How To Use Sage Leaves For Skin Care?

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Clary sage, a plant with aromatic, slightly bitter leaves, has long been used for its powerful properties in skincare. Known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and astringent effects, clary sage leaves can help balance skin, reduce acne, and promote a youthful glow.

sage leaves in pot

Why is it called Clary Sage? 

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) gets its name from the Latin "clarus," meaning "clear," due to its historical use in treating eye ailments. In the Middle Ages, clary sage seeds were known as "clear eye," with healers soaking them in water to create a gel that relieved eye irritants.

 

Beyond its eye-clearing history, clary sage is valued for its calming effects and aromatic properties. The essential oil extracted from its leaves and flowers is still widely used in aromatherapy for relaxation, stress relief, and hormonal balance, highlighting its ongoing significance in natural wellness.

Here’s a guide on using clary sage leaves for natural skincare:

1. Clary Sage Infused Oil for Moisturizing

oil in a hand
  • What it does: Clary sage oil infusion helps lock in moisture and balance natural oils in the skin, making it perfect for both dry and oily skin types.
  • How to make it:
    1. Dry clary sage leaves thoroughly.
    2. Place dried leaves in a clean glass jar and cover with a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond.
    3. Let it sit in a cool, dark place for 1–2 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
    4. Strain and store the infused oil in a dropper bottle.
  • How to use: After cleansing, apply a few drops to your face, focusing on areas prone to dryness or oiliness.

2. Clary Sage Steam Facial for Pore Cleansing

items used in facial
Photo by Content Pixie on Unsplash

  • What it does: Steaming with clary sage leaves opens pores, cleanses impurities, and soothes irritated skin.
  • How to do it:
    1. Boil water and pour it into a heat-safe bowl.
    2. Add a handful of dried clary sage leaves.
    3. Position your face over the bowl, covering your head and bowl with a towel to trap the steam.
    4. Steam for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
  • Benefits: This method is excellent for acne-prone skin and leaves your face feeling refreshed.

3. Clary Sage Face Mask for Anti-Aging

woman with face mask
Photo by Isabell Winter on Unsplash

  • What it does: A mask with clary sage and honey can help reduce wrinkles and promote collagen production.
  • How to make it:
    1. Grind a small amount of dried clary sage leaves into a fine powder.
    2. Mix the powder with honey to form a paste.
    3. Apply to clean skin and leave on for 15–20 minutes.
  • How to use: Rinse with lukewarm water, and pat dry. This mask can be used once a week for a radiant, youthful glow.

4. Clary Sage Toner for Balancing Oily Skin

graphic of skin products with mirror


  • What it does: The astringent properties of clary sage make it ideal for toning and balancing oily skin.
  • How to make it:
    1. Steep clary sage leaves in hot water for 10 minutes, then cool and strain.
    2. Store in a spray bottle.
  • How to use: After washing your face, spray a small amount on a cotton pad and dab it across your skin, focusing on areas prone to oil.

By incorporating clary sage leaves into your skincare routine, you can enjoy natural, affordable, and effective treatments that promote clear, balanced, and glowing skin.

Final Words:

Most traditional uses of clary sage, like its historical application for eye health, come from folk medicine and historical records, rather than modern scientific studies. These stories are documented in herbal medicine books, folklore, and historical texts, which provide fascinating insights but aren’t necessarily backed by scientific evidence.

However, in recent years, clary sage has been studied for some of its properties. For example:

  1. Aromatherapy Benefits: Studies have explored clary sage oil’s potential to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Research has shown that inhaling clary sage can reduce cortisol levels, which helps manage stress.

  2. Hormonal Balance: Clary sage is sometimes studied for its effects on hormonal symptoms, particularly for menstrual discomfort. Some small studies and user reports suggest that it may help alleviate menstrual pain.

  3. Antimicrobial Properties: Clary sage has been studied for potential antibacterial and antifungal effects, which could support its traditional use in skincare and minor wound care.

While these studies provide some support for Clary Sage’s modern applications, they don’t cover every historical use in the same way. If you’re interested in using clary sage or any other herb medicinally, it’s best to do so with care, consult reliable sources, and if possible, seek advice from professionals trained in herbal medicine.

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