Depending on the natural ingredient and its form, it can be skin-saving or environmental stress-defending antioxidants; it can hydrate, soothe, smooth, brighten, de-wrinkle, and even visibly firm your skin. They each target different aspects in your skin, just as different foods offer the body different health benefits.

But, just as all foods aren't good for you, not all natural skincare ingredients are good for you. Which ones you put on your skin does matter. As a holistic esthetician, I believe knowing how to read your skincare labels is crucial. Start paying attention to the ingredients put in these skincare products. I have seen many products that contain the word "natural" or "clean" in them, but they are still filled with different types of harmful chemicals. I want to be able to educate you on how to use clean and natural skincare products that deliver great results without having a negative impact on your skin.

The natural skincare industry is one of the fastest-growing markets in beauty. There are many reasons to use natural clean skincare instead of traditional products but the main one is to avoid potentially harmful synthetic chemicals. Plus, it's an eco-friendly option. In this blog post, I will discuss the benefits of using clean skincare and what products I recommend for different skin conditions; let's dig in!

Best Types of Natural Ingredients

Just as there are good and bad synthetic ingredients, there are good and bad natural ingredients. Here are some examples of clean & natural ingredients that do wonder for the skin: 

Non-Fragrant Plant Oils

A beautifully rich source of essential fatty acids, micronutrients, and antioxidants for all skin types. These plant oils are especially beneficial for dry skin.

Natural Vitamins

These include ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and tocopherol (Vitamin E). These natural vitamins are powerful antioxidants that boost the skin's environmental defenses.

Amino Acids

These range from most algae and aloe to dozens of other non-fragrant plant extracts like green tea to grape extract. These amino acids focus on  hydrating and protecting against moisture loss, softens discolorations and helps shield skin from the visible effects of pollution.

Food Ingredients

Ranging from fruits and vegetables to grains and omega fatty acids. These ingredients are not only great for your body, they are also great for hydrating and defending your skin. It provides additional soothing and replenishing benefits from omega acids. The best natural ingredients for skin are the ones that don't produce a fragrance of any kind. Whether natural or synthetic, fragrance can be a problem for many people's skin.

Why Clean Skincare?

They're Better for the Environment

First and foremost, synthetic chemicals can harm animals and plants when they come into contact with them. The processes associated with manufacturing traditional skincare products put great stress on the environment. This is because the extraction of certain ingredients (aluminum, lead, etc.) requires mining. Mining produces a great deal of pollution, ultimately leaving a negative carbon footprint on the environment at large. Natural skin care products do not use any of these chemical ingredients and therefore don't necessitate mining. Since they contain only natural ingredients, they cause no harm to the surrounding plants and animals. 

They're Safer 

Compared to synthetic skincare products, natural skincare products are much safer. See, when a lotion is applied to the skin, the ingredients within it slowly sink into the bloodstream. From there, they have a direct effect on many of the body's processes. Do you see where I am getting at? 

If the ingredients are beneficial, they'll have beneficial effects. If, on the other hand, they're a detriment, they'll have adverse effects on the body. 

So, by using a natural skin care product as opposed to a synthetic one, you are essentially avoiding all negative health effects. This will result in you feeling better and looking better.

They're Packed with Beneficial Nutrients

The best way to know the differences between synthetic and natural skincare products is by discussing their ingredients. The ingredient profiles of the two types of products are wildly different, to the point that they don't even resemble similar products. When you look at the ingredient label on a synthetic product, you'll see words such as Triclosan, Glyceryl Stearate, synthetic fragrance, or even Petrolatum. These ingredients are made in labs and, while capable of performing their function, can be detrimental to the body. 

Natural products, on the other hand, are filled with familiar-sounding ingredients such as jojoba oil, argan oil, apple juice, lemon juice, and so on. These ingredients are not only good for your body, but beneficial as well. Let's say you have a dehydrated, uneven skin tone trying to brighten up your skin, and are looking for a cleanser. Most regular cleansers will have parabens, sulfate, or even synthetic fragrance. On the other hand, the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser is filled with Strawberry Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Tomato extracts to help strengthen, firm, and protect, leaving the skin hydrated, silky, and luminous. Indie Lee only uses ingredients that are coming directly from Mother Earth, not harming your skin or the environment.

Let's Switch to Natural Products

In this last part of this blog post, I will be sharing my go-to products for different skin types/conditions. Let's get started! Switching to clean skincare will only make your life easier and better.

For Mature Skin

If you have mature skin, you have most likely heard of adding to your regimen some type of "retinoids." Vitamin A comes from two sources. One group, called retinoids, comes from animal sources and includes retinol. The other group, called carotenoids, comes from plants and includes beta-carotene, and that's where Mad hippie comes into place. The Mad Hippie, Vitamin A Serum is a cutting-edge serum that uses a form of Vitamin A that is 2x more bioavailable than retinol, bringing marked results to wrinkles and skin discoloration. Coupled with vegan sourced ceramides & sodium hyaluronate, the salt of hyaluronic acid with greater skin penetrating/hydrating qualities than HA alone.

For Dry Skin

As I previously mentioned, some ingredients go to your bloodstream, so it is important to know what you are putting in your body. I highly recommend the ESPA Nourishing Body Oil if you struggle with ashy skin or even dry, uneven skin tone. This natural, unscented body oil uses a beautiful blend of nourishing Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Calendula, and Grape Seed Oil to soothe and protect the skin. It feels smooth, soft, and supple. 

For Skin Protection

Lately, many people have realized that regular SPF has ingredients that can cause serious illness… Using the right SPF is so beneficial for your skin and the planet. My go-to sunscreen, especially when I spend my days in the water, is the EIR NYC Surf Mud SPF. Inspired by the Mayan chocolate mask, this water-resistant SPF 30, 100% reef-safe formula, calls on seven key ingredients, including Non-Nano Zinc for UV sun protection, to deliver a hydrating, cocoa-scented sun shield. This is a go-to choice for beach bums, outdoor junkies, or your everyday go-getter. This sunscreen is reef safe. Let's save our ocean! 

Making the switch to clean beauty means putting healthy and natural ingredients in your body that promote optimal well-being, so you don't have to sacrifice health or beauty or beauty for health.