7 Ways to Glowing Skin with Natural Botanical Skin Care
By Julia Thompson
updated 12 months ago
- Herbal creams and butters
- Natural foundations and blushes
- Spa soaps
- Natural facial cleansers and herbal masks
- Exfoliants and moisturizers
- Lip tints and stains
- Sunscreens
Natural products are making a big impression in cosmetics and personal care as consumers are becoming increasingly aware and educated when it comes to pursuing healthier lifestyles. Looking your best is an essential part of feeling great and functioning at your highest level, so it's only natural that botanical body care is becoming mainstream, allowing nature to work for you and your skin.
Herbal creams and butters
For repairing and replenishing dry, damaged skin, herbal creams and butters will provide the deep conditioning not available from lighter water-based lotions. The natural emollient qualities of products such as shea, coconut, almond, brazil nut and sesame seed butters and oils make a rich base, with or without additional ingredients, for some truly luxurious skin pampering. Who wouldn't want to drench their skin in a cream that smells good enough to eat?
Natural foundations and blushes
Mineral based makeup is bringing new alternatives to beauty care, in lightweight, hypoallergenic powders that offer a natural sunblock while enriching the skin with antioxidants and vitamins. Sun protection, defense against free radicals, and the smooth finish you want to minimize any imperfections make mineral products a "natural" choice for your face, in more ways than one.
Mineral powders can generally be applied either wet or dry, or purchased in liquid form, for excellent coverage whatever your preference. They are free of both oil and talc, and are therefore suitable for all skin types. These products provide light coverage without harmful chemicals and are typically cruelty free and environmentally friendly as well. Look your best, and feel good about it!
Spa Soaps
Luxury soaps made from natural ingredients bring bathing pleasures to new heights, with rich scents, silky skin-smoothing lathers and exfoliating properties to leave your skin in top condition and create a relaxed state of mind. With organic, skin-nourishing bases such as olive oil or vegetable oil glycerin, and a wide range of aromatic additions, you will find a product to deliver every kind of sensory experience imaginable. From citrus and spice, to milk and honey or floral, these soaps bring you nature's splendor in biodegradable herbs and extracts that are good for your body and the environment.
Natural Facial Cleansers and Herbal Masks
Different kinds of cleansers and masks exist for the different skin types, so it is to your greatest advantage to understand what your face requires in a facial treatment. Peel off masks are typically good for removing dead cells and surface pollution to revitalize dry skin, but may be too harsh for very sensitive skin types. Deep-cleansing clay masks are best for very oily skin, in order to draw out impurities and excess oils. Then there are other wash-off masks that help restore moisture to the skin. Botanical ingredients are used to augment and improve these basic methods of cleansing, whether in cleanser or mask form.
Tea tree oil is the top pick for problem skin, with antiseptic, antibacterial properties for fighting the underlying causes of acne, clearing up blemishes and preventing further breakouts. Often used along with other ingredients such as lavender, this is a powerful ally for cleaner, clearer skin.
Ingredients such as aloe, rose and chamomile are used for skin that needs soothing and replenishing, while citrus oils are known for their astringent properties. Most manufacturers classify their blends according to skin type and cleansing property, making it easy to browse for products designed for your special needs.
Exfoliants and Moisturizers
Once again, skin type will dictate what works best for you when choosing products to smooth and hydrate your skin. Choices are plentiful, with many natural products suiting these purposes perfectly, so start with basic guidelines then explore your preferences in aromatherapy properties, and added ingredients such as vitamins and minerals.
Dry skin: gentle care, mild exfoliant, heavier moisturizing cream; try an enriching product incorporating nut oils or aloe
Oily skin: occasional use of an exfoliant with astringent properties, combined with a light, water-based moisturizer; tea tree oil and citrus are beneficial
Problem skin: avoid use of harsh exfoliants on breakouts; opt for a deep-cleansing mask and a moisturizer with antibacterial properties such as tea tree oil and lavender.
Lip Tints and Stains
Take your natural skincare routine a step further by using botanically based cosmetics to enhance skin's natural glow. Lip colors from nature are nothing new - cultures from around the globe have been dressing up using nature's finest for centuries - however, today the emphasis is on avoiding toxicity in addition to looking good. Nature-based products replace potentially harmful chemicals with ingredients like natural beeswax for lip protection that looks and feels great, and really works. Look for a product that includes an SPF to keep your lips at their best.
Sunscreens
Sun protection is an essential component of daily skin care, and can be found in a variety of natural alternatives. Free of PABA, artificial colorants and fragrances, natural sunscreens are designed to minimize skin irritation and maximize protection using both sun filtering and blocking ingredients. With added vitamins for skin health, and cooling components such as peppermint and aloe, these products are an excellent alternative to traditional sunscreens. Sun protection is your number one strategy for preventing premature aging of the skin, as well as minimizing your risk for serious skin-related health problems. Find products that are easy and enjoyable to use, and make them a part of your lifestyle and daily routine.
Health and beauty really do go hand in hand, and there is a certain satisfaction in using natural herbal products to enhance your own natural beauty. Unbeatable fragrance, and non-harmful ingredients make personal care a beautiful experience from the inside out. Because our skin is a porous membrane, it is important to remember that what we apply on the outside does in fact go further than skin deep. Be aware of what you are putting into your body, and take pride in adopting a dedication to greater health
About the Author
Julia Thompson is a successful author who enjoys providing helpful tips to consumers when shopping for products and information on natural skin care, antiaging skin care, and dry skin care.
