The Top 20 Natural Skincare Components for Your Beauty Regimen

 

Despite the fact that most individuals are unaware of it, their preferred skin care products may significantly increase their exposure to chemicals, pollutants, and hazardous compounds. That's "the real price of beauty," but you can use natural skin care components instead of chemicals.

The truth is that most professionally manufactured, store-bought beauty products are loaded with artificial perfumes, colors, stabilizers, and preservatives. These have the potential to have a number of detrimental health impacts because they are easily absorbed through the skin's pores.


In addition to their detrimental effects on the environment, chemicals used in beauty products can be harmful at every stage of their life cycles, from production and consumer use to disposal techniques.

How will this affect your beauty regimen? The good news is that a wide range of "clean beauty" products are available for your skin, hair, and nails.

Natural Skin Care: What Is It?

Ingredients from nature, including specific herbs, flowers, roots, fruits, and other plants, are used in natural skin care products.

More natural skin care products are now available than ever before, and their many advantages go beyond just having beautiful skin. When you use natural products like these consistently, not only do you beautify your skin, but you also absorb antioxidants, boost your skin’s UV resistance and activate your immune system, too.

"Natural anti-aging ingredients, which basically follow hormetic pathways, are potentially useful as moisturizing agents; barrier repair agents; antioxidants, vitamins, hydroxy acids, skin lightening agents, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and sunblock ingredients," according to a study published in the journal Biogerontology.

Phytomolecules, amino acids, and fatty acids found in many plants have been shown to preserve our skin. These substances include polyphenols, triterpenes and sterols, carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, polyunsaturated fats, and many more.

Even if you have sensitive skin or have previously had trouble resolving challenging skin-related issues, applying unprocessed, whole-food components to your skin—many of which you probably already own and use in your own kitchen—will make you love your skin.

Store-bought skin care products can contain unpleasant substances and chemical perfumes that have been linked to a variety of potential problems, including allergies, cancer, irregular periods, and hormone difficulties.

Since many artificial skin care products contain hormone disruptors, hormone imbalance is one of the most serious effects of cumulative exposure to toxins from these products.

These exogenous, or external, hormones that are included in commercial products are substances that are made outside the body and have the potential to function similarly to or influence hormones that are produced inside the body. Among these are artificial, patentable hormones that have detrimental effects on the endocrine system, can disrupt a woman's menstrual cycle and fertility, and even alter a man's hormone levels.

Some of these substances, which are frequently referred to as endocrine disruptors, have molecular structures that are so similar to those of natural estrogen that they bind to the same receptors in the body.

They can either attach to these receptors, which causes your own hormones to malfunction, or they can travel to the nucleus of the cell and negatively impact DNA or chromosomes, turn genes on and off, or intensify the bad effects of estrogen.

How is this all permitted? Here are some interesting statistics about store-bought beauty products to help you put things in perspective:

• Cosmetics and personal care items are not heavily regulated. A product can only be approved for commercial usage through a simple approval process.

• Ingredient labels for the majority of store-bought skin care products can be really frightening! Without a doubt, your products contain thousands of chemicals, most of which are taken straight into your body. Even in the United States, the skin care industry is mostly unregulated, thus there is little government oversight or approval.

• Most skin care and cosmetic products, such as moisturizers, scrubs, anti-aging serums, and cleaners, are based on petroleum-based gels and inorganic substances. Plants do not naturally yield mineral oils. In fact, using chemicals to make an ingredient clogs your pores. Increased acne and aging symptoms result from your skin losing its natural capacity to eliminate toxins.

• Store-bought products contain a number of dangerous chemicals, such as parabens (used for preservation), synthetic colors (made from petroleum or coal tar), fragrance (linked to allergies and respiratory distress), toluene (also used to dissolve paint), and sodium lauryl sulfate (which has been shown in animal studies to cause kidney and respiratory damage).

• Applying chemicals to your body inhibits the natural healing mechanisms of your skin. Unhealthy chemicals and additions can harm your body's immune system, respiratory system, and eye health. Additionally, a lot of these substances irritate the skin, resulting in dry, flaky, and red skin.

