10 Tips to Get You Started with Natural Skincare
When it comes to natural skincare, you’ve probably heard about the importance of using organic, all-natural ingredients, but now you need to know what that means and how to do it right! If you’re new to natural skincare, there are a few tips and tricks you should follow when making your own products and buying others online or in stores. Here are 10 simple tips to get you started with natural skincare.
1. The Golden Rule
According to Joanna Czech, a Los Angeles-based naturopathic doctor and certified holistic nutritionist, there is one natural food item that could help you achieve clear skin: organic flaxseed oil. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for inflammation, she says. You can also add whole flaxseed meal into your diet by incorporating ground or whole flaxseed products into baked goods such as bread or muffins. If you’re looking for a quick fix of good-for-you fats, reach for pumpkin seeds! These little orange nuggets are packed with linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), antioxidants and zinc—all helpful nutrients for having glowing skin from within.
2. Sun and Skin
The first step toward healthy skin is protecting it from overexposure to UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as an active ingredient, since they’re both chemical-free and protect against UVA/UVB rays. Be sure you're applying at least one ounce of sunscreen—that's about enough for both your face and body—every two hours (or more often if you're swimming or sweating). If you still want a little coverage without all those harmful chemicals, invest in mineral-based products like blush, lipsticks, and foundations; there are plenty on the market made from mica instead of petrochemicals.
3. You are What You Eat
By now, we all know that what we eat has a major impact on our health and well-being. Your skin is no exception. By choosing whole foods over processed ones, you can support your skin’s natural balance and look younger than ever. To help you get started with incorporating more whole foods into your skincare routine, here are 10 simple but effective tips
4. Sweat It Out
One of my favorite simple skin care tips is simply to sweat. That might sound counterproductive, but it's not. Sweating is one of our body's best detoxifying processes: when we work out and move our muscles, our bodies are able to eliminate toxins more effectively through sweat. When we sit still for too long—and especially if we're eating poorly—our bodies don't get moving enough, and toxins remain in our systems, causing issues like acne and overall bad health. Keep your skin healthy by sweating a little more than usual! It also helps you lose weight naturally without added chemicals or extreme diets (see tip number 2 below). Who doesn't want healthy glowing skin AND a slimmer figure? Bonus!
5) Don’t Over Cleanse
Cleansing is an essential part of your skin care routine, but you don’t want to overdo it. In fact, most people can get away with a daily rinse and minimal face-washing at night—your body actually produces oil as a way of taking care of itself, so it’s normal for there to be some residual grease on your face after you wash. Overcleansing may even dry out your skin, which can lead to irritation. For oily or acne-prone skin types, try adding a dab of gentle moisturizer like jojoba oil or aloe vera gel if needed.
5. Beauty Sleep
Getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night is essential for your skin. Sleep allows your body and skin cells to repair themselves, which makes it possible for you to wake up in great shape. Drink a cup of warm milk before bedtime and take baths at night so that you’re well-rested when morning comes around. When you’re feeling tired during the day, take a 15-minute nap to refresh yourself and make sure that you look fresh-faced throughout your day. Sleeping is just as important as eating healthy foods for beautiful skin!
6. H2O to The Rescue
Staying hydrated helps keep your skin glowing and your complexion even-toned. Drink water throughout your day, especially if you spend time in a dry environment (like an office) or live in a hot, humid one. Don't forget that water is also essential for healthy hair and nails! To help you remember to drink up, try swapping soda for ice-cold water with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime—it tastes great and makes staying hydrated that much easier. And be sure to eat plenty of fruits and veggies—they’re high in vitamins A, C, K and antioxidants that support skin's health from inside out.
8. Go Back to Your Roots
If you’re going to use products on your skin, try opting for natural and organic varieties. Make sure that it’s cruelty-free (no animal testing) and doesn’t contain a lot of chemicals or other harmful ingredients that can potentially harm your skin or exacerbate conditions like acne. Also, pay attention to how they are packaged—plastic bottles are not good because they expose your product to light, which causes it to break down faster. Instead, opt for glass jars so you can control how much air hits your product; paperboard is also a decent option.
9) Don’t Dry Out Your Skin in Winter
Water is your best friend if you want great skin. Your skin is constantly losing moisture as you breathe and sweat, so it’s important to keep it hydrated in winter by drinking lots of water and using a humidifier in your bedroom. If that sounds like too much work, apply a thick moisturizer while taking a warm bath or use hot compresses on dry patches. One of the best foods for skin is hot cocoa (yes, really), so enjoy some if you feel like your skin needs a little TLC!
10) Use A Moisturizer With Sunscreen
Most of us know that a moisturizer is important, but we often neglect one very important ingredient: sunscreen. Remember, just because you're not stepping outside, doesn't mean you aren't at risk for sun damage. The ultraviolet rays of indoor tanning beds can be just as harmful and aging as outdoor ones. Invest in a moisturizer that contains SPF so you don't have to worry about reapplying your sunscreen throughout the day; remember that it also needs to be reapplied every time you wash your face.
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