We are all aware of the importance of caring for our skin. However, most of us rely on commercial cosmetic products without realizing that they may cause long-term damage to our body. Some of them may even be harmful to the environment. With the rise in popularity of the organic and all-natural movement, more people are now turning to organic products and DIY solutions for skincare.
Which products are considered organic and what are the benefits of using natural solutions for skincare?
Organic products are manufactured with ingredients sourced naturally, usually from plants and without any synthetic chemicals. Sometimes made by hand, natural products are also free of preservatives.
Natural skincare products usually do not trigger adverse skin reactions.
Because natural products don’t contain any harsh substances, they are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Redness, breakouts and acne are avoided as well. Natural products are mild so they’re also safe to use on sensitive skin, unlike non-organic products which can even dry out your skin.
They don’t have strong, irritating scents.
The chemical composition of non-organic products often includes a strong fragrance and this can cause headaches and sneezing in some people especially for those who are sensitive to strong smells. In extreme cases, prolonged use of products with certain chemical ingredients can even lead to respiratory problems.
They don’t carry ingredients that could be harmful to the body when absorbed into the blood.
Any product we place on our skin does not necessarily stay only on the surface of the skin. It can penetrate deeper and enter our bloodstream. Non-organic skincare products have parabens, fragrances, and preservatives, some of which are poisonous to our organs. They can affect the production of hormones in our body, cause dryness and infertility, and even contribute to the development of cancer.
They are more effective than chemical-filled products.
We spend a lot on commercially successful skincare products only to find out they don’t deliver the results we expect. Worse, they may even aggravate any skin problems we have. Most natural skincare solutions have been actually proven effective with minimal side effects. Natural skincare products also have anti-aging and antioxidant properties and some of them are gentle enough to be used in multiple ways.
They pose no threat to the environment.
These natural ingredients do not contribute to pollution in the air, soil or water. Manufacturers of these products are also careful to use eco-friendly processes and many makers avoid testing their products on animals.
Use any of the following ingredients to care for your skin naturally:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is composed mostly of fats. These fats are what make coconut oil effective for skincare since they help maintain moisture on the skin. Coconut oil also has antibacterial properties which guard the body against infection. Other nutrients you can find in coconut oil are vitamin E and protein, which supports the repair of any skin damage and keeps the skin nourished and soft. It’s also widely used as a base ingredient for skincare products like soap since it kills any bacteria, preserving the product longer.
The best form of coconut oil is virgin coconut oil. This is the most popular and allegedly the healthiest. Not only is it used for cosmetics, it’s also added to drinks and consumed for health and weight loss.
For soft and smooth lips, just dab some coconut oil directly. Hands, feet, arms and legs will stay smooth and supple as well if you use lotions and creams with coconut oil. A lot of women have also started using coconut oil to cleanse their face instead of makeup removers.
2. Raw Honey
Aside from being a natural sweetener, honey also has medicinal benefits and it’s great for the skin. It contains moderate amounts of iron, vitamin C and calcium. It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties as well. It can help accelerate healing and diminish inflammation and pain, plus strengthen the immune system, as proven by the soothing effect of drinking honey and lemon for a sore throat.
When mixed with other ingredients, honey nourishes the skin and clears up skin problems. Use it on the face and body for hydration and to give your skin a healthy glow. Honey is also great for sensitive skin to gently cleanse it of dirt and impurities and treat pimples and acne by killing the bacteria while relieving redness and swelling.
If you can, choose raw honey, though, because honey is best when it’s unprocessed and harvested directly without any heat treatments. This ensures all its vitamins and minerals are preserved in their original condition.
3. Argan Oil
Extracted from the argan tree or Argania spinosa, argan oil has been used for years in Morocco on food. It was only fairly recently that researchers uncovered its amazing healing properties. It’s rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
It’s useful for moisturizing any skin type even those with extremely dry skin. When used on oily skin, argan oil regulates the production of sebum which keeps skin moisturized but prevents skin problems. To some extent, argan oil even offers some sun protection, so you can use it in lieu of sunscreen.
Argan oil has also been used to aid in the healing of skin problems like acne and eczema. It can treat insect bites as well. Furthermore, it has anti-aging components which tighten the skin and keep it supple. To use, rub a little argan oil on the skin. You can also place some on your hair. Just be sure you aren’t allergic to argan oil by testing it on a small area of your skin first.
4. Aloe Vera
The gel from the aloe vera plant can heal and nourish our body inside and out. This is because aloe vera contains plenty of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, chiefly, vitamin C, vitamin B, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Its healing and medicinal capabilities extend to many purposes. Studies have shown that aloe vera works to enhance the function of the digestive system and increase the body’s immunity against bacteria and diseases. It supports the healing of cuts and wounds. It can also soothe skin irritated from sunburn by re-hydrating the skin and protecting it to allow faster healing. When applied on the face, it acts as a moisturizer and protects the skin from drying. Since aloe vera relieves itchiness and treats inflammation, skin conditions like sores, psoriasis and acne can also improve with the application of aloe vera.
You can drink aloe vera juice for better digestion and overall health. For the skin, just smear aloe vera gel on your face and body to maintain your skin’s elasticity, plus lighten scars and lines.
5. Jojoba Oil
Technically, this product of the Jojoba plant or Simmondsia chinensis, is more of a wax than oil but it mixes easily with other oils and is exceptional at moisturizing the skin. It’s gentle on the skin, free of allergens, and unscented so that it’s commonly used as a carrier oil for other essential oils. Jojoba oil is useful in the treatment of acne, burns, dry skin, and psoriasis because it contributes to the healing and repair of damaged skin.
It’s safe to use even for sensitive skin because of its hydrating properties. Jojoba oil is also absorbed into the skin more easily, penetrating into the deeper layers. It can shield the skin from irritation. It has anti-aging capabilities as well, lessening scars and reducing lines. Aside from the skin, you can use it on the hair. It’s a wonderful natural conditioner, making hair, soft, smooth and light.
6. Shea Butter
Another ingredient commonly used in lotions, creams and other skincare products is shea butter. Made from the nut of the shea trea which is found in Africa, shea butter contains plenty of vitamins A and E, which are antioxidants that repair skin damage and protect the skin. Shea butter also acts as a natural shield against the sun and retains moisture on the skin.
It does a superb job of hydrating the skin and it helps to lessen redness, irritation and flaking as well. Even dry skin will see immediate results when treated with shea butter. Because it’s so gentle, it can be used in caring for baby’s skin. Other than being used as an ingredient, shea butter can also be used by itself. Pure shea butter may be applied directly to the body and the face including the delicate area around the eyes.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be applied on the skin to kill bacteria, treat fungal infections and reduce inflammation. This vinegar made from the fermented juice of apples can be used to treat a variety of skin problems such as acne, and yeast infections. Even foot odor can be remedied using a solution of apple cider vinegar and water. The chemical makeup of apple cider vinegar also contains healing properties, to support the repair and growth of new skin cells if used on the skin, as well as cleanse the body from inside if it’s taken as a detox drink. Apple cider vinegar can also help with digestive problems.