• Making your own scrubs and lotions at home is also more environmentally friendly. Fossil fuels that are not sustainable are used to make petroleum-based oils. The plastic wrapping is also a major waste. Consider all of the plastic bottles and jars that must eventually be thrown away; many of them are not recycled by consumers.

To be fair, not all substances in skin care products that are refined or processed to some degree are harmful. For instance, if used in products free of other irritants, substances like salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent found in acne products, and hyaluronic acid, which is found in moisturizers and serums, can both promote skin health.

Unlike some commercial products, the majority of natural skin care chemicals are affordable and do not negatively impact your general health.

For ages, women worldwide have been utilizing natural skin care products, and many of them have beautiful skin as a result.

With so many options and endless, difficult-to-pronounce ingredient lists on every face wash, serum, moisturizer, and eye cream, purchasing skin care products can be challenging these days.

Use the same guidelines you use to maintain a balanced diet when searching for skin care products: Look for unprocessed materials free of harsh chemicals and unnatural additives.

In general, the more natural a product is, the more your skin will understand how to use its healthy components.

Try these natural skin care products to start revamping your cosmetic routine:

1. Tea Tree Oil

In Australia, where it is native, tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been used for hundreds of years to treat skin inflammation, redness, and acne.

Tea tree is generally well-tolerated and has few, if any, side effects, but many people react negatively to common acne treatment chemicals like acids.

Tea tree oil's phytochemicals make it one of the most widely used and adaptable natural skin care solutions available. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.

About 230 distinct plant species, nearly all of which are indigenous to Australia, provide the volatile essential oils found in tea trees. Terpene hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes are the main active elements that provide it the capacity to lower dangerous germs.

Tea tree may be a useful natural treatment for acne if your skin type is prone to outbreaks.

More than 100 distinct chemical components and volatile hydrocarbons that are regarded as aromatic and having the ability to pass through air, skin pores, and mucous membranes to promote healing have been identified by researchers.

2. Coconut Oil

The following are just a few of the many skin (and food) benefits of coconut oil:

• bolstering the epidermis tissue underneath

• eliminating dead skin cells

• shielding us from sunburns

• possessing antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial qualities

According to research, it can even effectively combat atopic dermatitis and other chronic skin conditions marked by inflammation of the skin and abnormalities in the function of the epidermal barrier.

Apply coconut oil as a natural moisturizer to your hair and skin. Compared to oily skin, it works best on dry or mixed skin types.

Along with preventing razor burn, it also aids in skin cleansing, helps remove makeup, and speeds up the healing of wounds or scars.

Using coconut oil internally can also improve your appearance. Along with a wealth of good fats that support gut health and boost immunity, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.

3. Raw Honey

One of the greatest natural sources of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and acids that promote healthy skin is raw honey. Raw honey has the following advantages:

• lowering the number of breakouts

• offering moisturizing qualities

• possessing antibacterial properties

• promoting the healing of wounds

• combating rashes or allergies

• assisting in the reduction of scars

Unlike the majority of honeys found in supermarkets, raw honey is not heated, treated, or pasteurized. Because processing does not destroy its nutrients, it is able to retain all of them.

Honey works especially well as an antibacterial dressing for burns and wounds. Additionally, it has been included into therapies for psoriasis, diaper dermatitis, bacterial infections, dandruff, and more.

Due to its ability to be used in face cleansers for sensitive or mixed skin types, honey also makes an excellent homemade natural skin care treatment for acne.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

The benefits of apple cider vinegar, a very flexible and affordable natural skin care solution, include antifungal qualities, washing the skin, preventing acne, eliminating gut-related skin disorders, and killing pathogens (like bacteria).

Hippocrates (460–377 BC), regarded as "the father of modern medicine," was a proponent of using raw honey and antifungal ACV to cure skin sores and clean ulcers. This is how ACV was first used to treat skin issues.

According to studies on animals, it also includes extremely healthy acetic acid and specific vitamins like potassium and magnesium that, when taken internally, operate as a cleansing agent by enhancing liver function and balancing intestinal flora.

6. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil can be used to reduce acne breakouts caused by high levels of bacteria trapped in pores since it contains potent antibacterial elements that can reduce even the most deadly strains of bacteria. It may exfoliate skin, brighten and lighten it, tone oily skin, battle wrinkles, and help fade scars and age spots, thus it's also good for dull skin types.

