Choosing the right natural skincare products can feel like embarking on an epic quest, much like the search for the Holy Grail, but with fewer knights and more moisturizers.
With so many options available, it is SO easy to get overwhelmed. Do you need rosehip oil or jojoba oil? Is aloe vera your new best friend, or should you be looking into tea tree oil?
It's honestly a lot. And if you haven't been living in the world of natural based skincare products for a long time- then this is going to be a stressful search on your own. Aaaaand that's why I put together all of these articles and information so you don't have to search for it all through a haze of marketing bullshit.
Why Go Natural? A No-Brainer
Before we dive into the specifics of choosing the right products, let's address the obvious question: Why go natural? Natural ingredients are less likely to irritate your skin, they're eco-friendly, and they don't contain the harsh chemicals found in many conventional products. Plus, they often smell like a botanical garden, which is a nice bonus.
At Simple Soul Skincare, we push the idea that when possible, you should always use the natural version. There's no reason to use a lab based chemicals (which cost money to produce, took years of research, must be transported around the world burning CFCs like they're going out of style etc) when you can just use things that you'd find in your kitchen or on the farm.
Now, we would never claim that you should forgo your dermatologist recommended treatments in favor of slathering your face in coconut oil. There is a time and place for everything, and we do not claim (now or ever) to treat genuine medical conditions. Because that would be dishonest.
What we do claim however, is that if you have medically normal skin that's just dry, or a little pimple-y, then we've got you covered.
Understanding Your Skin Type: The Foundation of Skincare
Dry Skin: The Sahara Desert of Faces
If your skin often feels tight, flaky, or resembles a piece of parchment paper, congratulations—you have dry skin. Dry skin lacks the necessary oils to maintain moisture, making it prone to irritation and redness.
Dry skin impacts a massive amount of people, and it's totally possible to have a dry T zone but have oily skin elsewhere- this is normal. There's no wrong way to have skin.
What to Look For:
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Natural oils such as almond oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil are your best friends.
- Gentle Cleansers: Avoid harsh cleansers that strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for cream-based or oil-based cleansers that will hydrate your skin while removing impurities. You're going to want to stay away from things like lemon or grapefruit- anything astringent.
Oily Skin: When BP Offshore Starts Calling
If your skin has more shine than a disco ball, you likely have oily skin. Oily skin produces excess sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and acne.
What to Look For:
- Balancing Ingredients: Ingredients like witch hazel and tea tree oil help control oil production without over-drying your skin.
- Lightweight Moisturizers: Yes, even oily skin needs moisture. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) moisturizers like aloe vera. Technically coconut oil is touted as noncomedogenic- but it's worth noting that if you have oily skin, it's probably too heavy for you.
Combination Skin: The Best of Both Worlds
Combination skin is a mix of dry and oily areas. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oily, while the cheeks are dry.
What to Look For:
- Targeted Treatments: Use different products for different areas of your face. A lightweight gel moisturizer for the T-zone and a richer cream for the cheeks can work wonders.
- Balancing Ingredients: Look for products that can balance your skin without being too harsh or too rich, such as green tea extract.
Sensitive Skin: The Drama Queen of Skin Types
Sensitive skin is easily irritated and can react to a variety of ingredients. If your skin gets red, itchy, or inflamed at the drop of a hat, you’re in this club.
What to Look For:
- Soothing Ingredients: Seek out products with calming ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and calendula. Oatmeal and cucumber extract are also excellent for soothing sensitive skin.
- Fragrance-Free Products: Fragrances can be irritating, so stick to fragrance-free products whenever possible.
Key Natural Ingredients and Their Benefits in Skincare
Now that you know your skin type, let’s explore some star natural ingredients and their benefits. You'll find various combinations of these throughout our products.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it great for balancing oil production. It’s suitable for all skin types and can even help with acne.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing and hydrating properties. It’s excellent for calming irritated skin and providing a moisture boost.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that make it a powerful ingredient for combating acne. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is incredibly nourishing and is perfect for dry skin. It helps to lock in moisture and provides a protective barrier.
Navigating the World of Natural Skincare Brands
Choosing the right products also means choosing the right brands. Look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and practices. Ethical sourcing, sustainable packaging, and cruelty-free certifications are all good indicators of a trustworthy brand.
Well What Do You Do Now?
Choosing the right natural skincare products for your skin type doesn’t have to be a whole chore. With a bit of knowledge and the right ingredients, you can create a skincare routine that makes your skin glow like never before.
Remember, the key is to listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed. Your next step is to check out the Benefits of Using Natural Oils in Skincare.