Flaxseed is considered a medicinal plant. The valuable ingredient has a positive effect on the entire body and is also widely used in cosmetics. It can be used externally for the face and hair, as well as taken internally. Eating flaxseed several times a week has a wonderful effect on hair and nails, and laminating hair with flaxseed is an excellent restorative procedure for damaged and weakened hair. Applying flaxseed to the skin should be included in your care.
What is flaxseed and what does it contain?
Flaxseed is the small seed of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), usually brown or golden in color. Golden seeds have the best chemical composition, but in stores you will most often find brown ones.
Flax seeds are a real treasure trove of ingredients essential for beauty. They contain zinc, which is a very important ingredient against acne, vitamin E with a rejuvenating effect. B vitamins, which help with skin problems and help relieve inflammation.
In addition, flaxseed contains: vitamins A, F, G and K; magnesium, selenium, potassium, iron, calcium; unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. The seeds are also rich in protein, fiber and folic acid. In addition, it is a valuable source of oils (oleic, linoleic acid), phytosterols and flavonoids. It is worth paying attention to lignans, which are natural very strong antioxidants, even stronger than vitamin E. They help flaxseed maintain a young, beautiful appearance.
Please note! Flax seeds have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, including: digestive and respiratory diseases. However, its external use brings many benefits, having a wonderful effect on hair, skin and nails.
Cosmetic properties of flax seeds
Flax seed extract can be found in many cosmetics designed for sensitive, dehydrated or very dry skin. Due to the mucus and oil compounds it contains, flax has a highly moisturizing, softening and soothing effect.
It is also used in anti-wrinkle cosmetics because it contains antioxidants and phytohormones that slow down the skin aging process.
Flaxseed in body, face, hair and nail care:
- highly moisturizing;
- prevents excessive drying of the skin;
- relieves symptoms of skin allergies such as itching or rash;
- reduces irritation and inflammation;
- reduces acne symptoms;
- accelerates the regeneration of flaky and dry epidermis;
- protects against the harmful effects of external factors, including allergens;
- strengthens the hydrolipid layer of the skin;
- slows down the skin aging process;
- nourishes and moisturizes hair;
- strengthens and prevents hair breakage;
- reduces hair loss;
- strengthens the weakened nail plate.
Flaxseed is recommended for the care of particularly problematic skin, ie with acne, vascular, sensitive or dry skin. It is well suited for the care of all skin types, but will be especially appreciated by those with acne-prone, sensitive and very dry skin.
Flaxseed is loved by all skin types! For example, for oily skin, flaxseed reduces enlarged pores and reduces shine. For sensitive skin, it reduces skin hyperactivity, thereby reducing redness and making the skin calm and relaxed.
Flaxseed for hair
This natural ingredient is widely used in home remedies against hair loss and in procedures for restoring damaged hair, for example, after dyeing. Cosmetics with flax are an ideal solution for dry, coarse and dull hair, and also eliminate the problem of hair getting greasy too quickly and reduce the symptoms of dandruff. Flaxseed oil is included in shampoos and conditioners, protecting against excessive weakening and reducing breakage.
Additional information! Flaxseed is recommended for dry, dull, coarse, damaged, falling hair and split ends. Its task is to moisturize, smooth and restore comfort to the scalp. Flax seeds make hair healthy, soft, smooth, moisturized and restored. It not only moisturizes the scalp, but also improves the structure of the hair.
A good and recommended remedy is hair lamination with flaxseed. This is nothing more than covering the hair with a specially prepared flaxseed gel to protect it from damage, smooth its surface, make it smooth and shiny.
How to laminate hair with flaxseed? 2 tablespoons of flaxseed are poured with 350 ml of water. This mixture is boiled for about 10 minutes until a jelly-like mixture is formed. Then the contents are filtered through a sieve to remove the flax seeds and left to cool for a few minutes, then a teaspoon of vegetable oil is added, for example, jojoba oil or macadamia oil.
Apply the resulting product to damp, well-washed hair. Put on a cap and wrap your head in a towel. After an hour, rinse with warm water and, if necessary, wash your hair with shampoo. This method can be used to laminate hair once a week.
How to Cook Flaxseed: Recipe and Uses
Flax seeds are useful wherever hydration and regeneration are required.
Homemade flaxseed masks or flaxseed cosmetics act as a soothing compress and help restore dry hands, chapped lips and even help with bedsores. They are also useful for redness and flaking of the skin.
Homemade recipe:
- 1 glass of water;
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds.
There are two ways to prepare flaxseed.
- Pour water over the seeds, put on the fire and bring to a boil. Then cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain and cool.
- Pour hot water over the seeds, cover the cup and leave overnight. Use the resulting flaxseed gel for skin and hair care.
The consistency may be too mushy or gel-like. Then add more water or your favorite hydrolate. This is especially true for hair rinses and facial sprays.
How to use flaxseed in the kitchen?
You can add seeds to various dishes, such as salads, soups, yogurts, spreads, or sprinkle them on sandwiches. In this form, flax seeds not only have a positive effect on beauty, but also support bowel function, prevent constipation, and reduce hunger.
Please note! It is worth adding ground flax seeds to dishes, since the beneficial substances will be better absorbed by the body. Before use, the seeds must be ground, for example, in a coffee grinder. Add to dishes or prepare a special cocktail, for example, with parsley, apple.
Flax seeds should be a regular part of the diet of people who have weak, brittle and peeling nails. Thanks to microelements and vitamins, flax seeds will strengthen the nail plate.
What are the effects of using flaxseed? It is assumed that they will be visible after a month of treatment. As for the hair, it should become noticeably stronger, and new, so-called baby hair. The hairstyle gains volume, and the hair becomes shiny. The skin becomes more moisturized, soothed and radiant. Also, such defects as acne are reduced
Remember! Do not consume more than 3-4 tablespoons of flaxseed per day, as it may have harmful effects on health due to the presence of small amounts of cyanide compounds.
Inconspicuous brown flax seeds contain so many vitamins and minerals that you can’t find such quantities in other fruits and vegetables. Regular consumption of flax seeds has a beneficial effect on beauty, and the undeniable advantage of this superfood is that flax seeds are cheap. Therefore, it is worth buying flax seeds at the first opportunity and making sure of their wonderful properties!