Ingredients from nature are the best ingredients. Healthy foods have a direct impact on the way our skin looks and feels but it doesn’t have to stop with diet. Natural ingredients are almost always, gentler, more nutrient-rich, and all-around edifying for your body and skin.
Fruits and vegetables have long been heralded as some of the healthiest foods for our bodies, but did you know that they can also be used topically on our skin? In fact, many commercial skincare products contain fruit and vegetable extracts as key ingredients. The next time you’re in the grocery store, take a look at the labels on your favorite skincare products – chances are that you might see blueberries, lavender, coconut, cucumbers, or other fruits, vegetables, or edible flowers listed.
1. Coconut
Coconut has ample benefits for the skin. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can help to soothe irritated skin. It is also rich in vitamins E and K, both of which are great for maintaining healthy skin. Furthermore, coconut oil can help to lock in moisture, keeping skin hydrated. Try making your own coconut hair mask.
2. Coffee
Coffee is another great ingredient for skincare products. It contains caffeine, which can help to stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation. Additionally, coffee is packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Try a caffeinated eye cream to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and eye bags.
3. Teas and Flowers
Tea leaves and flower petals are often used in skincare products due to their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help to protect the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors such as pollution and UV radiation. Additionally, many teas and flowers contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe the skin. Try a chamomile tea toner to help reduce redness and inflammation.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a popular ingredient in skin care products due to its ability to soothe and protect the skin. Oats are packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, oats contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and redness. Try an oatmeal face mask to help calm and nourish the skin.
5. Salts
Salt is often used in skincare products due to its ability to exfoliate the skin. A lot of conventional exfoliating products contain micro-plastics which when you’re finished washing your face, wash down the drain and into our oceans. When looking for products that contain lightly abrasive ingredients for exfoliating, opt for salt. Salt tends to be gentler and is good for the environment. You can even create your own salt scrubs. Just mix a cup of salt with a few tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil. If you want to add a scent, add a few drops of essential oils to the mix.
6. Grapefruit
Grapefruit seed extract is a natural disinfectant and preservative. It’s often used in skincare products as it helps to extend the shelf life of products. Grapefruit is brightening, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and cleansing! What doesn’t grapefruit do? Try using a mask with grapefruit extracts to help refine pores and minimize redness.
7. Collagen
Collagen has recently hit the spotlight as the “it” ingredient in the beauty world. This protein is responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen which leads to more wrinkles. While you can’t completely stop the aging process, you can help to slow it down by using products with collagen.
Collagen is naturally found in animal products such as bones, skin, and connective tissues. However, there are also vegan options for enhancing collagen production and promoting elasticity in the skin such as bamboo. Bamboo extract is rich in minerals and vitamins that work to hydrate and nourish the skin. It’s also a good source of silica, which is known to promote collagen production. So, if you’re looking for an ingredient that will help keep your skin plump and youthful, look for products with bamboo extract.
Our natural world is full of benefits for our skin, so make sure to take advantage of what nature has to offer by using products with natural ingredients. Ingredients you might even have in your pantry right now. So turn your kitchen into an apothecary and start experimenting.
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