Most of us believe that “natural” means “better.” Unfortunately, there are good and poor natural ingredients, just as there are good and bad synthetic ingredients. Top skin-care professionals reveal the natural components that have been demonstrated to be the most effective to assist you in your decision. These natural wonders can assist with acne, inflammation, uneven pigmentation, and even sun damage prevention in some situations. Next time you go shopping, look for the following ingredients on the labels:
- Green tea extract
- Licorice
- Oats
- Soy
- Vitamin C
- Willow herb
- Witch hazel
Here’s what you should know about these skin-friendly compounds in particular:
1. Beta Carotene (Protects Against Sun Damage)
According to Ido Loffler, cofounder of the Yes To skin-care line, red, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins, are high in beta carotene, a nutrient with numerous skin advantages. Beta carotene is converted by your body into vitamin A, which is necessary for wound healing, sun protection, and cell turnover. “Topical beta carotene has antioxidant benefits on the skin, and research has shown that it improves melisma discoloration,” says Jessica Wu, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and author of Feed Your Face: Younger, Smoother Skin and a Beautiful Body in 28 Delicious Days.
2. Green Tea Extract (Excellent Anti-Inflammatory for Skin)
Green tea has long been touted for its health benefits, and recent studies have shown that it can also be effective in treating a variety of skin conditions. Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. In addition, green tea extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated skin. Green tea extract is also known to promote collagen production, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to achieve youthful, glowing skin. While green tea extract can be found in a variety of skincare products, it is also easy to make your own facial mask or serum using green tea leaves.
3. Licorice Extract (Treat Redness and Rosacea)
Licorice extract is one of the greatest natural components for treating redness and rosacea because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. In addition, the plant has been demonstrated to minimize uneven pigmentation by inhibiting melanin formation. Dr. Wu recommends looking for licorice extract in eye treatments because a cream containing the substance was found to help lighten dark under eye circles in one research.
4. Oats (Soothe Eczema and Other Skin Irritation)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved colloidal oatmeal to treat skin irritations such eczema, dry skin. She notes that “oat lipids and proteins help replace and maintain the skin barrier,” and that “oats contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.”
5. Soy (Brighten Dull Skin)
“If you want your skin to look brighter and more even-toned, look for this component,” Wu adds. “Topical soy has been demonstrated to lighten melasma and sun damage discoloration by preventing the overproduction of melanin in the skin.”
According to dermatologist Michael Gold, MD, the medical director of Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, Tennessee, soy-based products are a good alternative to prescription-strength ingredients like retinoid and hydroquinone.
6. Vitamin C (Battle Aging and Sagging Skin)
Vitamin C is best known for fighting the common cold, but it also fights the classic indicators of ageing skin including drooping and dullness. According to Wu, vitamin C aids in collagen formation, which is necessary for firmness and smoothness. It also contains antioxidant properties that aid in the fight against free radical damage and lightens dark spots. C can help regulate sebum production to prevent acne and reduce inflammation, as if this little vitamin wasn’t already working hard enough. Not only should you consume enough of citrus fruits to reap the advantages of vitamin C for your skin.
7. Willow Herb (Anti-Microbial and Antiseptic Properties)
Willow herb, a wildflower, has long been used to treat skin irritations such as rosacea and eczema. According to Paula Begoun , founder of the skin care and cosmetics brand Paula’s Choice, one of the benefits of the little flower is its ability to kill Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, the nasty microbes that cause acne. This makes the natural ingredient a great option for treating breakouts.
8. Witch Hazel (Control Oil)
According to renowned esthetician Renée Rouleau , witch hazel has been a popular home medicine for generations. Witch hazel, she says, is a great ingredient in toners and moisturisers because it controls oil while also providing hydration and minimising redness. Dr. Schultz recommends witch hazel for wounds, bruising, and swelling. According to him, this is why the component is frequently found in aftershaves. “The witch hazel astringent offered in drugstores frequently contains alcohol and is not recommended since it will deplete your skin of moisture,” Rouleau warns.
9. Aloe Vera Gel
If you haven’t heard of aloe vera, you must be living under a rock. Aloe vera is effective because it contains glycoproteins, which aid in the healing process by lowering pain and inflammation, as well as polysaccharides, which promote skin growth and repair. If the aloe vera you’re using hasn’t been properly processed, though, its soothing effects will be lost. Always check the label to be sure your lotion is made with whole-leaf aloe vera that has been cold-processed.
Ending Notes
Sensitive skin is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be a lifelong issue. With the right ingredients and products, you can soothe and protect your skin in no time. If you are looking for more information on how to care for sensitive skin, or if you want to find out which of these ingredients might work best for you, talk to a dermatologist today. At Marham, we offer online consultations with qualified doctors who can help you get the care and treatment you need to keep your sensitive skin healthy and happy. Have you tried any of these nine ingredients for sensitive skin? Let us know in the comments below!