Lemon oil may also be used as a facial wash, cellulite cream, laundry freshener, teeth whitener, and household cleaner, making it one of the most useful essential oils to keep on hand.

Blend it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, and apply it on skin issue spots. It can also be used to eliminate residue and add luster to your hair.

7. Avocado

Avocados are unquestionably your friend if you have dry skin. Healthy fatty acids and skin-penetrating vitamins A, D, and E are among the advantages of avocados, an incredibly hydrating fatty fruit.

It can heal age spots, increase collagen formation, and soothe burnt skin. When administered topically, it also reduces skin irritation; when consumed orally, it can have the same effect.

Try it in homemade face masks and moisturizing eye cream for anti-aging effects.

8. Aloe Vera

The majority of people think that aloe vera helps treat sunburns, but did you know that it also contains calming, bacteria-fighting chemicals that reduce itching, inflammation, and redness?

Aloe has been utilized for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for fungal diseases as well as skin conditions and infections.

Over 75 potentially active compounds, including anti-inflammatory agents, vitamins, minerals, saccharides, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes, lignin, and salicylic acids, are found in aloe vera, which is thought to be the most physiologically active form of the Aloe barbadensis miller species.

These are what give aloe its distinctive antibacterial and antifungal qualities, which make it a "photodynamic therapy" for skin support. Because it helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, it may also have anti-aging effects.

According to research, aloe vera helps heal wounds and burns, but it also detoxifies your body from the inside out. In fact, when taken orally, aloe vera can even reduce the size and number of parasites and tumors in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

Two medicinal compounds are produced by aloe vera plants: the latex that is extracted from the cells just beneath the surface of the leaves and the gel that is located in the cells in the middle of the leaf. Burns, frostbite, psoriasis, and cold sores can all be treated with these natural skin care products.

9. Argan Oil

Argan oil, which is indigenous to Morocco and has been used for generations, is extremely therapeutic due to its high content of omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. These provide it natural anti-aging qualities. It also improves the condition and shine of your hair in addition to being excellent for hydrating skin.

Twice a day, use a tiny dab of pure argan oil directly to normal or problematic skin to help relieve irritations such psoriasis, eczema, dryness, acne, and bug bites.

10. Almond Oil

Although you may already be aware of the numerous nutritional advantages of almonds, you may be unfamiliar with applying almond oil to your skin. It contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic qualities in addition to its wonderful scent.

It works well as a carrier oil for essential oils that naturally heal dryness, acne, and rashes on the skin. Try using it in homemade lotions, masks, and washes because it also blends well with a variety of scents.

11. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil, one of the most popular carrier oils, is incredibly hydrating and can assist with wrinkles, dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, burns, and scars.

Because it promotes hair regrowth, calms the skin, and unclogs hair follicles, this native to the southern United States and Mexico is also used to lessen baldness.

Jojoba oil is unique in its chemical structure since it is a polyunsaturated wax. Jojoba wax is particularly helpful for preserving the skin, calming the scalp, and serving as a natural moisturizer.

12. Castor Oil

Although it may seem paradoxical, castor oil is actually a "drying oil" that is used to wash skin.

Only a tiny bit is required for facial cleansing in order to minimize accumulated bacteria that may cause breakouts and lifeless skin.

13. Shea Butter

Africa has been using shea butter as a natural skin care treatment for hundreds of years, and it is still widely grown and exported from the continent today. It is cheap and efficient at minimizing peeling, redness, and flaking, and it is a great moisturizer for dry skin types.

It works well with natural eye creams and nightly moisturizing lotions, and it's safe to use near the eyes.

14. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is used to manufacture a toning solution and is derived from the Hamamelis plant. For ages, it has been a mainstay of natural skin care and home cures for a variety of skin conditions, including blemishes and insect bites.

In addition to combating bacteria, it helps regulate oil and restore skin hydration. Additionally, it might lessen acne-related redness, edema, and irritation.

15. Vitamin C Extract

An important nutrient, vitamin C functions as an antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress and free radical damage, which can result in fine wrinkles and dark spots.

This extract can be found in moisturizers and cosmetic serums designed to tone and brighten uneven or dull skin tones.

Additionally, vitamin C can reduce inflammation and prevent acne by controlling the production of sebum, or oil.

