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When it comes to your skin, you want to be sure the products you’re using are effective and safe. So many skincare products claim to be beneficial, but if you read the label you see a whole host of ingredients – some of them mysterious synthetic ingredients, with names you can’t even pronounce.
For this reason, DIY, natural skin care is gaining popularity. Women and men all over the world are now turning to their grocery or health food store for skincare products with all-natural ingredients to use in their natural skin care routines.
So, what’s the big issue? And what effective all-natural alternatives can you use to replace your commercial products? Read on to find out…
Why Choose Natural Ingredients for Skincare Products?
Well, it’s no secret that many store-bought products – from skin care to the foods you eat – contain questionable, synthetic ingredients. If you do manage to decipher the long list of ingredients in a particular skincare product, you still may not know whether your skin will react to one of those ingredients.
That’s why, when shopping for skincare products, the best thing you can do is to find the most natural products possible – the ones without a multitude of ingredients, heavy dyes, and fragrances.
You may also be able to find some amazing and effective natural skin care ingredients right in your own kitchen or grocery store. You can save money, get the good stuff, and skip the bad. And who doesn’t want that?
Consider the Environmental Impact of Your Skin Care Routine
Also, there’s a greater environmental impact with store-bought products. Many of these (especially the more affordable ones) come in disposable plastic containers – you toss them into the trash when you’re done with them. And while some nicer beauty brands use glass packaging, these are often thrown in the trash too.
But people who make their own DIY skin care products can reuse the same containers over and over, washing them between uses. What a great impact it could have on Earth if more people did this!
Now, there is also concern about the actual ingredients in commercial products – and their potential impact on the environment.
Ingredients like “microbeads” are plastics that aren’t biodegradable, found in skin scrubs and toothpaste.
So, they’re washed down your drain and into the waters of your community. And wastewater plants aren’t equipped to handle these kinds of microplastics.1 For this reason, the manufacture and import of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics was banned in July of 2018.2 Companies have until July of 2019 to halt introduction and delivery of microbeads in non-prescription, rinse-off drugs.3
If you have any of these microbead products lying around, it’s probably best to go ahead and toss them instead of using them.
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of natural skin care for you and the world around you, it’s time to discover these great, natural ingredients…
14 Best Natural Ingredients for Homemade Skin Care
Before digging into the fun stuff, make sure that you always do a skin patch test with any new product or ingredient that you are using topically. This involves applying a small amount to the inside of your wrist and watching the area for 24 hours.
Now, let’s get to the best natural ingredients for radiant, glowing skin…
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a chameleon when it comes to skin care. It can be used so many ways in a natural skin care routine.
Research has shown that coconut oil is a very effective moisturizer.4 And coconut extract can help ease certain kinds of skin irritation by improving the barrier function of your skin.5 One such cause of irritation is the sun’s UV rays. Coconut oil can protect your skin from about 20 percent of the ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) you get from sun exposure – though it’s not a great sunscreen, as its Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, is low.6
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is the best kind of coconut oil you can get. It’s what you should look for if you want to use coconut oil in your DIY skin care routine.
You can use coconut oil in place of many cosmetic products, including:
– Moisturizer (for face and body)
– Shaving cream
– Makeup remover
– Body scrub (simply add sea salt)
– Face mask (add other oils/ingredients, or use alone for a moisturizing mask)
– Carrier oil for essential oils
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
This common pantry ingredient can be beneficial in the fight against certain kinds of bacteria and funguses.7 If you want to use ACV as part of your natural skin care routine, you should always dilute it when using it topically. It’s also probably a good idea to use caution if using it on your face. There are several reported cases of chemical burns caused by ACV.8
Some common uses for ACV in DIY skin care are:
– Foot soak
– Body astringent/toner
– Bath soak (add about ½ to 1 cup ACV to warm bath)
– Scalp rinse
– Deodorant
3. Aloe Vera
Applying aloe vera gel can help fight off free radicals, which can wreak havoc on your skin. It contains a host of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fatty acids that are beneficial to skin health, making it a great moisturizer. One of the most attractive aspects of aloe vera is that it can help boost collagen synthesis, giving your skin a smoother appearance. It can also help soothe irritated or burned skin.9
Some people even supplement with aloe vera orally to help with wrinkles and skin elasticity. Studies have shown this to be an effective way to help with aging skin issues.10 If you’re interested in this method of ingesting aloe vera, then talk with your doctor about supplementation.
