Natural Skincare is mostly used to describe the purity of the ingredients used in beauty products-organic ingredients found in nature-think plants, flowers ,herbs and roots. The term natural also suggests that the product is free from synthetic chemicals that may be linked to health problems or that many people may get irritated by, including fragrance, dyes, and certain preservatives such as parabens. When one is looking for natural products, they are most likely in search of a formulation with pure, organic,nature-derived ingredients without any synthetic chemicals, and manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.
Many people who use natural skin care products, generally make their own products at home from naturally occurring ingredients. While there are many theories surrounding the benefits of certain ingredients, scientific studies have proven the benefits or lack thereof of some of these natural ingredients.
I dont recommend using natural ingredients for the sake of them being natural.There is no one size fits all in skin care.It is very important to understand what does and doesn’t work for your skin, and to look out for potentially harmful ingredients in skin products – both homemade and store-bought. Products labeled as ‘natural’ or ‘good for the skin’ may actually be damaging and problematic for different skin types. This is particularly true for those with acne, eczema, psoriasis or sensitive skin, as they are often the worst affected.
The composition of some ingredients may alter your skin PH, as they may be too acidic e.g tomatoes ,lemon and limes which are often recommended for dark spots and pigmentation issues.
For specific skin concerns such as anti aging, smoothness, wrinkles, pores and pigment reduction, firmness and radiance, there isn’t a natural equivalent for retinoic acid, which is produced with chemically derived vitamin A and has been proven to give dramatic positive results on the highlighted skin concerns.
The shelf-life of most organic ingredients is about three months, but that's not an inherently negative thing, but it does mean you'll need to be mindful about restocking. you can keep your organic products in the refrigerator to help preserve them, but its important to trash them once they pass the expiration date.
But its not all doom and gloom, some natural products actually do work. Research has found out that many natural ingredients that block melanin production or lighten hyper pigmentation such as kojic acid, ellagic acid, niacinamide, and soy are quite effective and do not damage the skin.
Ultimately, it's all about your skin goals, budget(natural products can be quite expensive)and what works for your skin.However dont forget that what you put in your body is just as important as what you put on it. A clean, nutritious diet of whole foods is essential for healthy skin.
When looking to buy or make your own products, make sure to do your research. Consult a dermatologist if possible, and always do patch tests. In skincare, as in all aspects of life, knowledge is power.