We Introduce The Best Natural Ingredients For Your Skin- Part 1

These Are The Natural Ingredients

When it comes to handling some of the most common skincare problems, newer isn’t always better as the beauty world is brimming with high-tech devices and cutting-edge ingredients. Simple natural options might be as effective as scientifically engineered solutions in some cases. 

As Papri Sarkar, MD, a dermatologist in Brookline, MA explains, wanting to extend the philosophy to their skincare routine many of the patients practice clean eating. It is easier than never before to find something that will fit your needs as finding effective clean beauty products isn’t as simple as finding organic produce at the grocery store.

Best of both the worlds naturally based and science-backed, we talked to experts to share ingredients.

Coconut Oil

Benefits: 

Being anti-inflammatory it helps hydrate. Using this plant fat as a topical skin soother, there is growing science supporting it. While making the skin a better barrier, recent research shows that extra virgin coconut oil suppresses some of the body’s natural inflammatory agents. As Laurel Naversen Geraghty, MD, a dermatologist in Medford, OR, says, to help fight dry, itchy skin and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, many people love coconut oil products. She further explains that her psoriasis patients swear by overnight coconut oil scalp treatments worn under a plastic shower cap. As it may worsen acne, Geraghty warns against putting coconut oil on blemish-prone areas. 

Where do we find it:

In jars in the cooking aisle.

Gotu Kola (Also Known as CentellaAsiatica)

Benefits:

Primarily wound healing. As put by Michelle Wong, Ph.D., a cosmetics chemist, and creator of the Lab Muffin Beauty Science blog, the ancient herb that was often used in Asian cuisine comes as a part of modern skincare due to the wound healing benefits. Boosting blood supply to injury sites and strengthen the skin are the chemicals in the plant. When skin injuries in rats were treated with CentellaAsiatica, the sites showed higher healing according to researchers. Helping speed healing time making it a helpful way to treat injuries is the combination of amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and phytochemicals. 

Where do we find it: 

In products that Wong likes: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm and Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream.

Green Tea

Benefits: 

Anti-aging as well as sun protection. It may also help to use the plant on the skin as the connection between drinking green tea and improved health has been suggested for years. In terms of photoprotection and anti-aging benefits, green tea has good results according to Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist in Montclair, NJ. As she explains offering a way to address the signs of sun damage, the polyphenols in green tea have antioxidant properties as well as soothing abilities helping treat sun-damaged skin. 

Where do we find it: 

Sunscreen containing green tea, such as Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra-Sheer Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 are recommended by Downie. 

Oatmeal

Benefits:

Eczema relief and anti-inflammatory. As Wong says oatmeal is said to contain avenanthramides, which is anti-inflammatory as well as anti-irritant chemicals. Further on the moisturising beta-glucans and starches are also present. For conditions like eczema and rashes, it is the reason why oatmeal baths are so effective. As Geraghty says not all oatmeal is created equal. She further explains that derived from grinding and preparing oats into very tiny specific sizes is the powder called colloidal oatmeal. Able to blend with water to form the soothing paste is it when mixed with water, this size and quality of oats is what makes the ingredient so therapeutic. 

As Geraghty states, as they are gentle and safe, and studies show they don’t tend to cause allergies or irritation, she likes colloidal oatmeal products. She explains that in the case of her eczema patients who develop gentle skincare habits and regularly slather on the thick moisturiser containing colloidal oatmeal, as often they don’t need topical steroids as much. 

Where do we find it: 

According to Wong products that include Aveeno colloidal oatmeal products like their Soothing Bath Treatment, ($10).

Continuing The Discussion 

There are more secret ingredients to have radiant skin. While these are just a few, it is probable that researchers find more natural ingredients for your skincare. We continue the discussion to the next part where more natural ingredients are highlighted by the expert skincare specialists. So stay tuned to get all of those natural “go-to” to make the hair and skin even more light and shiny.