Beauty
Fact-checked

At BeautyAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Benefits of Parsley for Skin?

Megan Shoop
Megan Shoop

Parsley contains a very wide array of nutrients and health benefits, and although many people see it as a simple garnish, it is actually much more. Both curly and flat-leaf parsley contain vitamin C, manganese, calcium, and potassium. Including it in soups, salads, and casseroles may add flavor and correct nutrient deficiencies. Many spas also use parsley for skin treatments. The vitamin C in this herb speeds collagen production, and its other qualities can help regulate oil production, cleanse pores, and soothe tired eyes.

Vitamin C is not produced naturally in the body, so it must be consumed through food. Parsley contains very high amounts of this nutrient, which may nourish the skin to reduce fine lines, scars, blemishes, and even reduce pore size. It does this by stimulating the skin's production of collagen — a substance necessary for cell reproduction and repair. Hence, those using parsley for skin often experience faster growth of new skin. New skin doesn’t typically contain damaged cells, so blemishes and unevenness are quickly sloughed away and replaced by smooth skin.

Fresh parsley is commonly used to garnish food.
Fresh parsley is commonly used to garnish food.

There are dozens of different ways to use parsley for skin. Some of them depend only on the user’s preference, while others have to do with skin type. For instance, those with combination skin that tend to develop acne may want to muddle some parsley in a bowl with the back of a spoon. This bruises the leaves and releases the juices. The user may then squeeze some honey over the bruised leaves and stir the mixture until the honey turns green. Honey is hydrating and antibacterial, so it is usually a very nourishing treatment for blemished skin.

Parsley is sometimes used to soothe tired eyes.
Parsley is sometimes used to soothe tired eyes.

This parsley-honey mask may be worn on the face for about 10 minutes and then rinsed off with cool water. The treatment should typically be followed with a light moisturizer. Those using parsley for skin should typically choose fresh parsley, parsley extract, or parsley juice over dried parsley. Fresh leaves, juices, and extracts may be mixed with rose oil, aloe vera nectar, or unscented facial lotions to infuse daily treatments with the herb’s benefits.

Some facial washes and other skin care products contain parsley.
Some facial washes and other skin care products contain parsley.

People who only have access to dried parsley can still use it as a facial treatment but it may not work as quickly. A spoonful of the dried leaves should be added to a cup of hot water and steeped for about 20 minutes. This creates a tea, or wash, that may be used to rinse the face once or twice a day. To best use parsley for skin in this way, the tea should typically be made fresh before each use.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

I use a parsley face mask when I'm tired. I travel a lot for work and I usually use this after traveling. It makes me look rested, it's very refreshing. I guess it's because of the vitamin C in it.

bear78

@SarahGen-- Yes, I've used face cream with parsley extract. The one I used was an Asian product that was made for troubled skin. It had a gel-like consistency.

I liked the cream and I have pimples too. It was not drying and it did not cause more pimples. Parsley cream is very soothing and helps keep oil production in control. You should give it a try.

SarahGen

Has anyone used a face cream with parsley extract?

I came across this product recently, but I didn't buy it because I didn't know about the benefits of parsley. What type of skin is parsley extract cream made for?

I have acne-prone, combination skin. I get pimples on my forehead and chin but my cheeks are very dry and need moisture. Is parsley cream suitable for me?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Fresh parsley is commonly used to garnish food.
      By: alex555
      Fresh parsley is commonly used to garnish food.
    • Parsley is sometimes used to soothe tired eyes.
      By: roblan
      Parsley is sometimes used to soothe tired eyes.
    • Some facial washes and other skin care products contain parsley.
      By: ipag
      Some facial washes and other skin care products contain parsley.
    • Parsley can be mixed with honey to create a hydrating facial mask.
      By: Nitr
      Parsley can be mixed with honey to create a hydrating facial mask.
    • using parsley can do quickly treat damaged skin and replace it with smooth skin.
      By: Nobilior
      using parsley can do quickly treat damaged skin and replace it with smooth skin.