Elegance in simplicity: is more really better when it comes to your skin?
Introduction
There are more beauty products than ever, which makes it confusing for us as consumers, trying to figure out which to pick out from abundance of creams and gels on offer down the skincare aisle. But is it worth splashing out the cash on another product which promises the world but rarely makes a noticeable difference to our skin?
Probably not. Many commercially produced skincare products that we find at the supermarket and the drugstore contain harmful toxins and chemicals which can harm our skin and body. They come infused with fragrances, preservatives, artificial colouring, and stabilisers, all of which we are absorbing into our body through our pores.
Holistic beauty routines are a growing trend for people around the globe. This means introducing more natural, organic substances into our beauty regimes. Although holistic routines have been around since Cleopatra, the mainstream world is now recognising that perhaps natural really is better. So, what are the benefits of a natural beauty routine?
What are the benefits of a natural beauty routine?
No invisible side effects: All the chemicals we mentioned earlier can actually have an effect on our health - even though we may not realise it. The parabens used to preserve commercial beauty products are synthetic and and are able to mimic our body's natural hormones. This makes it entirely possible that parabens could cause hormone imbalance and disruption. On the contrary, natural health and beauty products use natural preservatives which won’t affect our body in a negative way.
Our skin will benefit: Ever experienced a burning feeling or a red tinge to your skin after applying a product? That needs to stop! Organic and natural products don’t contain unnecessary ingredients that can irritate our sensitive skin.
Natural products are able to heal internally and externally. Internal benefits include increased collagen production, free radical damage repair, and improvement in oxygen and blood flow to our skin. Externally, you can hope for a decrease in any lines and wrinkles, a helping hand with discoloration, and protection from environmental elements. But it doesn’t stop there - there’s a vast array of natural beauty products, which each have their own individual positive effects on the skin and body.
They are earth friendly: More often than not, commercial beauty products are made from conventionally produced ingredients, and can have a seriously negative impact on the environment. This is because the manufacturing of these goods puts chemicals into the air and water, and down the drain in our own homes. Natural products are farmed organically, which means less of these harmful chemicals are a burden to the environment.
The best ingredients to kickstart your natural routine
We’d be able to write a novel about the different ways you can use natural products in your skin and beauty regimes. But to introduce you to the concept, we’ve put together a small list of the things we think you should give a go first. You might even be able to find some of them in your kitchen cupboard!
Coconut oil: Coconut oil is quickly emerging as one of the most beneficial natural ingredients for our body, skin, and hair. Coconut oil contains saturated fats, which keep skin smooth, and helps skin retain its moisture content. Lauric acid and capric have strong antimicrobial and disinfectant properties, making coconut oil a great way heal wounds or imperfections on our skin. As well as all these fantastic benefits, the oil is full of vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin growth, repair, and protection.
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is actually used as part of Australian army soldiers first aid kits! This is due to its fantastic anti-viral and anti-fungal benefits. The oil can be used for numerous conditions including cuts and scrapes, dandruff, and itching. Perhaps one of the most common uses of tea tree oil is for acne. It is able to help dry out spots and kill bacteria, without all the negative effects of over the counter medications such as redness and dry skin.
Raw honey: Honey is a multipurpose natural skin care product. It’s full of antioxidants to help slow down aging and is super moisturising and smoothing to help give your complexion a boost. On top of this, honey is clarifying, can help unclog your pores, and can be used as an acne treatment due to its antibacterial properties. It can even help to fade scars and acne marks. So whatever you need it for - honey can probably help!
Avocado: Avocado is an ultra moisturizing fatty fruit which contains vitamin A, D and E, which are all able to penetrate our skin. For years, people have used avocado as a saviour for dry skin. Its properties have similarities to our skin's natural oil, and holds a high hydrocarbon content, meaning it’s an incredible remedy for anyone who suffers with eczema or flakey, itchy skin. It’s also used to soothe sun exposed skin, due to it’s ability to calm down redness and replenish.
Introducing some natural beauty products into your routine could be just what your skin needs. We’ll be talking more about different ingredients and ways to use them in the near future - so keep your eyes peeled!