In the past few years, more and more consumers are using natural skincare
products since they believe it's better for them and the planet. If you're new
to natural skincare and interested to try it out, you're on the right track!
This article will break down what natural skincare is all about, sort out the
true facts from the myths, and help you figure out what's best for your skin.
The Rise of Natural Skincare
People like natural skincare because they're kinder to your
skin, better for the environment, and don't have the harsh chemicals that regular
skincare products sometimes do. Additionally, there are other reasons that have
contributed to the rise of natural skincare such as:
1. Health Awareness
People are more aware of their health and what they put on
their skin. Some ingredients in skincare products might not be good for you,
like parabens and sulfates. Natural skincare can be a healthier choice because
it doesn't have those bad ingredients.
2. Environmental Concerns
Most of the packaging that's used for beauty can hurt the
environment, but natural skincare tries to be nice to the planet. Manufacturers
use packaging that don't harm nature, and their packaging can break down on the
earth.
3. Skin Sensitivity
Some folks have sensitive skin, and regular skincare
products can make their skin angry. Most of the natural ingredients are gentler
and don't make skin irritated as often.
Myths of Natural Skincare
Lots of people really like using natural skincare products
because they believe it's good for their skin and the planet. But there are
some important things you should know about it:
1. All Natural Ingredients are Safe
Just because something comes from nature doesn't mean it's
always safe for your skin. Some natural ingredients can cause rashes or
allergies. For example, those nice-smelling oils can hurt your skin if you use
them too much.
2. Natural Products Are Always Effective
Natural products don't all work equally well. Some natural
products might not be as good as artificial ingredients for concerns like
pimples or deep wrinkles.
3. Natural Skincare is Chemical Free
Even natural ingredients are made up of chemicals. Like
water, it's natural but still a chemical. Sometimes, natural ingredients can be
strong and harmful if you don't use it right “ it's the dose that makes the
poison.
4. Natural Products are Eco-Friendly
Natural products can sometimes harm the environment. Getting
special natural ingredients like palm oil can mean cutting down trees and
hurting animals' homes. Making natural products can also use a lot of water and
energy, which isn't always good for the planet.
Advantages of Natural Skincare
Now that you've learned some common myths, what are the
actual benefits and detriments of natural skincare products?
1. No Harmful Chemicals
Natural skincare products don't have chemicals that might
not be good for your skin. Some regular skincare products have ingredients like
parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde, which can be a bit concerning for your
health.
2. Fewer Skin Irritants
If your skin is easily irritated or if you have skin issues
like eczema and psoriasis, using natural skincare products can be a good idea.
These products don't have harsh ingredients like fragrances that can be hard on
your skin. These products can make your skin feel better and less sensitive.
3. Environmental Options
Some natural skincare brands really care about the Earth.
These brands use ingredients that are kind to the planet, packaging that can
decompose nicely, and they try not to mess up the environment while making
their products.
4. Holistic Approach to Skincare
Natural skincare isn't just about looking good. Some of the
ingredients in these products can make you feel relaxed and less stressed. An
example would be using lavender oil, which is famous for calming you down.
5. Shorter Shelf Life
Natural skincare products often have a shorter shelf life
than their artificial partners. This is because they lack the man-made
preservatives that extend the longevity of regular products. As a result,
natural skincare products may need to be used up more quickly to avoid being
spoiled.
6. Natural Skincare is Sometimes More Expensive
Natural skincare products tend to cost more because making
them involves some extra expenses. This means they have to be made more often
in smaller batches. Also, people like it when these products are kind to the
planet, so they often have special eco-friendly packages and are made in ways
that are fair to workers.
Should You Switch to Natural Skincare?
You can go for it if you want to make your skincare routine
more natural or eco-friendly. You don't have to rush and discard all your
regular skincare products. The most important thing is to find what's good for
your skin and doesn't make it angry or itchy and to always remember:
Turn and Learn Your Ingredients
The information on the back of a product's bottle is super
important, even more than what's on the front. You might see
"all-natural" on the front, but that doesn't always mean much. The
real truth is in the ingredient list, which tells you exactly what's inside.
If you encounter an ingredient you don't recognize, you can
search it online to find out what it is. Some apps can help you determine
whether a product is natural or organic. Remember to check the back of the
bottle and research if you're unsure about what's in your products.
Eat Healthier
What you use on your skin is as important as your food.
Eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables is important for keeping your
skin looking great. Some special foods can make your skin happy and keep it
looking young and nice from the inside out.
Press Reset
Just because a product doesn't have fancy words or a pretty
package doesn't mean it's not good for your skin. If your skin does not like a
product, it's a good idea to return to the basics. A simple example is regular
petroleum jelly. It has no extra ingredients like chemicals or strong
fragrances, and it's really good for your skin.