16. Beeswax

Worker honeybees, which produce honeycomb, are the source of pure beeswax. It is frequently used to reduce inflammation, discomfort, and edema in addition to decreasing cholesterol.

It helps form a protective layer on the skin that keeps moisture in and irritants out by acting as a humectant. According to studies, it can treat rosacea and several prescription medications when combined with other natural skin care products like witch hazel and plant oils, frequently without causing additional discomfort.

17. Cocoa

Minerals, antioxidants, and good fats abound in real, unprocessed cocoa powder. In addition to protecting against free radical damage, which can age skin, it can aid in restoring moisture to the skin and combating dryness.

Use it in facial masks to increase the radiance of your skin.

18. Glycerin

Glycerin is a transparent, colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting, non-toxic liquid that is also known as glycerine or glycerol. Animal fat or vegetable oils like palm, soybean, or coconut oil can include this natural substance.

Glycerin is classified as a humectant, a kind of natural moisturizer that draws water from the air and deeper layers of your skin to the outer layer.

In order to assist preserve the moisture that is pulled into the skin, glycerin is utilized in many skin care products in conjunction with occlusives, which are also moisturizing agents.

Potential skin benefits of glycerin include improved skin barrier function, increased skin hydration, protection from skin irritants, and even "acceleration of wound-healing processes," according to a 2008 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

19. Cucumber

Active enzymes and chemicals found in cucumbers help reduce puffiness and combat allergies. Cucumber slices can be applied beneath the eyes to hydrate and soothe sensitive skin.

20. Kaolin Clay

Kaolin is regarded as one of the gentlest clays available and works well for almost all skin types. It may be appropriate for oily or acne-prone skin since, according to one evaluation, it helped reduce oiliness without unduly drying the skin when used as part of a clay mask.

Kaolin clay may help tone and tighten the skin for people who want to avoid wrinkles and fine lines, which are indicators of aging.

Because it can eliminate dead skin cells and flaky, dry skin, there is some evidence that it can help increase the suppleness and firmness of the skin. It is believed that the iron in kaolin clay, particularly the red varieties, helps to soften skin and prevent damage.

Words to Be Aware of

Understanding the meaning of various phrases is helpful while looking for new clean skin care products.

First of all, the term "natural" is mostly a marketing term, so it doesn't actually tell you much. Make sure to read ingredient labels because this word isn't regulated and won't inform you exactly what's in a product.

To better understand your options, become familiar with the following phrases related to natural skin care:

• Hypoallergenic —   Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate this medical phrase, it does indicate that a product has fewer components that are known to trigger an allergic reaction.

• Fragrance-free —  Devoid of extraneous scents, which can irritate skin. Nonetheless, some chemicals, like essential oils, may still give things their own scent.

• Non-comedogenic —  Usually doesn't cause pore blockage.

• Non-irritating — Usually free of parabens, fragrances, soaps, comedogenic substances, and drying agents.

• 100% pure —  Usually composed of just one ingredient and devoid of additions or fillers.

• Vegan —  Doesn't include any dairy, collagen, honey, eggs, or other animal products.

• Cruelty-free —  Produced without causing harm to animals, which frequently involves avoiding animal experimentation.

• Organic — Goods that don't include chemicals or pesticides and are made with organically grown ingredients.

Risks and Side Effects

Start with a modest amount of every new product you put on your skin, including natural skin care products, and work your way up to a larger amount. In this manner, before applying to a significant portion of your skin, you can test your reaction.

Because essential oils can occasionally be irritating, this is especially crucial.

Avoid applying it to your skin if you have an allergy to an item that you would consume, like avocado or honey. If you are allergic, use caution while buying natural items in stores.

Carefully read labels to steer clear of compounds that irritate you.

Conclusion

• Using items that are non-irritating and healthy is the foundation of clean beauty. Plants, roots, flowers, herbs, and even fruits and vegetables can be used to make lotions, serums, toners, masks, and scrubs.

• Which natural skin care products are the best? These include avocado, vitamin C, witch hazel, honey, beeswax, coconut, tea tree, almond, and jojoba oils, and more.

• Benefits of using these natural skin care components include lowering wrinkles, eczema, dryness, scars, acne, and age spots.