The best natural skincare ingredients to look for in your skincare products
Natural skincare products are chock-full of the nutrients and benefits in which can found in origin plants themselves. Standard cosmetic and skincare products, especially low-priced items, can end up drying your skin out or causing irritation to otherwise sensitive areas of your face and neck.
The best natural ingredients for skincare are gentler on your skin and provide a vast amount of benefits for healthy-glowing skin.
Why natural skincare products matter
The quality of the natural ingredients in the skincare products you use is important, but the ingredients manufacturers use matter, too. You should opt for a product line that contains the right natural ingredients if you want to see the best results.
Below are a few of the key ingredients to look for when choosing a high-quality, healthy, natural skincare routine.
Natural Oils
Natural oils like rosehip seed or jojoba oil are great moisturizers that work for people with sensitive skin. The key here is to find products that contain oils that target your specific concerns.
For example, use a rosehip cleanser to brighten your skin and tone down redness. Use a moisturizer with argan and coconut oil to reduce skin irritation and dryness.
Jojoba oil
Is a natural oil that has been proven to minimize visible signs of aging and to aid in wound healing due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. It is high in vitamin E which contributes to collagen and elastin production. This serves to strengthen the skin and help heal acne and soften existing scars.
In addition, jojoba oil is rich in zinc and copper. Zinc provides strong anti-inflammatory effects to target inflammatory acne and related scarring by boosting collagen production. Copper’s strength lies in its ability to contribute to firm smooth skin and reduce lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen and elastin, and it helps protect and repair skin
Rosehip Seed Oil
Is a pressed oil extract that is taken from the seeds of the wild rose. This oil is packed with skin-nourishing vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin E, linoleic acid, and essential fatty acids which lock in moisture, and boost the skin's natural collagen levels.
Rosehip Seed Oil also contains phenols that have been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It's been known to help to fight inflammation and hyperpigmentation that can help reduce and eliminate acne.
Antioxidants
Are a group of natural and synthetic ingredients that protect the skin against environmental stressors like free radicals. Popular antioxidants include vitamins E and C, lycopene.
Vitamin C
Encourages skin cell regeneration by increasing elastin production, minimizing the appearance of acne scars and other areas of hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin E
Is well-known as a natural moisturizer and anti-inflammatory antioxidant. This vitamin protects the skin's cells from sun damage and is uniquely suited to helping people with sensitive skin.
In addition, it also promotes your skin’s natural healing ability to reduce redness, itching, and may even help reduce the appearance of scars.
Lycopene
Defends against skin aging by helping to stabilize DNA structure in the nucleus of skin cells, enhancing skin-cell signaling and function, and inhibiting enzymatic activity involved in collagen breakdown.
Collagen
A type of protein that acts as a water-binding agent to keep moisture locked into the skin and boost the skin's elasticity. Your skin contains natural collagen on its own but as you age, that collagen starts to break down.
Skincare products with hydrolyzed collagen, like an overnight collagen mask, may help restore your skin’s elasticity and firmness.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A contains retinoids, compounds that are well known for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles by boosting the production of the skin-smoothing protein collagen. It improves the skins tone by stimulating the production of new blood vessels which promotes wound healing from any past damage.
Vitamin A also helps to prevent clogged pores and inflammation which reduces acne.
Naturally Derived Extracts
Naturally derived extracts are plant extracts pulled from flowers, roots, and leaves. These include extracts like chamomile to promote stress reduction, licorice to promote a healthy inflammatory response, and rose oil to promote healing and even skin tone.
Seaweed
Brown Seaweed is an especially hydrating ingredient added to high-quality natural skincare products. It’s full of vitamin E, as well as branch-chain amino acids that make it easier for your skin to stay plump, firm, and glowing.
This natural ingredient contains anti-inflammatory properties that heal skin problems by fighting skin irritations and problems like acne and eczema.
Algae
Algae, like seaweed, helps your skin stay hydrated between applications, trapping the natural moisture and beneficial oils in your skin. When used in a daytime moisturizer, it can help make your skin more resilient to environmental hazards like dry air and sun exposure. Therefore, helps to protect your skin barrier and battle future acne.
Squalane
Squalane oil is an ultra-hydrating addition to your natural skincare routine. When your skin is hydrated, it’s naturally brighter and better able to cope with blemishes and wrinkles on its own.
Hyaluronic Acid
If you’re worried about wrinkles and fine lines, hyaluronic acid is an absolute must. When used as part of a natural skincare routine, products containing hyaluronic acid gradually reduce the appearance of those fine lines, making your skin more elastic.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Works to reduce or minimize the muscle movements responsible for wrinkles and fine lines due to laughing, smiling, and being your most expressive self.
Avocado
Honey
Promotes healing and is naturally antimicrobial, making it ideal for those that suffer from frequent blemishes and irritation.
If you would like to learn more about the best basic natural skincare routine check out our full article!