It’s a fact that most commercial skin care products, even the “natural ones,” contain harmful ingredients. An unfortunate reality is that companies prey on consumers, baiting them with the word “natural.” Because it’s a buzzword and “natural” products may improve the overall health of the skin, people are more inclined to purchase those products. The skin can easily absorb artificial colors, preservatives, fragrances, and stabilizers, which can lead to potential skin problems. You can avoid the chemical options and irritation if you use the natural skin care ingredients in this article instead.
What Is Natural Skin Care?
There are more natural skin care products now than ever before, and more research about natural ingredients exists as well. Herbs, flowers, roots, fruits, vegetables, oils, and extracts exist in nature and, therefore, fall under the term “natural skin care ingredients.” Using natural ingredients makes it easier for your skin to absorb their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antibacterial properties. Many natural ingredients can assist with protecting the skin barrier, reducing fine lines, moisturizing the skin, accelerating wound healing, and more.
Apply unprocessed, whole-food ingredients on the skin and you may find that the complexion and overall health of it changes for the better. Continue reading to see which five natural skin care ingredients are beloved by beauty enthusiasts and health care professionals.
Tea Tree Oil
Native to Australia, the tea tree plant has a history of medicinal use for hundreds of years. Not only have people used it to reduce inflammation on the skin, but it has also assisted with wound healing and acne reduction. The natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties in tea tree oil make it one of the most versatile natural skin care ingredients. According to several studies, the primary active ingredients in tea tree oil may help reduce harmful bacteria, including hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. Tea tree oil is very powerful, so make sure to dilute it in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.
Seaweed
From building collagen and increasing skin elasticity to providing antioxidant protection, seaweed is made for the skin. Different seaweeds have different nutritional profiles, depending on where you get them. Japanese seaweed often exhibits skin-firming properties, while North Atlantic seaweed may be better for collagen building. In order to build collagen and elastin, the skin needs certain minerals, many of which are in seaweed. These minerals help rejuvenate the skin and assist it with operating at maximum efficiency.
Aloe Vera
When you have a sunburn, you reach for aloe vera, but it can benefit the skin in so many different ways. Aloe contains bacteria-fighting and soothing ingredients that reduce inflammation, itchiness, and redness. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), practitioners used aloe vera to treat fungal diseases, skin diseases, and infections. Aloe vera exhibits more than 75 potentially active ingredients, including vitamins, saccharides, amino acids, fatty acids, anti-inflammatories, and antimicrobial and anti-fungal agents. Research suggests that aloe vera can effectively accelerate the healing of wounds and burns.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is similar to tea tree oil in that it is one of the most versatile skin care ingredients. It has many abilities, some of the primary of which include removing dead skin cells and strengthening epidermal tissue. Coconut oil also exhibits anti-fungal, antiviral, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties. Coconut oil helps to fight certain skin diseases by protecting the skin barrier function and reducing inflammation. Serving as both a moisturizer and mild exfoliant, coconut oil contributes to healthier looking skin.
Jojoba Oil
Yes, there is another oil on this list, and for good reason. Jojoba oil exhibits a multitude of healing properties that may help reduce symptoms of acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It’s one of the most widely used carrier oils for skin, helping to reduce acne scars, treat burns, and lessen the appearance of fine lines. The chemical structure of jojoba oil is quite unique in that it is a polyunsaturated wax. This means that jojoba oil is useful for protecting the skin, helping to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier. Lastly, jojoba oil may also help the body produce more collagen, which becomes more difficult as you get older.
