ARE CLOVES BETTER THAN BOTOX??

Vanessa Gibson | 2 min. read

Nood

It better be good!

Looking to your spice rack for skincare inspo isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Many of us know about the skin-brightening effects of turmeric, the glow-boosting benefits of cinnamon, and the powerful antioxidants behind ginger. But the next time you’re searching for natural skin remedies in your pantry, don’t overlook this tiny powerhouse: cloves.

The aromatic flower buds derive from an evergreen tree native to Indonesia, where they’ve been used and traded for centuries. A prominent ingredient in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, cloves have been used for their warming properties, helping relieve pain and support digestion. Western herbalism also utilizes the pain-numbing properties of cloves, particularly in oral care. 

 Cloves are a beauty-boosting powerhouse when applied topically. Clove oil, specifically, has been shown to help acne-prone skin, promote anti-aging, and more. Below, we’re sharing all the reasons why adding cloves to your nighttime skincare routine will help give you the skin of your dreams. 

Cloves Are A natural Antibacterial

One of the biggest skincare benefits of cloves is that they’re antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal. What does this mean for the skin? By stopping the growth of bacteria and fungi, cloves help stave off acne caused by bacteria as well as certain infections. For those with acne-prone skin, clove oil is a must-try.

Cloves lighten acne scars

Like its spice sisters turmeric and ginger, cloves are also amazing for brightening the skin and helping fade hyperpigmentation from old acne marks. It does so by lightly exfoliating the top layer of skin, leaving behind a clear, even complexion. Clove’s army of antioxidants also goes to work brightening the skin by taming redness-inducing inflammation and inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production.

Cloves protect against skin aging

Thanks to their high antioxidant content, cloves are one of the best natural anti-aging skin remedies for women. Its primary compound, eugenol, scavenges free radicals, repairs oxidative damage, and removes damaged molecules, promoting overall skin youthfulness. Clove’s antioxidant activity and ability to boost blood circulation also support collagen and elastin stores, helping prevent fine lines and wrinkles for smooth, bouncy skin. Bonus: This boost in circulation also targets dark under-eye circles.

Natural botox alternative? Try cloves for yourself and see.

Why Nighttime ?

While you can use clove oil in a morning or nighttime skincare routine, we recommend incorporating cloves into your evening regimen. Evening application ensures optimum benefits since this is the time when your skin is doing the most rejuvenating and healing. 

 Applying clove oil before hopping into bed for those 7 to 9 hours of bliss means its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties have ample time to work their magic—and prevent those puffy, dark under-eyes. All you have to do is get that beauty sleep.