With all the chemical ingredients used in skincare products, many do not guarantee to help with skin problems. In fact, some of them may even cause more harm than solve the problem.
That is why sometimes it is better to use natural ingredients as part of the daily skincare routine. Dermatologist Papri Sakar said that many of her patients opted to practice 'clean' eating and wanted to extend that philosophy to their skin as it is easier to find healthy produce than real natural ingredients in beauty products.
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Here are some of the best natural ingredients that experts approved:
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from tea tree leaves used for several purposes such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and keeping the nails, skin, and hair healthy.
Dr. Laurel Naversen Geraghty, a dermatologist in Medford, said that tea tree's antimicrobial property in fighting acne could help reduce the inflammatory type of blemishes.
It is easy to make a home-made tea tree oil treatment by mixing one part of tea tree oil with nine parts of water. Apply the mixture to affected areas using a cotton swab once or twice a day.
However, Geraghty cautions anyone who will be using this to monitor areas for any signs of redness and a rash.
2. Soy
Soy came from soybeans that contain plant-based chemicals good for the skin. It has been proven that soy can be great to even the texture of the skin.
Moreover, it contains antioxidants, fatty acids, isoflavones, and also produces estrogens, phytoestrogen suitable for menopausal women.
3. Shea Butter
Derived from the nut of the shea tree, many moisturizing products use shea butter as it is well-known to hydrate the skin effectively because it is filled with fatty acids, Geraghty said. She added that she butter might be the most useful for eczema in children.
Moreover, shea butter does not cause any skin allergies, which is perfect for sensitive skin.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat dry skin and remove dead skin. It also has moisturizing agents such as the beta-glucans and starches for moisturizing the skin.
However, Geraghty says that not all oatmeal is created equal. For instance, colloidal oatmeal is a powdered form of oats used to blend with water to form a soothing paste for the skin.
5. Green Tea
Green tea has a variety of therapeutic properties that benefits the skin. Jeannie Downie, a dermatologist in Montclair, said that green tea has photoprotection and anti-aging benefits. The antioxidant properties help treat sun-damaged skin and address signs of sun damage.
6. Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is an ancient herb typically used as part of the Asian cuisine. But today, it has become a part of modern skincare because of its wound-healing properties, says cosmetic chemist Dr. Michelle Wong.
Chemicals in Gotu kola boost blood supply to injury areas and strengthen the skin. It also has anti-aging and suncare products.
7. Coconut Oil
According to studies, extra virgin coconut oil is good for the skin as it helps fight the dry and itchiness feeling and skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. It suppresses the body's natural inflammatory agents while enhancing the complexion.
But Geraghty warns people not to use coconut on blemish-prone areas as it may worsen the acne.
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