The use of natural ingredients in skin care can have a number of benefits that are positive for both skin health and the environment.
Here are some of the main arguments in favour of natural ingredients:
1. Skin-friendly properties
Less irritation: Natural ingredients such as plant oils, butters and extracts are generally less irritating to the skin than synthetic compounds. Many artificial ingredients, such as perfumes and preservatives, can cause allergic reactions or irritation.
Skin compatibility: Natural ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera and lavender contain similar ingredients that support the skin’s natural balance.
2. Nourishing effect
Vitamins and antioxidants: Many natural ingredients, such as jojoba oil, shea butter and green tea extract, are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help nourish and protect the skin.
Moisturizing properties: Ingredients such as honey and avocado deeply moisturize the skin, keeping it supple and soft.
3. Environmental benefits
Sustainability: natural ingredients are often sourced from more sustainable sources, especially if they come from organic and ethical farming. This reduces negative impacts on the environment.
Biodegradable: many natural ingredients are biodegradable, so there is less of a burden on the environment after products are used and discarded.
4. Fewer harmful compounds
No harmful chemicals: Natural ingredients are generally free of harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulphates and synthetic dyes, which can be harmful to skin and health in the long term.
Less toxins: Natural ingredients do not contain toxins that can be absorbed through the skin and potentially damage internal organs.
5. Tradition and experience
Ancient remedies: Many natural ingredients have been used for centuries in various cultures for skin care, due to their proven efficacy and safety. For example, Indian Ayurveda and Chinese medicine have successfully used many plant extracts.
Experience-based efficacy: The efficacy of natural ingredients is often proven by long-term use and experience, rather than solely by laboratory research.
Here are some of the herbs commonly used in skin care and their benefits and mechanisms of action:
1. Aloe Vera
Beneficial effects: Hydrating, anti-inflammatory, healing, soothing.
How it works: Aloe vera gel is rich in vitamins (A, C, E), minerals, enzymes and amino acids that hydrate and nourish the skin, reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
2. Camomile
Benefits: anti-inflammatory, soothing, antioxidant, antibacterial.
How it works: chamomile is rich in flavonoids and essential oils that soothe irritated skin, reduce redness and promote skin regeneration.
3. Tea tree oil
Beneficial effects: Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory.
How it works: The terpenes in tea tree oil are effective against bacteria and fungi, cleansing the skin and reducing the appearance of acne.
4. Lavender
Beneficial effects: Soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant.
How it works: The essential oil of lavender helps reduce inflammation, soothes irritated skin and promotes wound healing while providing a pleasant scent.
5. Green Tea
Benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-aging.
How it works: The polyphenols in green tea, in particular epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, reducing inflammation and slowing down the ageing process.
6. Calendula
Beneficial effects: Anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antibacterial.
How it works: Calendula extract contains flavonoids and triterpene alcohols that promote skin regeneration, reduce inflammation and help wounds heal.
7. Licorice
Beneficial effects:. Anti-inflammatory, skin brightening, antioxidant.
How it works:. Liquorice extract contains glabridin, which reduces hyperpigmentation, lightens the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Rosemary
Benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial.
How it works: Rosemary extract is rich in antioxidants such as carnosic acid, which protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial overgrowth.
9. Sea buckthorn
Beneficial effects: Nourishing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, regenerating.
How it works: sea buckthorn oil is full of vitamin C, vitamin E and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the skin, stimulate cell renewal and protect the skin from harmful environmental influences.
10.
Beneficial effects: Hydrating, anti-ageing, antioxidant, regenerating.
How it works: Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and essential fatty acids, which hydrate the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and promote skin regeneration.
