What Natural Products Are Good for the Skin and What Can Hurt
The texture of your skin is influenced every day by external components such as dirt and pollution and internal components such as your diet and overall health. Age is also a major factor too. Wrinkles, stretch marks, and uneven pigmentation are changes that are part of life, but if smoother, flawless skin is your endgame, here is a compilation of skincare ingredients that you may want to be on the lookout for.
Why Are Natural Products a Better Option?
It is fairly normal to settle for the first product you try when it comes to skincare. Sadly, some synthetic products are harsh on the skin and can cause rashes and even contact dermatitis. Natural ingredients such as green tea extracts, vitamin C, and oats are considered healthy, gentle, and great additions to your skincare routine. With that being the case, it is still highly recommended that you consult with a dermatologist before using or testing any products. That’s because some ingredients may be labeled as “natural” but are not naturally manufactured or regulated.
Best Natural Skincare Ingredients
Normal skin goes through seasonal changes – sometimes it feels drier, and other times it’s oilier. So, it’s important to find what works for your skin. If you find yourself becoming more curious about cleaner cosmetics and skincare products, here are the best on the market:
1. Retinol
This is the most popular ingredient and perhaps the most effective for all skin types. Retinol is derived from vitamin A and works to promote the renewal of skin tissues, reduce acne, and boost the production of collagen. In aging, it improves the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
2. Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid (aka vitamin C) absorbs quickly and is most potent as a topical application. It stabilizes and creates collagen, hence why it is the best anti-aging ingredient. Ascorbic acids also aid in repairing damage from the sun by working as an anti-oxidant and improving even skin toning.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera’s many healing properties make it an essential skin care product. It is usually mixed with other products such as echinacea and calendula to boost health. However, be careful when buying over-the-counter aloe vera gel, because many of these products are full of fillers such as parabens. Be certain that an aloe vera gel’s list of ingredients has just that and nothing else. The best source for aloe vera gel would be the plant itself. Cut the leaf in half and apply the gel directly to the skin. It treats:
- Sunburns
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Burns
- Uneven pigmentation
- Rough skin
- Frostbites
- Ringworms
- Itchiness due to varicose veins
4. Olive Oil
Without getting too much into the chemical composition, olive oil has natural vitamins A, D, E, and K that help kill free radicals. Free radicals are pesky compounds that damage cells to survive, so it’s important to get rid of them. The vitamins themselves also help clear acne while being safer for your skin and purer. Be careful using olive oil, however, as it can clog the pores, so it is not advisable for those with oily skin.
Ingredients to Avoid in Cosmetic Products
Some natural ingredients can harm your skin, and it’s best to avoid them completely. Here are a few:
1. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives found in almost all products, especially cosmetic products. They prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and yeast. However, they have also been linked to cancer, as they can mimic estrogen. Too much estrogen can cause an increase in breast cell division and the growth of tumors. Not all cosmetics products include parabens in their list of ingredients, so always be alert for products labeled “paraben-free.”
2. Aluminum
This heavy metal is present in most antiperspirants, deodorants, and some body oils. Aluminum typically disrupts the functioning of your endocrine system, so avoiding this is certainly beneficial.
3. Synthetic Perfume Fragrances
Synthetic perfume fragrances contain phthalates, which are also endocrine disruptors and can trigger allergies and uncomfortable reactions to the user and anyone around them. Such allergies may cause skin rashes, asthma, a blocked nose, red eyes, headaches, nausea, and psoriasis.
A natural skincare routine is easy to formulate and implement provided you are aware of what is good for your skin. If you’re in Cincinnati, Ohio and want more personalized advice, our experts at The Dermatology Group can help! Give us a call today!