Benefits of Using Cloves Water for Skin: Acne, Anti-aging, Inflammation

What is Cloves Water?

Cloves water simply refers to water that has been infused with cloves. Making it at home is easy - all you need are some whole cloves and water. Simply add several whole cloves to a pitcher or bottle of water and let it sit for 1-2 hours so the beneficial compounds can infuse into the water. The longer the cloves steep, the stronger the mixture will be.

Potential Benefits for Skin

Packed with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, both cloves and cloves water may offer several advantages for skin health and appearance when applied topically including:

• Reducing acne and breakouts
• Minimizing signs of aging
• Soothing inflammation and irritation
• Protecting against skin infections
• Improving complexion and skin tone

Nutrients for Skin in Cloves

So why exactly is cloves water believed to be beneficial? Cloves contain key nutrients that support skin health such as:

• Vitamin C: Essential for collagen production and healthy skin cell regeneration
• Vitamin E: A potent antioxidant that combats oxidative skin damage from UV rays and pollution
• Vitamin K: Assists with repairing skin tissue and speeding wound closure
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Lock moisture into the skin and enhance elasticity
• Polyphenols: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents that protect skin

Easy to Prepare at Home

One of the biggest upsides to using cloves water is how simple and affordable it is to make at home with common kitchen ingredients.

Using Cloves Water to Treat Acne

With potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, cloves have the potential to combat multiple factors involved with acne vulgaris when applied topically as cloves water.

May Inhibit Bacteria Causing Acne

The primary bacteria linked to inflammatory acne is Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes for short. Compounds found in cloves, including eugenol and gallic acid, demonstrate strong antibacterial effects against this bacteria responsible for deep, painful pimples in research studies.

Decreases Skin Inflammation from Acne

In addition to inhibiting bacteria, the anti-inflammatory effects of cloves water may also calm red, swollen breakouts. By cooling inflammatory responses on the skin, it may help relieve pain, swelling and redness faster.

Prevents Future Breakouts

The polyphenols in cloves water exhibit antimicrobial properties that may prevent future acne flare-ups by protecting pores against harmful bacteria. With routine use, cloves water can help defend skin to reduce recurrence of troubling breakouts.

Using Cloves Water to Minimize Signs of Aging

From fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and rough texture, cloves water has potential uses for alleviating multiple aging concerns thanks to its antioxidant content and collagen-boosting properties.

Boosts Collagen Production

Collagen gives skin its supple, firm and youthful structure which steadily declines with age. Compounds in cloves called flavonoids are associated with enhanced collagen synthesis in skin to counteract this loss of structural proteins over time.

Fights Skin Damage from UV Rays

Sun exposure is one of the major external causes of accelerated skin aging. The antioxidants in cloves neutralize free radicals generated from UV radiation to shield skin's youthfulness against premature aging.

Evens Out Tone and Fades Dark Spots

Applying cloves water frequently may lighten pigmentation and age spots thanks to skin-brightening vitamins like vitamin C. This helps achieve a clearer, more uniform complexion over time.

Using Cloves Water to Soothe Skin

From bug bites and rashes to cuts and burns, cloves water offers a natural way to appease numerous skin irritations when applied externally due to its cooling anti-inflammatory properties.

Calms Inflammation and Redness

No matter what causes skin to become distressed - irritation, hormones, allergies - the anti-inflammatory effects of cloves can rapidly calm redness, swelling and inflammation for relief.

Itch and Pain Relief

Along with reducing inflammation, cloves water may temporarily numb nerve endings which could diminish any feelings of pain, stinging or itchiness occurring on the skin's surface when utilized as a home remedy.

Speeds Healing of Minor Wounds

The antimicrobial nature of cloves water prevents infection in scrapes, cuts or burns while the skin-rejuvenating antioxidants aid natural healing and regeneration processes.

Using Cloves Water for Overall Skin Health

On top of the targeted benefits above, using cloves water as part of your general skin care routine provides multi-faceted ways to nurture your complexion for a healthy, vibrant glow.

Protects Against Environmental Damage

Daily exposure to environmental pollutants gradually degrades skin health over time by generating cell-damaging free radicals. The antioxidants in cloves water neutralize these threats to maintain youthful skin.

Wards Against UV Damage

Cloves are a source of antioxidant vitamin E and vitamin C - nutrients vital for guarding skin from wrinkle-causing UV light pollution that penetrates the ozone each day.

Prevents Moisture Loss

Topical use of cloves water creates a protective barrier on the surface of skin that locks in moisture. This combats dryness while keeping skin supple.

Maintains Skin Clarity

Applying antioxidant and antimicrobial-rich cloves water regularly deters harmful bacteria while increasing skin cell turnover. This unveils clearer, smoother and brighter skin tone.

How to Use Cloves Water for Skin

From cleansers to mists, soaks and compresses, here are easy methods for leveraging the botanical benefits of cloves water at home:

Splashing Face with Cloves Water

After cleansing, splash skin liberally with cooled cloves water to shrink pores, remove impurities and soak up antioxidants. Pat dry and follow with moisturizer.

Soothing Skin Soaks

Add a cup of strong cloves water to a shallow bath basin and submerge face, hands or feet to relieve various skin irritations and inflammation.

Compresses for Acne and Aging Skin

Soak a soft washcloth in chilled cloves water, wring out and press it onto acne, wrinkles or uneven pigmentation for 5-10 minutes to spot treat.

Skin-Refining Facial Mists

Transfer cloves water into a spray bottle to spritz your face as a refreshing antioxidant mist that primes skin before makeup application.

Overnight Skin Recovery

After cleansing, apply a layer of cloves water onto your face and allow it to soak in fully while you sleep to wake up to plump, renewed skin.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Using cloves water to nourish your skin is generally very safe with minimal risks. However, test a small patch first, especially if you have sensitive skin. Discontinue use if any irritation occurs. While rare, cloves may cause topical allergic reactions or skin discomfort in isolated cases.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.