Taking steps toward a healthier, greener lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight. If you’re ready to make changes, it’s wise to do your research first. Chapter 12 of our Skincare & Beauty FAQ Handbook offers excellent tips on refining your beauty routine to reflect the changes you want, whether you’re looking for more eco-friendly options or simply wish to integrate DIY treatments into your current regimen. Find out more about the benefits of natural beauty choices.
NATURAL SKINCARE
“Beauty is an ecstasy; it is as simple as hunger. There is really nothing to be said about it. It is like the perfume of a rose: you can smell it and that is all.” – W. Somerset Maugham
For anyone interested in creating a more natural beauty routine, these FAQs are a great place to start. Curious about natural and organic ingredients? Want to know more about aromatherapy, homemade treatments or how to establish healthy habits that will benefit your skin? Whether you’re interested in an all-around greener lifestyle or simply want to incorporate some natural products into your regimen, get the answers you want in this guide. Plus, discover bonus tips on natural options like yoga, dry brushing and skin-healthy foods.
Natural ingredientse
Are natural ingredients safe for sensitive skin?
A: Some natural ingredients and essential oils can aggravate sensitive skin, causing symptoms like rashes or stinging. Remember that just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t mean it won’t irritate the skin. On the other hand, some natural ingredients can help soothe stressed-out skin. When in doubt, first do a patch test and consult your dermatologist if you see signs of irritation.
What is aloe vera?
A: Aloe vera is a plant native to Africa. The leaves of the aloe vera plant are thick and fleshy, with a green to gray-green color. Aloe vera gel is commonly used to treat cuts, burns and various skin conditions such as eczema. It’s believed that sap from aloe vera eases pain and reduces inflammation.
Can I use aloe vera as a moisturizer?
A: Absolutely! Aloe vera is a humectant that binds moisture to the skin. Best of all, it’s oil-free and moisturizes without feeling sticky or greasy.
What are several powerful antioxidants in skincare products?
A: Effective antioxidants include vitamin C and pomegranate. Vitamin C deactivates unstable free radicals, which are the atoms or molecules in your body with an unpaired electron that try to “borrow” an electron from normal cells. As a result, they can damage your DNA and cells. There’s also evidence that vitamin C protects skin from the sun. Pomegranate is another powerful antioxidant, because it contains the antioxidant ellagic acid. It also stimulates glutathione, which is an antioxidant our bodies produce naturally.
I’d like to start using organic products, but how can I be certain that these products don’t contain unnatural ingredients or fillers?
A: First, make sure the product has the Eco-Cert label or the USDA Organic Seal. Next, always read the ingredients label carefully. Do your homework on the synthetic and chemical ingredients you’d like to avoid and watch out for those on the label. Similarly, also research your product’s natural ingredients. It’s important to remember that just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t mean it won’t irritate your skin.
What types of natural ingredients in cosmetics are known to cause reactions and sensitivity? How do I know which ones to avoid?
A: Always apply a new product to a small area before using it on your entire face or body. Some common natural ingredients that can cause irritation include the following: allspice, basil, cinnamon, citrus, cornstarch, fennel, grapefruit, lemon, lavender, papaya, peppermint, rose, sage and witch hazel.
Is it ever OK to have toxic chemicals in cosmetics?
A: According to The Beauty Brains, having toxins in cosmetics isn’t harmful under three conditions: if the toxic ingredient is present at low levels; if it reacts with other materials in the formula so that it’s neutralized in the finished product; and if the ingredient is used properly (i.e., a hair product should be used on the hair, not the eyes). These requirements allow for a toxic ingredient like ammonium hydroxide to be safely used in skincare products.
When it comes to skin care products, what does organic really mean?
A: According to Discovery Channel’s Planet Green, organic ingredients are derived from plants that are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This approach to agriculture is believed to be better for the Earth and our health. Products like L’Occitane Organic Olive Moisturizing Face Lotion are certified organic.
What exactly does it mean when a product is labeled “cruelty-free”?
A: In theory, this means that the product isn’t tested on animals, but just like the claims of “natural,” this is debatable. Legally, there’s no definition for this term, so companies have a lot of leeway. For example, although the company itself doesn’t test on animals, it may rely on safety testing that was done in the past on animals or use studies from a contracted laboratory that does test on animals. The only thing you can assume is that the product isn’t currently being tested on animals on-site.
