The organic skincare industry has exploded over the years. People are more aware of the ingredients used in their skincare products nowadays than ever before. Here are 5 important ingredients for your skincare routine.
Caring for your complexion requires a lot of your attention, and using natural and organic skincare products make it so much easier.
According to One Green Planet, an eco-conscious lifestyle website, organic skincare products are “made of 95 percent or more of organic ingredients derived from plant sources. All of these ingredients were grown without pesticides, bioengineered genes, or petroleum-based fertilizers, which could be toxic to the environment. Also, these ingredients were farmed using organic farming methods that recycle sources and promote biodiversity.”
Before we can look at the 5 organic ingredients you should have in your skincare products, it’s best to distinguish between organic and non-organic products.
Organic skincare products do not contain any chemical preservatives such as parabens which can have negative effects on a person’s skin such as increased allergies and unbalanced hormone levels. The preservatives used in organic products tend to be mild on the skin and have no known negative health effects. Products that are natural and organic use minimally processed ingredients scientifically proven to benefit the skin, so it is best to opt for products directly sourced from nature.
Nowadays, our supermarket shelves are stocked with non-organic skincare products containing synthetic fragrances and other harmful or artificial ingredients which can cause skin irritation. It’s best to read the label before making your final purchase.
Below are some of the best organic ingredients that can be seen in skincare products.
- The healing power of shea butter
Shea butter, a powerful emollient made from oil extracted from the nut of the shea tree, is packed with Vitamin K and fatty acids. Rich in triglycerides and oleic acid, this product is designed to soothe and moisturize the skin. With its ability to transform dryness, repair damage, reduce wrinkles, and lessen irritation, this is one ingredient that should always feature in your skincare routine.
Best uses: Scars, scaly and itchy skin, rashes, insect bites, muscle soreness, wrinkles, and stretch marks. - Palm kernel oil and its benefits
Palm kernel oil is an edible plant oil derived from the fruit of the oil palm, Elaeis guineensis. This oil makes the skin naturally soft and glossy without leaving a greasy residue. It also makes hair thicker and stronger and prevents excessive hair loss.
Palm kernel oil is very versatile and, combined with shea butter, has many properties like healing sun damage and preventing the signs of aging.
Best uses: Heals itchy and dry skin, popular for nail and cuticle treatments. - Cocoa butter – the moisturizer
Cocoa butter is a pale yellow, edible vegetable fat derived from the cocoa bean. Cocoa butter acts as an antioxidant to hydrate and nourish the skin and improve elasticity.
According to Healthline, a health and wellness website, “Cocoa butter is also rich in natural plant compounds called phytochemicals. These substances may improve blood flow to the skin and slow skin aging by protecting against damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays.”
Best uses: Reduces the appearance of scars, wrinkles and other marks on the skin, moisturizes. - Aloe vera – the wonder plant
Aloe vera is a short-stemmed shrub with a variety of health benefits. It’s a common ingredient used in cosmetics, food supplements, herbal remedies, and skincare products. Aloe vera supports the healing of mild burns, cuts, minor irritations, and rashes.
Best uses: Improves weight loss, stomach ailments, oral hygiene and skin burns. - Sunflower seed oil as a beauty product
Sunflower seed oil, commonly used for frying food, is also an antioxidant that prevents premature signs of aging and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Being a great source of Vitamin E, antioxidants, and nutrients, it effectively combats a wide variety of skincare issues.
Best uses: General redness, inflammation, acne, dry skin and signs of aging.
Your skin deserves only the best, and your skincare routine plays a big role as regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing complements your overall health and wellbeing. You only have one skin, so keep it in optimal condition.