Some common uses of aloe vera in DIY skin care are:
– Face serum
– Face mask
– Moisturizer (can mix with oils; makes a great addition to body moisturizer/lotion)
– Oral supplement
4. Argan Oil
This oil is gaining huge popularity in the world of all-natural beauty care. It’s especially ideal for aging skin. Research has shown that argan oil (used topically or taken orally) may fight the effects of aging on skin. It helps to improve elasticity, which can help fight fine lines and wrinkles brought on by aging.11 Argan oil can also improve softness, hydration, and barrier function by improving your skin’s ability to hold water.12
Some common skincare uses for argan oil are:
– Moisturizer (for face and body)
– Anti-aging serum
– Face mask
– Makeup remover
– Oral supplement
– Carrier oil for essential oils
5. Shea Butter
Originating in Africa, this is a very sought-after ingredient in the beauty industry – particularly for those with very dry skin. Shea butter is a great moisturizer. It can also help to soothe irritated skin, and it’s loaded with antioxidants that fight free radical damage.13
Shea butter is often used in DIY skin care for the following:
– Moisturizer (face, hand, and body)
6. Jojoba Oil
This is an ideal oil for homemade, natural skincare products, as it takes longer to break down than other oils. This means it has a longer shelf-life. Jojoba oil is already used in a wide variety of cosmetics, and it can also help your skin better absorb other ingredients. Jojoba oil can help to soothe irritated skin, and it’s an effective product to use on aging skin.14
Some common skin care uses for jojoba oil include:
– Moisturizer (face and body)
– Face serum
– Makeup remover
– Bath soak
– Scalp treatment
– Carrier oil for essential oils
7. Almond Oil
High in vitamin E, almond oil has great skin softening properties. Because of this, it’s used frequently in ointments to soothe irritated, itchy, and dry skin. It is also used to enhance skin tone and complexion, and it may also help with stretch marks.15
Some common DIY skin care uses for almond oil include:
– Moisturizer (face and body)
– Face serum
– Scalp treatment
– Makeup remover
– Bath soak
– Carrier oil for essential oils
8. Olive Oil
This is one of the most common oils found in kitchens, and the great news is that it can be very beneficial to skin health. Olive oil is rich in linoleic acid and fatty acids. It’s also packed with powerful antioxidant properties. In fact, there is a higher concentration of antioxidants in olive oil than in vitamin E.16
Please note, research has also suggested that olive oil is not good for the skin barrier.17 So, it’s probably a good idea to use olive oil along with another ingredient that is known to boost skin barrier function, like coconut oil.
Some common uses for olive oil in natural skin care are:
– Moisturizer (for body)
– Scalp treatment
– Bath soak
– Carrier oil for essential oils
9. Castor Oil
This is a very popular oil in DIY skincare. You should know, however, this oil is thick. Castor oil is best suited for those with very dry skin who can tolerate something a bit stickier than other oils. It makes a great moisturizer, and can be used in a bath soak to help nourish skin.
Many sources recommend using castor oil for hair health and hair growth, but this is something you should avoid. It can lead to a condition called “felting,” in which the hair becomes matted, sometimes all the way down to the root.18
Bottom line, don’t use castor oil on your hair or scalp.
Some common uses for castor oil in DIY skin care are:
– Moisturizer for body
– Bath soak
– Carrier oil for essential oils
10. Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is used in many commercial skincare products. Tea tree oil has great antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties that can be very beneficial for a variety of skin issues.19 It can be mixed into lotions and creams, or used in the bath for a nice, clean soak.
Please note that tea tree oil (like most essential oils) is far too harsh to put directly on your skin alone. It must first be diluted into a carrier oil – even for use in the bath.
Some common cosmetic uses for tea tree oil are:
– Moisturizer ingredient (for face or body)
– Ointment
– Scalp treatment
– Bath soak
11. Lemon Essential Oil
This is another essential oil that has potent antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. It can be used for a variety of skin issues, like irritation and insect bites.20 Just like tea tree, lemon oil needs to be diluted in a carrier oil for safety.
Some common uses for lemon essential oil are:
– Moisturizer ingredient (for body only)
– Scalp treatment
– Bath soak
12. Raw Honey
Honey has been used in skin care for centuries, and it’s no different today. This botanical has powerful antioxidant properties. Raw honey can soothe irritated skin and is even great for your scalp when used in a hair mask. It may also help keep your complexion smoother.21 Honey is very moisturizing, so this is a great ingredient to use along with other items on this list.
Some common beauty uses for raw honey are:
– Face mask
– Hair mask
– Oral/supplemental use
13. Sea Salt
When it comes to sea salt, the ideal type is Dead Sea salt. Research has shown that bath soaks with magnesium-rich Dead Sea salts are beneficial to the skin barrier, improve skin hydration, and help to soothe irritated skin.22 So, if you are a bath lover, then you’re in luck. Break out those sea salts, and soak in the benefits.
Some common uses for sea salt in DIY skin care are:
– Bath soak
– Body scrub (can be mixed into any oil on this list, or even in shea butter)
14. Green Tea
Green tea is beneficial for your skin in many ways. It is a great option for sensitive skin, for example. It’s also high in antioxidants, and it can help to soothe irritated skin.23
Caffeine, found naturally in green tea, has many benefits for skin. It’s loaded with antioxidants and can protect against UV damage, slowing photoaging of skin cells. Caffeine also helps to promote blood flow, and it may even help stimulate hair growth.24
Some common natural skin care uses for green tea include:
– Toner (use a prepared tea and store in the refrigerator)
– Bath soak
– Scalp rinse
The Best Natural Skin Care Routine: DIY Skin Care
You’ve now got a huge list of natural products you can use in your natural skin care routine. And you can feel great about making this kind of lifestyle change – for your own benefit and for the environment.
Now, it’s always a good idea to run any drastic changes by your doctor first. And always do a skin patch test with any topical-use products. You don’t want to try out a new natural skincare product and wake in the morning with a red face and neck.
Be wise in your all-natural skin care regimen, and you can reap the best benefits of these ingredients.
Learn More:
Nucific Diet: The Easy Diet Guide to Your Nutritional Needs
Garlic: Why You Need More in Your Diet for Heart Health
Sweet Potatoes + Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe (so satisfying!)
Sources
1.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301650
2.https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/30/health/obama-bans-microbeads/index.html
3.https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/guidanceregulation/lawsregulations/ucm531849.htm
4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15724344
5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28564614
6.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263051/
7.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29224370
8.https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(11)02243-2/abstract
9.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
10.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883372/
11.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25673976
12.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26327867/
13.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22499721
14.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24442052
15.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22594386
16.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
17.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01865.x
18.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5596646/
19.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
20.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/
21.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24305429
22.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15689218
23.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10926734
24.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23075568
