Here's Why Rosemary Should Be Part Of Your Skincare Routine

Rosemary — you grow it in your garden, you use it in aromatherapy, you sprinkle it over your steak to channel those Gordon Ramsay vibes. But did you know that you can also add it to your skincare routine? Rosemary has been shown to be effective as an essential step in your everyday skincare plan. And you can rest assured that it's not just a temporary trend — in fact, the herb has been used to help improve skin for centuries.

A member of the mint family, rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region but gradually took the rest of the world by storm (via Britannica). Interestingly, in ancient times, rosemary was believed to have the ability to boost memory and strengthen the mind. Researchers at the University of Northumbria in England did a study that showed students exposed to rosemary in the form of an essential oil performed 5 to 7 percent better in questions involving memory usage.

And while we can't say for sure if carrying around a sprig of rosemary in your pocket will help you perform better on an exam, we can certainly speak to the advantages of it in your skincare routine.

You've probably been using rosemary in your skincare products without even knowing it, as it's become an increasingly popular ingredient as a result of its effectiveness (via Byrdie). Rosemary skincare products typically take the form of oils, creams, cleansers, and masks, each product targeting a variety of skin concerns. Specifically, the herb has been shown to help help combat acne. In fact, "rosemary's antioxidant and antibacterial properties make it especially well-suited for acne. The whole-plant extract has been shown not only to reduce the inflammation associated with acne but to directly fight a bacterium that causes acne outbreaks," noted Selena Langdon, Medical Director and founder of Berkshire Aesthetics. 

In addition, rosemary oil can be used to tone and balance the skin by acting as an astringent, which helps to cleanse skin, dry out oil, and tighten pores (via Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics). And it's an effective herb to help soothe inflamed skin — credit goes to its rich supply of rosmarinic acid (via Southern Living). Finally, rosemary can help shield your skin from everyday environmental pollutants thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, which protect cells from damaging free radicals. 

With all of its proven benefits, rosemary may just be your next must-have addition to your beauty routine.