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.
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.
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.
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.