Our skin is the largest organ of our body, and it requires routine care and nourishment if we want it to look and feel its best. Now more than ever, people are turning to natural ingredients to help their skin look its best and maintain that healthy glow. Here are 10 natural skincare habits to help you reach your glow goals:
1. Exfoliate
Regular exfoliation helps keep your skin looking energized and radiant by removing the top layer of dead skin cells. Doing this helps unclog pores and allows moisturizers, serums, and oils to absorb better. Natural exfoliants include baking soda, sea salt, and sugar in addition to ingredients like oats and ground coffee.
2. Opt for Chemical-Free Products
When you’re looking for natural skincare products, read the labels and understand what’s in the ingredients. Choose products with organic and natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and oatmeal. These ingredients help keep your skin moisturized and nourished without any harsh chemicals.
3. Cleanse and Tone
Cleansing is a crucial part of your skincare routine to remove makeup, dirt and any impurities from your skin. Opt for natural cleansers such as honey, vitamin C, and aloe vera, which are all gentle yet effective on the skin.
After cleansing, it’s important to tone your skin to help balance the pH levels and keep it looking refreshed. Natural toners like apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, and aloe vera are great options as they contain antioxidants and antibacterial properties to help repair and protect your skin.
4. Use Natural Masks
Masks are a great way to help restore and rejuvenate your skin, and natural masks are even better! There are plenty of masks to choose from depending on your skin type and concerns. Some masks include:
- Hair masks with avocado and honey to repair dry, damaged and brittle hair.
- Hydrating masks with yogurt, banana, and honey to lock in moisture and replenish your skin.
- Detoxifying masks with activated charcoal and bentonite clay to remove impurities anddraw out the toxins.
5. Eat Skin-Boosting Foods
A healthy diet is just as important as your skincare routine! To keep your skin looking hydrated and healthy, incorporate these nutrient-rich foods into your diet:
- Omega-3s from salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts
- Antioxidants from colorful fruits and vegetables
- Collagen-boosting foods like bone broth and leafy greens
- Healthy fats from avocados, olive oil, and coconut oil
6. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is essential when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated, not to mention the host of other benefits it provides. Start the day with a glass of warm water and lemon juice and make sure to keep track of how much water you’re drinking throughout the day.
7. Get Plenty of Rest
Sometimes, the best thing for your skin is to get some rest and let your body repair itself. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night, or even try taking a power nap during the day if you can.
8. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential to maintaining youthful, glowing skin. Things like wearing hats, clothing with UV protection, and using high SPF sunscreen will help keep your skin shielded from the sun.
9. Reduce Stress
Stress has a huge impact on your skin and its appearance. If stress is having a negative effect on your skin, try to take some time out of your day to relax and practice some self-care. This could include yoga, meditation, or simply surrounding yourself with things that make you feel relaxed.
10. Be Consistent
It’s important to stick to a consistent skincare routine and be patient. Natural skincare products need time to work their magic and your skin needs to adjust. If you’re consistent and diligent with your routine, you should start to see results in a few weeks.
These natural skincare habits will help you maintain healthy, glowing skin. So make sure to incorporate these habits into your routine and start your journey to achieving your glow goals!
What ingredients should I look for in natural skincare products?
1. Non-toxic emollients (e.g., cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil, etc.)
2. Plant-based extracts and oils (e.g., rosemary, lavender, chamomile, witch hazel, tea tree, aloe vera, etc.)
3. Essential oils (e.g., peppermint, lemon balm, geranium, ylang ylang, etc.)
4. Natural plant-based preservatives (e.g., Vitamin E, rosemary extract, citric acid, etc.)
5. Exfoliating agents (e.g., lactic acid, glycolic acid, etc.)
6. Refreshing agents (e.g., menthol, camphor, witch hazel, etc.)
7. Anti-inflammatory ingredients (e.g., aloe vera, green tea extract, cucumber extract, etc.)
8. Natural humectants (e.g., honey, glycerin, etc.)
“What are the benefits of using natural skincare products?”
1. Natural skincare products are more gentle on the skin and are less likely to cause skin irritation.
2. They generally contain more natural and nourishing ingredients which can be better for the skin.
3. Natural products are better for the environment, as they are made from renewable sources and do not contain harsh chemicals, making them better for both people and the planet.
4. Natural skincare products often contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial to the skin and can help to protect against damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors.
5. Natural products are often free from parabens, sulfates and other potentially harmful ingredients that can be found in traditional skincare products.