Great ingredients for natural skincare: F to N

The natural world boasts plentiful plant-based ingredients that are excellent for your skin. Here are some of the best options for natural skincare – listed alphabetically from F to N – and tips on how to use them.

Check out these natural substances for their tremendous health and beauty benefits for your skin.

• Fennel. Chew the seeds to neutralize the effects of bad breath. An infusion of seeds in water will soothe inflamed and swollen eyelids. A steam made from fennel seeds is good for deep-cleansing skin pores.
• Grapeseed. A light, fine-textured, colourless oil, this is a good choice for massage oil blends and cosmetics as it leaves a barely noticeable film on hair and skin.
• Hazelnut. An expensive specialty oil with good penetrative powers that is very light and fine in texture. Use it in skincare blends, as a base for essential massage oils and as an alternative to almond oil.
• Jojoba. Jojoba oil is actually a wax that remains liquid at room temperature. It's expensive, but a little goes a long way in facial oil blends and hair conditioners.
• Kelp. Kelp is rich in vitamins and minerals, so it is a useful ingredient in face masks and body care treatments for skin problems. Use it in dried or powdered form.
• Lemon. The juice makes a useful gargle and, being a good source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, helps maintain skin health. It also has toning and mild deodorizing properties.
• Lemon balm. The sweet scent of this herb makes it a relaxing tonic, helping to reduce feelings of nervousness and panic. Use the crushed leaves in bath sachets and cosmetic vinegars.
• Lovage. A strong tea made from the fresh leaves has mild bleaching and deodorant properties. Try it in skin tonics and perfumes.
• Macadamia. A thick-textured oil that can be used in small quantities in homemade cosmetics, it is a natural skin soother. Use it on its own on dry or chapped skin or mix it with a fragrant oil for hair gloss.
• Melon. Rich in vitamins B and C, melon flesh is useful in homemade recipes for cooling face masks and nourishing skin treatments.
• Nasturtium. The flowers, leaves and seedpods all contain large amounts of vitamin C and sulfur, making this plant useful for fighting skin infections. Make an infusion to soothe skin troubled by pimples.

With regular care using natural ingredients, you can keep your skin healthy and feeling great!