tbsp honey or yogurt
- 2 tbsp yogurt to create a hydrating base
- 1 tsp green tea or aloe vera gel for added soothing effect
Method:
- Mix ingredients and make a smooth paste
- Apply evenly to clean skin
- Leave on for ten minutes
- Rinse off with warm water
- Pat dry
Precautions
Whether in essences, masks, creams, or serums, Mugwort leaves have their place in top skincare regimens around the world. However, before using this aromatic herb in skincare or herbal remedies, it is important to take a few precautions. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, especially to plants in the Asteraceae family it should perform a patch test to avoid any reaction. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before using Mugwort, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Additionally, those with asthma or respiratory conditions should be cautious when using Mugwort in its dried or smudging form.
(This content is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile, Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a master’s in electronic media and mass communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
https://www.scholarena.com/journals/journal-of-dermatology-and-skin-care/jhome.php
https://www.dermatoljournal.com/
https://www.gfmer.ch/Medical_journals/Dermatology.htm
