I’ve become a firm believer in prioritizing skin health over applying excessive amounts of makeup. When you’re unhappy with your skin’s quality, research skincare solutions rather than investing heavily in products to conceal those blemishes. If you’re like me and always looking for ways to improve your skin, I’ve comprised a list of products and the benefits they provide to save you the in-depth research time. Here are some natural ingredients to sub out for nasty chemicals and pore-clogging makeup.
1) Clay Masks
I love a good, skin-clearing, oil-absorbing clay mask. Dermalogica also has a clay cleanser that serves the same purpose. Clay is great for oily and acne-prone skin but also to brighten and clarify. You can read more about the scientifically-proven benefits of clay skin therapy here.
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
My all-time favorite body lotion is cocoa butter. Not only does it smell so yummy, it’s also a wonderful moisturizer with anti-aging properties. Who wouldn’t want to incorporate chocolate into their skincare regimen?! Especially when it provides so many therapeutic benefits: deep hydration for skin and chapped lips, stretch mark reduction, and burn healing - and it works great as a luxurious shaving cream.
3) Coffee Scrub
I’ve been a recurring customer of Frank Scrubs for a while now. I love the smell of freshly brewed coffee, so incorporating coffee grounds into my morning shower routine was a no-brainer. I do prefer Frank Body Scrubs to drugstore sugar scrubs, but you know what makes them 10 times better? Mixing the scrub with coconut oil. It exfoliates and leaves the skin silky smooth, glowing, and insanely moisturized. The only downside is the aftermath; your shower will definitely require a cleaning, so I limit this regime to when I have more time on my hands.
4) Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
At this point, coconut oil is the beauty industry’s worst kept secret. I use it at night to remove makeup and leave my skin moisturized without clogging my pores. But my favorite way to use it is in my hair. I’ve gotten in the habit of doing a coconut oil hair treatment for every time I heat style (around once a week) and I’ve seen a drastic improvement. The only downside is the residue it leaves — it may take two thorough washes to get all the oil out. But team it with a protein-infused conditioner and you’ve got a damage-fighting dream team.
5) Tea Tree Oil
This is Australia’s secret anti-blemish solution. It’s antibacterial and works great to dry out pimples. Be careful not to go crazy though, or it will dry out your skin if used too much. Another Australian treasure is Emu oil, used to moisturize and help with wrinkles, age spots, and sun damage.
6) Collagen-Infused Products or Stimulants
Collagen is not just for anti-aging; it can also promote overall healthy skin and hair. And if you suffer from acne scarring, read up on how collagen induction therapy and supplements can speed up cell turnover time and help to repair your skin. Look for serums that either contain collagen or stimulate your body’s natural collagen production (peptides, vitamin C, E, antioxidants, EGF, etc). EGF is a Nobel Prize-winning discovery that has only more recently been added to skincare products.
Nurse Jamie EGF Stem Cell Complex
7) Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is oily skin’s BFF. I use it as a toner or to remove my foundation. If you're using it on its own to combat acne, mix it with tea tree oil, but again, use it in moderation because it can be drying. Otherwise, try a natural witch hazel toner like this one by belif.
BELIF Witch Hazel Herbal Extract Toner
8) Rosehip Oil
Not only does rosehip oil combat signs of aging and treat scarring, but it’s also an acne remedy. I was pleasantly surprised with my results when my aesthetician recommended it specifically for my acne. I’d apply it at night and find my skin was noticeably clearer by morning.
THE ORDINARY. 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
9) Castor Oil
You know that problem girls have when they literally lose hairs simply by running their fingers through? Castor oil can combat hair breakage and strengthen and repair dry, split ends. I left a castor oil treatment in my hair overnight and blow-dried it in the morning and found next to no hair on my brush. But perhaps the most buzzworthy use is to promote fuller lash growth. Many lash serums that are designed to promote growth and thickness are formulated with castor oil.
MADAM C.J. WALKER Scent & Shine Jamaican Black Castor Oil
10) Clean eating!
If you’re wondering why you’re breaking out all the time, it’s really important to evaluate your diet. You may need to steer clear of gluten and dairy products. Sugar could also be a trigger. Plan, test and adjust your eating habits accordingly. It’s also a good idea to center your diet around foods that have research-proven healthy skin benefits, like matcha green tea, green and yellow vegetables, kiwis, eggs, oysters, sardines, pumpkin, carrots, and foods rich in vitamin E, like almonds and sunflower seeds.
If acne-prone skin is your problem, place an emphasis on anti-inflammatory foods like blueberries, ginger, salmon, beets, etc. There is also a wide range of supplements on the market like Murad Pure Skin Clarifying Dietary Supplement, or Kora Organics Noni Glow Skinfood Powder. Murad’s supplement is packed with vitamins and properties that are scientifically proven to improve skin quality. And Kora Organics powder is formulated with superfoods like noni fruit (see 11), acai, and pomegranate to help brighten your complexion. Also, really committing to drinking water over sodas and other sugary drinks can help you a lot too.
KORA ORGANICS Noni Glow Skinfood Dietary Supplement Powder
11) Noni Fruit
Model Miranda Kerr swears by Noni fruit as the secret behind her glowing complexion, saying she’s been using it since she was 13. If you're willing to splurge, she has a face oil infused with Noni extract and other super oils (rosehip, jojoba, sunflower, etc.) that are sure to benefit your skin (although one reviewer thinks emu oil produces a similar result and is far less expensive).
Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil
Morgan is a soon-to-be college grad excited by entrepreneurship and anything she can apply her creativity to. Whether it’s working on Digital Marketing at Avintiv Media or blogging for bSmart Guide, she loves creating content that resonates with people and strategizing ways to grow businesses through marketing, PR and design. For more about Morgan follow her on Instagram or check out her LinkedIn.
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