Indoor plants can instantly update a room and make a space feel more expensive, but houseplants are more than just a pretty face. Recent scientific discoveries have found that indoor plants can purify our air, promote feelings of wellbeing, and most recently, plants have been found to rehydrate dry environments
A recent study on houseplants done by The Royal Horticultural Society in collaboration with Reading University and PHD student Curtis Gubb in the UK has discovered that there are certain potted plants that are good for your skin, and help it stay hydrated.
The research discovered that particular flowers and shrubs can counteract the drying out of skin caused by central heating and cooling systems through a process called transpiration. Transpiration is when plants lose water through their leaves, and when that process occurs with indoor plants, the result is an increase in moisture in the indoor air.
Dr Tijana Blanusa, the chief horticultural scientist for the RHS, told The Telegraph, “House plants may be a simple and affordable way to reduce air dryness indoors and alleviate symptoms of dry skin, while providing multiple other benefits – for human psyche and physical health.”
If you’re looking for some houseplants that can battle the drying effects your heating or cooling system is having on your skin, experts suggest looking for plants with high transpiration rates, and plants with large canopies. Peace lilies were identified as being one of the best plants for the purpose, followed by ivy. However, further research will need to be done to identify the optimum number of plants need per room or space, to feel the maximum effects of transpiration.
No need to spend money on fancy face creams and masks anymore, just pick yourself up a peace lily or palm.
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