You will often encounter labels such as “organic” and “natural” on various products, from shampoo to food and dietary supplements. Considering the amount of these products, you must have thought of switching to natural cosmetics at least once.
It seems completely harmless and we often see it as the best option. However, one should be careful in this case as well. Not all manufacturers use exclusively the best from nature, it happens that they try to cover up a very bad composition with a creative label.
Even when you find a great composition, it doesn’t mean that you will feel the effect on your skin because certain oils and other ingredients may not suit you.
You may not be a pharmacist or cosmetologist, but you will easily recognize products with lots of irritants and useless ingredients. Therefore, learn more about the benefits of natural cosmetics and learn how to choose good products.
What are natural cosmetics?
Several tens of thousands of ingredients are used in the modern cosmetic industry, and many of them have a harmful effect on the human body. Especially if these products are used for a long time, it is called a cumulative effect.
It is enough to carefully look at the composition to understand whether a product has a suspicious composition or not. For example, dermatologists recommend cosmetics with a simple composition. The next time you go to buy a new body cream or shampoo for your child, pay attention to the number of ingredients.
A million unknown terms are definitely a red flag. To call a certain product natural, it should contain known ingredients such as vegetable oils, butter, emulsifier, and essential oil.
Each ingredient must have minimal additional processing compared to its natural source. We can say that these ingredients are found directly in nature, properly isolated, or obtained from plants, animals, rocks, or minerals.
Manufacturers must have certificates. Otherwise, you will find synthetic ingredients that have no relation to natural ones. This is exactly the basic difference between commercial natural preparations and real natural cosmetics.
Is it always a better choice?
For example, you bought a cream that is certified as a natural product. The composition is very simple, and the manufacturer is reliable. However, you have reacted to the cream. How is it possible?
There are several causes. Maybe your skin reacted to a combination of synthetic and natural ingredients. Often natural preservatives are not strong enough, so the industry is allowed to combine them with synthetic preservatives.
It is not indicated anywhere, but the reaction is not absent. Essential oils provide an excellent effect, but they can often be irritants for sensitive or inflamed skin. Cheaper brands use a high percentage of alcohol, and long-term use of such a product damages the skin barrier.
It becomes more sensitive and less resistant to external influences. Sometimes you will read phenomenal ingredients on the label, but in the end, it may turn out to be a bad combination. Pay attention to the types of oils, as not all of them are suitable for all skin types.
One of the biggest downsides is using rancid oils, and you can never be sure of that. If it says on the cream that it’s for hydration, but it doesn’t do that, it’s probably a poor composition.
Effectiveness
One of the biggest advantages of natural ingredients is that they are related to our skin. It recognizes them as its own if they are used in the recommended amounts. Such ingredients preserve moisture, gently care for and nourish the skin while at the same time encouraging it to be active.
However, among natural cosmetics, you will not find instant solutions and your skin will not become hydrated overnight. It takes a month to renew the surface layer of the skin, which means you have to be patient.
Otherwise, opt for another type of product that can be equally effective.
The skin has a great ability to fully or partially absorb everything we apply to it. This type of production is cleaner and environmentally friendly. Natural cosmetics are not tested on animals.
The most popular natural skincare products
One of the most effective ingredients is squalane facial oil. It is very much a part of our facial skin, and it is created by the sebaceous glands during the production of sebum. It is intended for dry or mature skin. With this preparation, you will replace the lost amount of water and bring your skin back to order in a short time.
Squalane is a natural antioxidant and acts like hyaluronic acid and collagen. If you use it regularly, you can smooth out wrinkles and restore skin elasticity. It is actually an excellent preparation for anti-aging therapy.
Another powerful ally is rose oil extracted from the petals of different types of roses, it has a very intense fragrance. It is a product that hydrates, protects, and nourishes your skin. You don’t just have to put it on your face, you can also put it on your neck, décolleté, or hands. It will refresh and regenerate skin texture, reduce spots and dark circles. It is recommended exclusively for dry skin.
Who says oily skin can’t tolerate oil? Tea tree oil is very powerful and it will help you dry up pimples. It leaves room for the skin to generate new cells and evens out the complexion.
However, always choose tea tree oil that is diluted. Treat each pimple separately. It also works on dandruff, ingrown hairs, and other inflammatory processes.
Expiration date
Since no synthetic preservatives are used, the shelf life cannot be compared to conventional cosmetics. Due to chemical processes and synthetic components, conventional cosmetics will last much longer. To extend the shelf life of natural cosmetics products, you must always open them immediately before use.
Close them carefully after each use and best keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place. You should not use the products if they significantly change their appearance, color or smell. If the use-by date has not yet passed and the product smells the way you are used to, stir, or shake the cream to re-combine the components.
Conclusion:
If you decide to use preparations with a natural composition, carefully read the list of ingredients. Quality products do not contain emulsifiers, antioxidants, stabilizers, and aggressive preservatives. The reason is very simple.
These ingredients are already in the natural composition of the selected raw materials, which means that the manufacturer will not list them unless they are synthetic. Always read the declaration and inform yourself. Real preparations are sold in specialized shops, pharmacies, or reliable web shops.
If you have not had experience with this type of cosmetics before, your skin may react violently to certain ingredients. However, this phase should not last long if it is not an allergic reaction.
Getting used to natural after conventional cosmetics can be a long process. It may take weeks or even months until you see results.
