Each year, a greater percentage of customers choose natural ingredients for their skincare needs. Natural ingredients can improve the general texture of the skin, making it smoother, softer, more nourished, and brighter. The following are some of the natural ingredients used in the cosmetic industry:
Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which protect the skin from stress and maintains a youthful complexion. Coconut oil has also been used to treat chronic skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and wounds because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-fungal effects. It’s also ideal for dry skin because its moisturizing nature and high lipid content increase barrier function, maintaining the skin’s hydration. Coconut oil works well for all skin types, particularly dry and sensitive skin.
To use coconut oil properly, apply it shortly after showering, while your skin is still slightly damp. This will help to trap water in the stratum corneum, keeping it soft and silky smooth.
Aloe Vera
Aloe is one of the most common natural skin care ingredients, particularly for people with sensitive skin. Aloe vera oil is very beneficial as an anti-irritant for skin burns and sunburns. While aloe vera oil does not protect against sunburn, it soothes it and prevent peeling. Its antioxidant component, which includes vitamins A, C, and E, allows it to neutralize free radicals and protect against UV damage. Due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics, aloe vera gel is frequently used to prevent skin ulcers. Furthermore, aloe’s moisturizing characteristics allows it to increase collagen and elastin formation which increases skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
Aloe gel is deemed safe to apply on the skin’s surface. However, it is not advisable to be used on open or severe wounds. In rare situations, it might cause an allergic reaction, primarily a skin rash.
Shea Butter
Shea butter, which is extracted from the nut of a Shea tree, is a common ingredient in moisturizers. It has beneficial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and emollient effects and is used to treat rashes, sunburn, dryness, wounds, eczema, acne, and dermatitis. It’s high in vitamins A and E, which promote skin cell renewal. Shea butter contains essential fatty acids, which make it extremely moisturizing and help soothe and repair the skin. It is also known for its anti-wrinkle effects, which helps in stimulating collagen formation, preserve the skin barrier, increase softness, and retain moisture to replenish and smoothen the skin. Shea butter rarely causes skin reactions, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
One may apply Shea butter directly to the skin. Shea butter is slippery and may prevent make-up from adhering to your face, so use it at nighttime before going to bed or when you are not wearing make-up.
Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil is commonly used in the treatment of acne and oily skin, lice, fungal infections, scabies, athlete’s foot, scrapes, burns, and insect bites due to its significant antiseptic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial characteristics. Its anti-inflammatory properties also aid to relieve the redness and irritation caused by a variety of skin conditions. Tea tree oil should not be applied straight to the skin. It’s recommended to dilute the oil with a carrier oil, like olive, coconut, or almond oil before use. Also, exercise caution while using tea tree oil near the eyes, as contact could cause redness and discomfort.
Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil has skin barrier-enhancing properties that have been shown to help retain the skin’s outermost layer while increasing moisture levels. Sunflower seed oil is also known for its skin-softening effects. It also contains a lot of vitamin E, which has been found to be a great antioxidant for the skin. Furthermore, it contains vitamins A, C, and D, which are all incredibly powerful remedies for acne. These work with fatty acids to facilitate new skin cell formation and eliminate bacteria that might cause acne. Sunflower seed oil has excellent healing and anti-inflammatory effects due to its high quantities of fatty acids and vitamin E. These work together to reduce skin redness and soften rough spots.
To moisturize or massage your face and body, use sunflower oil-based lotions or creams or organic cold-pressed sunflower oil. If you use sunflower oil on your skin, avoid getting it into your eyes, as it may cause temporary blurred vision.
Almond Oil
Almond oil contains fatty acids, which can help remove excess oil buildup in your skin. It improves the complexion and skin tone. It is very emollient, meaning it helps to balance moisture absorption and loss. Almond oil is an effective way to treat acne due to its antimicrobial properties and high vitamin A content. Its high vitamin E content can also help treat sunburn, minimize the signs of aging, and remove scars. You can use it plain or blend it with essential oils to reap its benefits. Aside from hydrating the skin, almond oil is an excellent massage oil or skin treatment.
As we learn more about how synthetic compounds can harm our health and our environment, there is an increasing need for natural and Eco-friendly skincare products. These are just a few products you may incorporate into your skincare routine for a more natural and environmentally friendly approach.