As more people are becoming aware of the effect of pesticides and synthetic ingredients on our environment and health, more women are interested in using natural skincare products. With the increasing demand comes more widely available natural skincare products which may be chemical-free, completely organic, or even vegan. It is estimated that, during a typical skincare treatment, a woman’s skin, hair and nails come in contact with over 100 chemicals, many of them harmful to health. In her lifetime, the average woman will ingest around four pounds of lipstick, and lipstick can contain tar, aluminium and many other poisonous or carcinogenic substances. Therefore, natural skincare products are more in demand these days, as awareness of health increases.
Natural skincare products are available in the following forms:
- Cosmetics
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Cleansers
- Skin conditioners
- Skin toners and hydrators
There are also natural perfumes, moisturizers and skin treatments. Natural and organic cosmetics are free of synthetic dyes and the colour can be obtained through plants and minerals. They usually have a shorter shelf-life than conventional cosmetics and should be replaced often. Natural cosmetics are available as foundations, lipsticks, eyeliners and other beautifying products. Many natural cosmetics use animal products such as beeswax and lanolin, and vegans, those who avoid animal products completely, should find cosmetics using vegetable oils such as palm and Shea butter.
Many consumers of natural beauty products enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy along with cleansing and conditioning their skin and hair. Aromatherapy is the art of affecting one’s sense of well-being through the use of essential oils from flowers and herbs. Some blends stimulate while others relax. Many natural skincare products are available in sets which include a shower gel, soap, shampoo and conditioner, a scrub and cologne. Orange, bergamot and cedar have stimulating effects and refresh the skin. Many reports a tingling sensation after using natural citrus and cedar products. Jasmine and Ylang-Ylang soothes and prevents stress.
Natural skincare products are usually made of bases and essential oils. Depending on the product, the base may be a wax or a cream made of moisturizing oils and plant butter. Unrefined Shea butter from Africa is a common choice and Tamanu from Madagascar is prized for its soothing properties. The best essential oils are expeller-pressed, which means that they are extracted without chemical solvents. The bases and oils are combined to produce skin creams, cleansers, perfumes and lipsticks.
Skin masks and treatments are in-depth processes and require several types of natural skincare products for an entire treatment. Mud masks may contain real, vitamin-rich mud or clay from certain regions of the world known for producing nourishing products. A mask, which draws out the impurities from the skin and improves circulation, is usually followed by a hydrating spray. Rosewater is often used for this purpose, because of its nourishing and moisturizing properties. The skin is cleansed using a scrub, made of crushed peach pits or another rough material that sloughs off dead cells. Cleansers are used according to one’s skin type; those with dry skin may use a cleanser with a fruit such as avocado or banana, and those with oily skin or acne find tea tree oil cleanser to be quite effective. A moisturizer completes the treatment and is made of oils from plants such as cocoa or palm that gently add moisture without clogging the pores.
One should be careful when purchasing natural skincare products. Many conventional skincare products claim to have natural ingredients, but this might mean that they use a bit of a plant or a herb, and the other 95% of the lotion is made of chemicals. Read the label to ensure that the products you are using are all-natural, if this is important to you, and work with a company that you trust.
DIY Strategies
When people think about skincare, consumer products are generally the first things that come to mind. While there some excellent skincare products on the market today, the solution to your skincare problems cannot always be solved with the latest and greatest products. While these products do have their place, there are several things you can do on your own to ensure that your skin is healthy and beautiful.
Proper hydration is often overlooked as a treatment for problematic skin. The importance of water consumption cannot be understated. It is recommended that everyone drink upwards of eight 8oz (0.3 kg) glasses of water per day. Water plays a significant role in helping to rid your body of excess toxins. These toxins can have an effect on other areas of your health, as well as the state of your skin.
Exfoliation is another element of skincare that is often overlooked. Proper exfoliation can have a profound effect on your skin. Dry brush exfoliation is by far the best for your skin, as it removes dead skin cells, improves lymph node function, and increases blood circulation. Dry brush exfoliation also stimulates detoxification. As your skin is your largest organ, the state of your skin can provide a lot of information about the state of your health.
Your diet also plays a significant role in the health of your skin. Common sugar, for instance, has recently been linked with accelerated ageing. The process is called glycation and occurs when a sugar molecule binds to a protein molecule. These new molecules are referred to as AGE’s (advanced glycation end-products) and have been found to damage collagen in skin, ligaments, and cartilage.
Essential fats are another consideration. These are fats that your body cannot live without because they assist in the creation of cell membranes, hormones, and other such chemicals needed for optimal health. To ensure you are getting “good” fats in your diet, try using flaxseed oil, walnut oil, or other such supplements. Eating fish can also provide you with an excellent source of “good” fat, especially salmon and sardines.
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