As a holistic esthetician, I emphasize the importance of understanding skincare labels because many products claim to be "natural" yet still contain harmful chemicals. I aim to guide you towards clean, natural skincare that offers results without compromising your skin's health.

When it comes to skincare, the natural ingredients you choose can be your skin's best defender against environmental stressors. These ingredients hydrate, soothe, smooth, brighten, de-wrinkle, and firm your skin. Just like different foods offer unique health benefits, each natural ingredient targets specific skin needs.

Let's dive in!

Top Natural Ingredients

Here are some examples of clean & natural ingredients that do wonders for the skin: 

Non-Fragrant Plant Oils—Exquisitely rich sources of essential fatty acids, micronutrients, and antioxidants, these oils are suitable for all skin types and are particularly beneficial for dry skin.

Natural Vitamins—Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and tocopherol (Vitamin E) are potent antioxidants that boost the skin's defense against environmental stressors.

Amino Acids—Concentrate on hydrating the skin, minimizing moisture loss, softening discolorations, and protecting against visible pollution. This includes beneficial ingredients like algae and aloe and various non-fragrant plant extracts such as green tea and grape extract.

Food Ingredients—Including fruits, vegetables, grains, and omega fatty acids in your diet can offer remarkable benefits for overall health, including hydrating and protecting your skin. Omega acids, in particular, soothe and replenish the skin.

The Importance of Clean Skincare

They Are More Eco-Friendly

Firstly, synthetic chemicals can harm both animals and plants upon contact. The production of conventional skincare products significantly burdens the environment, mainly because extracting certain ingredients like aluminum and lead involves mining. Mining contributes substantially to pollution and leaves a sizable carbon footprint.

In contrast, natural skincare products avoid these harmful chemical ingredients, eliminating the need for mining. They are composed solely of natural ingredients and pose no threat to surrounding plants and animals.

Enhanced Safety

Natural skincare products are considerably safer than their synthetic counterparts. When a lotion is applied to the skin, its ingredients are gradually absorbed into the bloodstream, directly influencing various bodily functions. See the point?

If the ingredients are beneficial, they yield positive effects. If they're harmful, they can adversely affect the body. Choosing natural skincare products over synthetic ones eliminates potential health risks and improves well-being and appearance.

They're Packed with Beneficial Nutrients

Examining their ingredients is key to truly understanding the distinctions between synthetic and natural skincare products. Synthetic product labels reveal components like Triclosan, Glyceryl Stearate, artificial fragrances, and Petrolatum—substances crafted in laboratories. While these ingredients can effectively serve their purpose, they may also pose risks to the body. Natural products, in contrast, are rich in nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, apple juice, and lemon juice. These components are not only beneficial for your body but also enhance its well-being.

For example, if you're struggling with dehydrated, uneven skin tone and seeking to brighten your complexion with a cleanser, most conventional cleansers are likely to contain parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances. Conversely, brands committed to cleaner ingredients like Indie Lee's Brightening Cleanser is filled with Strawberry Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Tomato extracts to help strengthen, firm and protect, leaving the skin hydrated, silky, and luminous.

Out With the Old, In With the New

For Mature Skin

If you have mature skin, you have most likely heard of adding to your regimen some "retinoids." Vitamin A comes from two sources. One group, called retinoids, comes from animal sources and includes retinol. The other group, called carotenoids, comes from plants and contains beta-carotene. The Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum is a cutting-edge serum that uses a form of Vitamin A that is 2x more bioavailable than retinol, bringing marked results to wrinkles and skin discoloration. Coupled with vegan-sourced ceramides & sodium hyaluronate, the salt of hyaluronic acid has greater skin penetrating/hydrating qualities than HA alone.

For Dry Skin

As I previously mentioned, some ingredients go to your bloodstream, so knowing what you put in your body is essential. I highly recommend the ESPA Nourishing Body Oil if you struggle with ashy skin or even dry, uneven skin tone. This natural, unscented body oil uses a beautiful blend of nourishing Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Calendula, and Grape Seed Oil to soothe and protect the skin. It feels smooth, soft, and supple. 

For Skin Protection

Recently, many people have realized that regular SPF has ingredients that can cause serious illness… Using the correct SPF benefits your skin and the planet. The EIR NYC Surf Mud SPF is my go-to sunscreen, especially when I spend my days in the water. Inspired by the Mayan chocolate mask, this water-resistant SPF 30, 100% reef-safe formula calls on seven key ingredients, including Non-Nano Zinc for UV sun protection, to deliver a hydrating, cocoa-scented sun shield. This is a go-to choice for beach bums, outdoor junkies, or your everyday go-getter. This sunscreen is reef-safe. Let's save our ocean! 

Switching to clean beauty is about embracing healthy, natural ingredients that enhance your well-being without sacrificing beauty for health. It's the best choice for those who value understated elegance and prioritize self-care, treating themselves to the best without compromising health and well-being.