What are Fair Trade products?
A: Fair Trade products support ethical and fair treatment and wages of the people who make the products you buy. Learn more about fair trade skincare here.
What’s the difference between “organic” and “natural” skincare products?
A: “Natural” skin care typically uses naturally derived ingredients, such as flowers and plants. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no control over how companies use this term, so if you see natural on the label, go straight to the ingredients list for details. Skincare products with the FDA’s official “organic” seal must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients. Certified organic ingredients must adhere to strict standards in how they’re grown, harvested, stored, transported and processed, according to dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., on her Yahoo! Health blog, The Skin Guru. Find out more about the labels, myths and safety concerns behind natural skin care.
What does it mean when a product is labeled “made with organic ingredients”?
A: Products labeled “made with organic ingredients” contain 75 percent to 94 percent organic elements, which means that they can still contain ingredients like parabens and sulfates. When in doubt, check the ingredients label and don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer.
How does olive oil work in skin care?
A: Olive oil contains high levels of moisturizing and hydrating properties; extra virgin olive oil contains high levels of antioxidants.
Can I make any at-home treatments for blackheads?
A: Try using fruits with vitamin C to kill bacteria and keep skin cells healthy, advises Suzan Obagi, M.D., director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center. To clear up blackheads, put an orange slice on your face. Wait until the juice has dried, then follow with a cloth and warm water.
I have sensitive skin, but I really want to make a DIY facial mask. Can I use basic fruits and vegetables out of my refrigerator?
A: It’s a common misconception that skin products made with natural ingredients, or those you make yourself, are safer than store-bought products that contain chemical ingredients. But just think of all the items in your kitchen that commonly cause allergies: strawberries, peanuts, milk or wheat, for example. If you have sensitive skin, always test the product on a small patch of skin to ensure that you aren’t allergic to a particular ingredient before using it on your face or body.
My skin gets especially oily and acne-prone during the summer. Any homemade remedies to soothe stressed-out skin?
A: The book The Ciminelli Solution: Recipes for Beauty from the Inside Out by Susan Ciminelli has a soothing recipe for inflamed, irritated, acneic skin that’ll leave skin looking luminous. You’ll need one large aloe plant leaf or one cup of aloe juice, along with one cup of chopped cucumber. If you’re using the aloe plant leaf, be sure to wash and chop it. In a blender, puree the cucumber and aloe plant leaf (or juice). Put the concoction on your face and neck. After 30 minutes, rinse with cool water.
Can you recommend a good natural acne treatment for super sensitive skin?
A: Try honey. Naturally antibacterial, honey helps to clear acne while moisturizing and soothing the skin. Apply it directly to clean skin, leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off. Use it as a spot treatment or all over as a mask.
Can you tell me about a natural treatment for acne?
A: One natural option for treating acne is tea tree oil. According to Mayo Clinic, when compared with 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, one study suggested that a treatment with 5 percent tea tree oil was just as effective — though tea tree oil can take longer to begin working. Or try a treatment that utilizes a variety of ingredients: Boscia Clear Complexion Treatment contains willow bark extract, jojoba leaf extract and lavender oil.
Why is green tea so beneficial to the skin?
A: Green tea is packed with antioxidants. There’s some evidence that green tea may protect against skin cancer and stave off some signs of aging, writes G Todorov, Ph.D., on his Web site Smart Skin Care.
Essential oils
What is aromatherapy?
A: American Heritage Dictionary defines aromatherapy as: “The use of selected fragrant substances in lotions and inhalants in an effort to affect mood and promote health.” With dozens of essential oils to choose from, you can easily create a personalized scent. Grapefruit is known to be uplifting; chamomile and lavender are soothing; eucalyptus helps with flu-like symptoms; and clary sage is helpful for mood and anxiety.
Where can I buy essential oils and base oils?
A: Health food stores, vitamin shops, organic markets and even some grocery stores should stock an excellent selection of essential and carrier oils.
Can I put essential oils directly on my skin?
