5 Benefits of Dandelion for Your Skin

When you were a kid, did you ever grab a dandelion from the yard and blow all its little puffy blossoms around? Your mom or dad may have yelled at you, since it’s commonly thought that dandelions are weeds and will spread like wildfire. In fact, your parents were right. They are tiny perennial weeds that produce a hard-to-kill root, spreading around the yard with every kid's breath. Whoops! Sorry about that, mom and dad.  

Even though they can ruin a pristine green lawn, there is something dandelions are perfect for…skincare. It’s true. These yellow weeds are chock full of beneficial ingredients that, when extracted for use in skincare, can offer a host of benefits. No blowing necessary. Let’s look at several potential benefits of dandelion for skin, and how to get it in so many of the skincare products that we offer at Cosmedica Skincare. We’re your go-to brand for more beautiful skin in every way. Dandelion flower extract is just one of the ingredients that will help you achieve it. 

Our goal is to make the highest quality skincare products with total transparency about the ingredients you’re putting on your skin.

History of Dandelions in Traditional Medicine

The most common type of dandelion (taraxacum officinale) has been around for over 30 million years. Today, the dandelion flower is commonly found in temperate parts of Asia, Europe, northern Africa, and North America. Throughout history, dandelion has been used by many different cultures for its medicinal properties to treat a variety of ailments.

Records of dandelion being used as an herbal remedy first showed up over 1,000 years ago in traditional Chinese medicine. Over the centuries, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Europeans, and Native Americans used dandelion to treat liver problems, kidney problems, digestive issues, skin irritations, and more.

Tonics and teas made from dandelion roots resulted in a gentle, nutritional diuretic that aided digestion and helped the body remove toxins from the liver and bloodstream. Today, people still drink dandelion tea for its potential health benefits.

Although more research is needed to determine whether dandelions actually help treat some of the illnesses and inflammatory responses that ancient cultures used them for, we do know that dandelions are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber including:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin E
• Iron
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium

Even though it’s technically a weed, the bright sunshine yellow flower of the dandelion has also been used in dyes, in wellness tea, dietary supplements, and even as wine. Modern herbalists have touted dandelion leaf benefits in herbal medicine for years, and the skincare industry has followed suit, including dandelion root extract in many products for the bounty of anti-aging benefits it can provide to different skin types. 

The Potential Dandelion Benefits for Skin

In the quest for more beautiful skin and to prevent premature aging, dandelion is a popular ingredient to look for in skincare. From moisturizers and serums to cleansers and scrubs, learn why dandelion root extract is so hard to beat.  

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Research has looked at dandelion's anti-inflammatory properties, related to skin issues. Using dandelion to help soothe redness and swelling from skin conditions, like rosacea, cystic acne, eczema, and psoriasis, will make the skin look less irritated.

2. Antibacterial and Anti-fungal

Since dandelion can inhibit microbial infections, it’s the perfect skincare ingredient to treat acne. As an antibacterial, germicide and anti-fungal ingredient, dandelion detoxifies the skin, clears out pores, gets rid of acne and prevents acne breakouts in the future. It's hard to find a product that works for acne-prone skin and so many other skin types, but the dandelion is a true miracle worker that way. 

3. Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles and Fine Lines

With its anti-aging properties, dandelion extract in skincare will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The trifecta of vitamins -- A, C, and E -- in dandelion extract is what can help reduce the appearance of those pesky lines and wrinkles because they encourage healthy skin cell production.  

4. Minimizes Dark Spots

Dandelion can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation or age spots. Sometimes these dark areas are called sunspots and can occur as a result of UVA/UVB exposure that is unprotected. It can prevent those spots from even forming because it inhibits oxidative stress of the same cells that are damaged by the sun. In order to fade those spots, the vitamin C in dandelion helps to lighten and brighten the skin. More even skin tone from a dandelion? Yes, please!  

5. Firms the Skin

Since it stimulates collagen and elastin production, dandelion will firm up your skin. It helps to prevent sagging and loss of elasticity and improves existing skin that is lacking firmness (laxity).  

Possible Side Effects of Dandelion

The possible side effects of dandelion are minimal, however, there are some risks that should be taken into account. If you have a known allergy to Ragweed or other related plants, you should use caution around dandelions because the allergic reaction could potentially cause contact dermatitis, especially if you have sensitive skin.

It is also important to consult your healthcare provider if you are taking prescription medications because of possible interactions between dandelion supplements and certain drugs.

Cosmedica Skincare Products with Dandelion Root Extract 

There are many of our products at Cosmedica Skincare that use dandelion root extract. Here are several popular ones that contain extract from this little yellow miracle flower (weed!).

Hyaluronic Dew Multi-Mask

The newest superstar product to our lineup at Cosmedica is the Hyaluronic Dew Multi-Mask. This product contains beneficial hyaluronic acid, which binds moisture to the skin and gives it an instant boost of hydration for more glowing, dewy appearance. It can also brighten and help the skin’s protective barrier.

   

2.5 % Retinol Facial Serum

Want a powerful serum that works to resurface and re-texturize the skin, while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? It’s all there in our 2.5 % Retinol Facial Serum. And it has dandelion extract, of course! This serum is meant to help promote beneficial collagen and elastin production, and fight fine lines, discoloration, and all signs of aging.  

   

Multi-Active Hydrating Night Cream

The ideal night cream is here for you in Cosmedica Skincare’s Multi-Active Hydrating Night Cream. Renew and replenish your skin overnight with soothing organic aloe, hyaluronic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids that exfoliate dead skin cells for brighter skin. This powerful skin repair cream is everything you need to wake up with better skin.  

   

2.5 % Glycolic Facial Scrub

The 2.5 % Glycolic Facial Scrub is meant to be used a few times a week to reveal more perfect skin. It accomplishes this goal with a combination of chemical exfoliants and manual scrub particles. The dandelion extract helps to make the skin brighter with vitamin C and will leave your skin looking more flawless.

   

Vitamin C Facial Cleanser

It’s amazing that the right skincare regimen from start to finish contains dandelion root extract. Here’s a product that’s the start of any proper skincare routine; our Vitamin C Facial Cleanser. Not only does it contain copious amounts of vitamin C to brighten and refine the texture of the skin, but the dandelion root extract will help to protect the skin from environmental exposure. You can look forward to protected skin that is less likely to experience sunspots. 

   

2.5 % Retinol Facial Night Cream

Another night cream on the list with dandelion is the 2.5 % Retinol Facial Night Cream. Increase cell turnover, reduce free radical damage, and improve your skin while you sleep with just a simple nighttime routine. This cream can help to prevent irritation and redness that sometimes come with using retinol.  

   

It’s Dandelion for the Skincare Win

Wow, who would have thought that this annoying little weed could be a skincare lovers’ dream? It’s true, dandelions made you happy as a kid, and can be a part of a beneficial skincare regimen that gives you better skin as an adult. It’s a miracle ingredient that we’re proud is in many of our skincare products at Cosmedica Skincare to give you the best skin of your life.