In a world where we're bombarded with an overwhelming number of skincare products that promise to turn back the clock and leave us with youthful, radiant skin, it's easy to get swept up in the hype.
But thankfully, more and more people have become aware of the damaging effects from using products made with toxic chemicals - including parabens. phthalates, formaldehyde, fragrance, mineral oil, BHT, and aluminum - just to name a few.
These chemicals have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer and premature aging. In fact, the FDA has only banned 11 cosmetic ingredients since 1930, while the European Union has banned over 1,300.
This is why it's crucial to switch to natural skincare. In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of a natural skincare routine and provide tips on how to create one that's tailored to your individual skin type.
It seems counterintuitive to put oil on your face. Won't it clog your pores? Make your acne worse? Make your face greasy. It turns out organic, cold pressed oils are actually GOOD for your skin - no matter what type of skin you have!
Do you assume upgrading your skincare routine is expensive and takes forever? Guess again! Incorporating some natural products can be really easy. And they’ll make a huge impact on your skin’s health.
Natural products are gentle on the skin. They are less likely to cause irritation, redness and damage. Plus, they’re also gentle on your wallet. You can find many natural remedies hiding in your kitchen.
Here are four natural ways to easily upgrade your skincare routine.
1. Keep a youthful glow
Everyone deals with stress. Over time, stress and environmental factors start to show on our face. Which means none of us are resistant to fine lines and wrinkles.
If you want your skin to look youthful and supple, knowing how to prevent wrinkles is a must. There are all sorts of products that claim to remove crow’s feet and wrinkles around the mouth. But what works best are lifestyle changes and all-natural skincare products.
You can start easy by moisturizing with skin-healthy oils and by using skincare with an SPF to prevent sun damage.
2. Swipe on natural deodorant
Deodorant probably doesn’t get added to your list of skincare. But the skin under your arms needs to be taken care of. It’s very thin and can be really sensitive. And everyone knows how important it is to feel -- and smell -- fresh throughout the day.
We usually swipe on a powerful antiperspirant in the morning. But did you know they contain aluminum? The aluminum prevents the release of sweat. However this traps toxins in the skin. These toxins build up and can cause inflammation and bumps. Find a deodorant that not only helps lessen the sweating, but also tackles the bacteria in the armpit. Remember, sweating is a good thing. It's a part of how our bodies naturally detox. Even though deodorants aren’t as harmful as antiperspirants, they also contain a variety of harmful ingredients. These include:
Talc
Silica
Parabens
Phthalates
Triclosan
These toxic ingredients have been linked to a variety of health issues. They can cause endocrine disruption, skin irritation, cancer and infertility.
To avoid potential negative side effects, choose an all-natural deodorant. The best natural deodorant for women need to be made with non-toxic ingredients. Zinc oxide, magnesium, and a natural scent like lavender are great ingredients to look for.
Natural ingredients tackle the smell by neutralizing odors or by stopping bacteria from growing. There is also less of a chance of them irritating the skin. 3. Make an exfoliator at home
If your skin has a dry, dead layer on the top, there won’t be enough lotion in the world to fix it. Putting lotion on without exfoliating is pointless. If you’re looking for silky smooth skin, you have to exfoliate daily.
Exfoliators can be quite expensive. The good news is that you can make an exfoliating scrub at home. It will remove dead, dry skin just as good as any name-brand one. You can use a variety of ingredients to make your scrub. The most popular ones include white or brown sugar and coconut or jojoba oil. Be sure to include a natural fragrance like rose or lavender essential oil.
Don’t want to use a sugar scrub? Finely ground walnut shells or coffee will give your skin a gentle scrub.
4. Use a toner
Using a cleanser and moisturizer in your skincare routine is a no-brainer. But are you skipping the most important part? After cleaning your skin of daily dirt and grime, you’ll need to apply a toner.
A toner makes your skin even softer after using an exfoliator. It also helps remove any dirt your cleanser missed. Your skin will be brighter and more even. You’ll also have less breakouts.
The great thing about toners is that you don’t have to get an expensive one from the store. You might already have one in your kitchen… For normal to oily skin types, use apple cider vinegar. To help balance your skin’s pH, apply a 1-to-1 mix of vinegar and water to your face.
Green tea is another good, natural option. Green tea can help fight inflammation. For an even stronger toner, add lavender or tea tree oil to the green tea. Other natural toner options include:
Witch hazel
Cucumber water
Rose water
Chamomile
Lemon juice
Know Your Skin
No one knows your skin’s needs better than you. Start to incorporate one or more of these skincare routine upgrades, and you’ll notice healthier, better looking skin in no time. Which natural skincare upgrade are you going to try first? Are you already using one of these in your skincare routine? I’d love to hear what your routine is -- leave them in the comments below.
