Each new season brings with it new trending health topics. Most of them focus on establishing consistent fitness and nutrition routines. Yet, often, we tend to forget that one of the trends that will never fade away is keeping healthy skin. It is said that healthy skin equals to good overall health. And there is a perfect reason behind this claim- the skin is the largest organ in the human body and your protective barrier against outside mechanical and atmospheric influences. With such an important role to be maintained, you must give your skin the utmost care and attention. Yet, not all beauty products available on the market are right for your skin.
Traditional skin care products can often contain potentially harmful chemicals that can irritate the skin. Consequently, you should look for products that are formulated with natural ingredients and without questionable chemicals. To help you out, we have summed up what you should look for when shopping for natural skin care products.
What your skin needs
One of the most important things to know before purchasing any skin care product is your skin type. The simple reason behind- some of the products that you might find are maybe not suitable for your particular skin type. Using products that are not adequate for your skin might not give you the desired results or, worse, cause problems to your skin. Importantly, choose products that will target your problem areas and concerns so that you will get the best results.
Types of natural skincare products
Natural bath products
Bath products such as bath capsules, bath oils, milk, salts, and bubble baths can turn your simple bath routine into a heavenly spa-like experience. Bath junkies know this! So if you are a person, who even for a daily showering ritual uses a fragrant body wash, then it is essential to reconsider what type of bath products you use. Why? Simply because this is something that you put on your body every single day. Bathing with botanical natural bath products can be a transformative and nourishing experience. Most importantly, it will keep the balance of the good microbes on your skin and ensure good health. For example, natural milk baths can even go one step further, making your skin feel softer and smoother.
Natural face products
Many skin cleansers on the market clear out the skin of its natural oils, leaving it unprotected and exposed to many chemicals. All this can cause your skin to age prematurely. Therefore, look for cleansers from 100% natural origin ingredients. If you have acne-prone skin, look for ones containing rosemary, burdock, parsley, or neem. To soothe and reduce inflammation, one with turmeric, willow bark, and tea tree oil. These cleansers can rid skin of dirt while unclogging pores, softening the skin, and polishing away dead cells.
Moisturizer is something we use every single day, so it’s worth considering switching to a more natural formula. Most natural moisturizers can feel heavy or greasy on your skin since they carry high oil content. Look for antioxidant-packed soft cream. They are more light and silky, which makes them perfect for layering under makeup. If you want to hydrate your skin, choose one that contains hyaluronic acid. And if fighting wrinkles is the number one priority for you, select moisturizer rich in peptides, amino acids, and natural growth factors. Regardless of whether it is summer or winter, your moisturizer must contain SPF 30 protection.
When it comes to serums, keep in mind that most natural serums and face oils have three to five active botanicals. The ingredients are usually meticulously chosen by function, providing anti-inflammatory, brightening, and regenerating effects. If possible, also look for information on the extraction method used in the formulation of the desired product (best in temperature-controlled environments to preserve their potency).
Shopping for Natural Skin Care Products
With a little research, you can find responsibly-made natural products to help you maintain a clean body and a healthy lifestyle. So, once you are out shopping for skincare goods, this is what you should look for in a product:
Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient already found in skin, connective, and nerve tissue. It makes your skin look firm and healthy. This robust component enhances the appearance of dry or damaged skin by boosting moisture content and restoring suppleness. Due to these properties, it is often used in moisturizers and anti-wrinkle formulas, aiding in the firmness and suppleness of your skin.
Lecithin is a phospholipid, generally extracted from sunflower or soy. It is an excellent moisturizer that actively works with the skin by helping moisturizing ingredients penetrate further into it. It can also improve and protect cells from free radicals, which are one of the leading causes of aging.
Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that protects the skin against free radical damage. It also prevents the oils and butter in creams from going bad too quickly.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs), when applied topically, help with the maintenance and recovery of the skin. They have anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory effects and help other ingredients penetrate further into your skin.
Coenzyme Q10 fights signs of aging and can improve the appearance of wrinkles. The latest research suggests that topical application has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
When purchasing skin care products, it is also essential to watch out for:
Petroleum derivatives come from crude oil. They use in cosmetic products as a cheap moisturizing agent. However, they are cancerogenic link to the rise in allergies. Some of the most popular are Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Petrolatum, Propylene Glycol, PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol), Polysorbates and DEA/MEA/TEA.
Preservatives ingredients use to extend a product’s shelf life. However, synthetic ones are under suspicion in recent years, including:
- Parabens link to breast and skin cancer.
- Phenoxyethanol is to depress the central nervous system.
Synthetic fragrances, make up most of the fragrance ingredients in skincare products. They are compounds derived from petroleum, as well as coal tar and are linked to cancer, central nervous system disorders, and allergic reactions.
Final thoughts
You probably know that the skin produces its protective cover- a thin layer of lipids, and sweat that locks moisture in the skin and protects it from external pollutants. Yet, to enhance this protection, you must maintain a healthy daily skincare routine. Most chemically polluted products heavily interfere with the skin’s ability to heal, regenerate, and detoxify overnight. For this reason, use non-toxic, natural, and organic skincare products that can help you maintain your skin healthy and beautiful. Always keep your eye on product labels. Just because something says it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s natural. And remember, only healthy skin is beautiful skin.
