The Benefits of Using Natural Ingredients in Your Skin Care Routine

The Benefits of Using Natural Skin Care Products

In recent years, there has been a major shift in the skin care industry towards more natural and organic products. This is in response to an increased awareness of the potentially harmful chemicals used in many mainstream skin care products. Consumers are becoming more educated about what they put on their skin and are seeking out healthier, more sustainable options. But what exactly are natural skin care products, and are they really better for you? Let's take a closer look.

What Qualifies as a Natural Skin Care Product?

There is no legal or regulatory definition for what constitutes a "natural" skin care product. However, there are some general guidelines:

• Made with ingredients derived from plants, minerals, and other natural sources
• Free of synthetic chemicals like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), formaldehyde, and more
• Contains a high percentage of natural ingredients, often 70% or more
• Free of artificial colors, fragrances, and preservatives
• Not tested on animals
• Often certified organic and ethically sourced

Some labels you may see that indicate natural products include "natural," "organic," "botanical," "plant-based," "vegan," and "clean beauty." Terms like "green," "non-toxic," and "hypoallergenic" are not regulated so they don't guarantee a product is natural.

The Potential Benefits of Natural Ingredients

Many people choose natural skin care products because they want to avoid putting synthetic chemicals on their skin. Here's a look at some of the most concerning conventional ingredients and why natural alternatives are preferred:

Parabens

Parabens are a class of preservatives commonly used in skin care and cosmetics to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. However, research shows parabens can mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt normal hormonal function. They have even been detected in breast cancer tumors, raising concerns about a potential link.

Phthalates

Phthalates are often found in artificial fragrances to help the scent last longer. They are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive toxicity, including birth defects and infertility. Some research also suggests phthalates may contribute to insulin resistance and obesity.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) are used in many cosmetic products to extend shelf-life. Formaldehyde exposure has been classifed as a known human carcinogen that has been linked to certain cancers.

Sulfates

Sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are surfactants that cause foaming and lathering in products like body wash and shampoo. They can strip the skin's natural oils and cause irritation and dryness. SLS may also be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a possible human carcinogen.

By choosing products made with natural preservatives, fragrances, surfactants, and other ingredients, you can avoid exposure to these concerning synthetic chemicals.

The Antioxidant Power of Plants

Another reason to choose natural skin care is to take advantage of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging compounds found in many botanical ingredients:

• Vitamin C - Potent antioxidant that brightens skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen, and protects against pollution.
• Vitamin E - Nourishing antioxidant that hydrates, repairs skin damage, and protects from UV rays.
• Green tea - Contains EGCG polyphenols that fight free radicals and inflammation, protecting collagen.
• Resveratrol - Antioxidant found in grapes, berries, and red wine that may mimic anti-aging effects of calorie restriction.
• Beta-carotene - Orange pigment from carrots and sweet potatoes that gets converted to vitamin A to heal and renew skin.

These plant nutrients and phytochemicals provide a variety of benefits for healthy, youthful looking skin when applied topically.

More Sustainable and Environmentally-Friendly

Many natural skin care products use ingredients and practices that are more ecologically sustainable than mainstream brands:

• Organic farming methods nourish soil and avoid toxic pesticides and fertilizers.
• Sustainable harvesting and fair trade practices support rural communities.
• Using renewable, plant-based ingredients reduces reliance on finite resources like petroleum.
• Compostable packaging cuts down on plastic waste pollution.
• Clean formulas keep harmful chemicals out of the environment.
• Ethical brands promote social and environmental justice.

Conventional skin care production uses more plastics, chemical inputs, synthetic ingredients and tends to generate more waste. So for many eco-conscious consumers, natural skin care is a way to walk lightly on the earth.

Are Natural Skin Care Products Better for Your Skin?

Now that we've looked at the potential upsides of natural skin care, let's examine whether these products are necessarily better for your skin health.

Fewer Irritants for Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin may find that natural products containing gentle, soothing botanical ingredients are less likely to cause redness, itching, stinging and other irritation. By avoiding common sensitizing chemicals like parabens, SLS, and fragrance, natural skin care can be ideal for reactive skin types.

Non-Toxic for Babies and Children

Babies and small children have developing immune systems and thinner, more porous skin that can absorb more of what is applied to it. This makes them especially vulnerable to toxins from conventional body care products. Choosing natural baby lotions, shampoos, soaps and other products is important to minimize their chemical exposure.

Fewer Endocrine Disruptors

Because natural skin care avoids many synthetic hormones and hormone-mimicking compounds, it can reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors. These chemicals interfere with normal hormone signaling and have been linked to problems like infertility, cancers, birth defects, and developmental disorders.

Support Skin Microbiome

Some evidence suggests that certain harsh detergents and antimicrobials in conventional products may negatively impact the skin's microbiome. This can allow pathogens to colonize while reducing beneficial bacteria needed for healthy skin function. Choosing clean but gentle, non-antibacterial natural products may help maintain microbial balance.

Prevention of Skin Sensitizations

Repeated use of certain chemical ingredients found in traditional skin care and makeup can actually cause you to develop new sensitivities and allergies over time. By sticking to simpler, cleaner formulas with fewer synthetic additives, you're less likely to become sensitized.

No Guarantee of Safety

However, it's important to understand that natural does not automatically equal safe or non-toxic. Some plants and botanical compounds can cause skin reactions or have harmful effects. And stripped down "free-from" formulas could potentially be less effective without key beneficial ingredients like retinoids and hydroxy acids.

There are also many pseudo "natural" products making misleading claims with few actual natural ingredients. And no skin care is 100% risk-free for every individual. So do your homework to find brands you trust that work well for your needs.

Tips for Choosing the Best Natural Skin Care

When shopping for natural skin care products, keep these tips in mind:

Check the Label

Read ingredient lists carefully looking for recognizable plant oils, extracts, butters and floral waters. Watch out for generic terms like "fragrance", which could still be synthetic. Ideally most ingredients will be organic, ethically wildcrafted or cold pressed.

Research the Brand

Seek out companies with a commitment to natural, sustainable practices and transparency. Many openly share their ingredient sourcing and production methods. Try to support green, eco-conscious, and socially responsible brands.

Seek Out Certifications

Legitimate third party certifications help verify natural, organic and non-GMO claims. Some to look for include USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny, B-Corp, and EWG Verified.

Avoid Greenwashing

Be wary of vague claims like "natural-inspired", "essentially natural" or "clean". Question products making outsized promises about results with no details on active ingredients.

Try Samples First

Test new products on a small patch of skin before fully switching over, especially if you have very reactive skin. Start with brands that offer sample sizes, testers, or money-back guarantees.

Find Multi-Taskers

Since natural products tend to be more concentrated, you can often cut down on steps. Seek out oils, serums, creams and balms designed to hydrate, nourish and rejuvenate all skin types and concerns.

Store Them Correctly

To preserve freshness and potency, keep products away from direct sunlight and heat. Refrigerate delicate serums, oils and vitamin C formulas for longevity.

Conclusion

The natural skin care market has exploded in recent years, offering consumers more choice than ever in healthy, eco-friendly products. While the term "natural" is not tightly regulated, clean, plant-based formulas do offer benefits over conventional options.

Choosing natural ingredients and avoiding harsh chemicals can minimize irritation, inflammation, and other skin issues. Sustainable, ethical brands also appeal to people wanting to reduce their environmental footprint.

However, natural is not inherently safer or better. Thorough research and cautious patch testing is still important when trying new products to find ones that work for your unique skin.

By carefully reading labels, assessing brands, and listening to your skin's needs, you can discover excellent natural products that nourish your complexion and the planet.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.