Show 1001: Natural Approaches to Summer Skin Care

People have been using plants to take care of skin problems for hundreds or thousands of years. Which natural products really work?

Our expert guests discuss the power of a fresh aloe vera leaf to help soothe a burn, including a sunburn. You’ll also find out how to prevent sunburn naturally. Some plants (tomatoes, chocolate, or Polypodium leucotomos) can be eaten for modest protection, while other plant products (shea butter, for example) can be smeared on the skin. Our African ancestors used natural clay to keep their skin from burning.

Find out about the benefits of calendula as an anti-inflammatory herb and what plants could be helpful against psoriasis. Pennyroyal oil can be used to prevent insect bites, and sassafras leaves can ease the itch from chigger bites. The herbal oils in Listerine probably explain why it is so popular as a home remedy for a wide range of skin ailments. Learn how lavender and chamomile oils can also be used for healing.

This Week’s Guests:

Daniel Mark Siegel, MD, MS, is Clinical Professor of Dermatology at SUNY Downstate and head of Dermatologic Surgery. He is a former president of the American Academy of Dermatology.
His website is http://www.liskincancer.com

David Pompei, PharmD, RPh, is a pharmacist with expertise in pharmacy management, product development, compounding and clinical research.