A: For the most part, you should never put essential oils directly on the skin: They’re too strong and can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions or even burns. You’ll want to dilute by using about 10-12 drops of oil in one ounce of unscented beauty product or carrier oil. The two exceptions to this rule are lavender and tea tree oil, which you can apply directly to the skin — although some individuals might still experience reactions.
Do natural makeup products expire?
A: Natural products can actually expire faster than ordinary products, as many of them don’t contain preservatives to prolong shelf life. Also, they tend to contain ingredients with a definite expiration date — cornstarch, for example. To keep natural makeup products around as long as possible, store them in a cool, dry place.
Do I get the same benefits from drinking lemon juice and eating foods with olive oil as I do by topically applying them?
A: Both have definite benefits. Consuming lemon juice and olive oil has several skin-boosting benefits. In fact, lemons have carotenoids, which are antioxidants that help fight cancer. And olive oil has “oleic acid, which keeps the outer portion of our skin cells supple,” notes beauty editor Patricia Reynoso in Ladies’ Home Journal.
Why is natural skin care becoming more popular?
A: Many consumers are wary of products that contain synthetic ingredients they don’t recognize, so natural skin care offers them an alternative. However, synthetic ingredients aren’t inherently unhealthy, and some natural ingredients can still irritate your skin. Your best bet is to research the ingredients in any product.
What is dry brushing?
A: Dry brushing is a technique that helps stimulate circulation and exfoliate the skin. Before taking a shower or bath, use a loofah or body brush and gently rub away dead, flaky skin by moving the brush in circular motions, starting at your feet and moving upward. But make sure to be gentle to avoid irritating the skin.
What are some options for green gifts?
A: You can choose from a wide assortment of green gifts. But before you buy, consider what kind of green you mean. Do you have a preference whether the product is organic or natural? That’ll inform which products you choose. Here are a few of our suggestions for both natural and organic products:Ole Henriksen Three Little Wonders Minis contains a hydrating and smoothing night gel, fading and protective anti-aging cream and a firming skin-boosting serum. Juice Beauty Body Brilliance Collectionfeatures a full-sized body cleanser and moisturizer that are infused with certified organic, antioxidant-rich apple and lemon juices. Aromatherapy Associates Precious Oils is a natural way to bring the spa home. These pure essential oil blends promote positive thinking and help to boost the body and mind.
How many types of yoga exist?
A: There are many types of yoga practices, and each has its own characteristics, notes About’s yoga guide Ann Pizer. For example, Hatha yoga uses slow and gentle movements, so it’s ideal for beginners. Vinyasa yoga uses more movements and matches them to breathing. Iyengar yoga focuses on holding poses over long periods of time and stresses proper alignment. Finally, Bikram yoga or “hot yoga” is performed in a hot room set to 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat loosens up tight muscles.
Can eating certain foods help moisturize dry skin?
A: Yes, it can. In Allure, dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., recommends eating foods that contain healthful fats and oils, like “avocados, fish oil, flaxseed and evening primrose oil.” They’re rich in linoleic acid to help skin produce ceramides, which in turn retain moisture. Also, look for foods with essential fatty acids (EFAs), which you can find in fish and nuts. Dry skin is a common sign of an EFA deficiency, writes Helen Foster in The Beauty Book. EFAs reduce inflammatory processes that damage cell membranes and lead to water loss. In addition, be sure to get B vitamins and lecithin “from foods like soybeans, liver, cabbage and egg yolk,” advises dermatologist Howard Murad, M.D. These key nutrients maintain lipids that comprise cell membranes.
What’s a good trick for boosting my skin’s hydration?
A: Add a few drops of oil to your moisturizer. BellaSugar loves argan oil for her face and says that avocado and neem oils are also great. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, substitute oils like jojoba, which won’t clog pores.
What can I eat this summer for healthier skin?
A: Fruits — especially strawberries, blueberries and blackberries — and veggies contain tons of skin-healthy antioxidants. Also, reach for fresh fish and other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, because they help to fortify skin’s protective barrier. Learn more about foods that foster healthy skinhere.
The key to naturally beautiful skin is to choose products wisely and treat your skin right from the inside out. A healthy diet, gentle homemade remedies and a variety of natural products can all contribute to a glowing complexion. Kick-start a more natural lifestyle or tweak your daily routine with the questions and answers listed here.
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