When it comes to creating the proper skincare routine, watching the ingredients you put on your skin is pretty important. With around 60% of the ingredients we use getting absorbed into our skin, you’ll definitely want to make sure you’re using only the purest and highest quality ingredients you can to avoid absorbing toxic substances into your body. However, unfortunately, most beauty products nowadays tend to contain more chemically and artificially treated ingredients than they do natural ingredients. And believe it or not, these harmful, man-made ingredients can actually have an extremely negative effect on your health and your skin.
For that reason, in this article, we’re going to steer away from your typical everyday chemically-treated skincare ingredients and go over some of the best natural ingredients instead. We’re going to cover everything from what they are, their biggest benefits, and how they can help you to treat problems for a variety of skin types. Let’s get started.
The following ingredients can be found in either Athena 7 Minute Lift or Adonia Stemulift Serum.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis
Starting off, one of the most popular natural ingredients for the skin is Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis. Also known as sweet almond oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis is a soothing oil obtained from almonds that are used in a variety of skincare products. With a high amount of Vitamin E, this nourishing ingredient is commonly used in skin care products to treat dry skin, reduce acne, and penetrate into the pores for deeper and more precise hydration. And because Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis is also naturally anti-inflammatory, it is known to help reduce puffiness and swelling and may even help to reduce sun damage.
Lavandula Angestifolia
Next, Lavandula Angestifolia (also known as English lavender) is a common ingredient used in beauty products for its gentle effects and its naturally soothing fragrance. Perfect for those with sensitive skin, Lavandula Angestifolia is one of the most gentle natural ingredients to use on the face and skin and is packed full of natural antibacterial properties to fight and soothe acne. And because Lavandula Angestifolia is so gentle, it is also often used as a natural way to treat eczema and psoriasis, making it a gentle ingredient truly perfect for all skin types and sensitivities. Not to mention, this potent oil also carries a plethora of rejuvenating antioxidants which makes it an excellent ingredient to use if you’re looking for some natural anti-aging effects.
Sesamum Indicum
Next, Sesamum Indicum (also known as sesame oil) is a non-fragrant plant oil full of fatty acids and antioxidants, including Vitamin E, that is known to be calming for the skin. With a soothing effect and a strong antioxidant punch, sesame oil has incredible moisturizing properties that are believed to help the skin better retain moisture. On top of that, sesame oil is also high in zinc, which is believed to help promote collagen production in the skin. On top of that, it is also believed to enhance your skin’s protective barrier, thanks to its natural source of omega-6 fatty acids that strengthen the skin and act as a natural protectant against harsh UV rays, free radicals, and pollution.
Mentha Piperata
Next, Mentha Piperata (also known as peppermint) is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial oil that is commonly used in cosmetics to relieve skin irritation. This is thanks to its natural cooling properties, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in acne, as well as the itch and irritation that goes along with it. Therefore, it is also useful in treating sunburns, rashes, and skin redness. But on top of its antibacterial effect, Mentha Piperata is also believed to help with unclogging your pores, which can reduce oiliness in the skin and help prevent future breakouts.
Rosa Damascena
Next, Rosa Damascena (also known as rose water) is gentle water made from the distilling of rose petals and has natural astringent properties that are often used among other ingredients in toners for oil control. Now, the biggest perk of rose water, aside from its healing properties, is that it helps to refresh the skin without stripping away its natural oils, as most toners nowadays do. When applied regularly, rose water can help eliminate dullness in the skin and revitalize your complexion for a healthy, hydrated, and glowing appearance. On top of that, rose water is also rich in vitamins and minerals and can naturally assist with boosting collagen and elastin in the skin.
Citrus Grandis
Next, Citrus Grandis, an extract from grapefruit, is a gentle extract that carries natural exfoliating properties that can be used on the skin to remove the dry and damaged skin for a softer complexion. Because of its natural exfoliant properties, it can also help to clear away excess oil built up on the skin or deep within the pores. In addition to that, grapefruit extract is also rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, which can also help to protect the skin from free radicals, as well as balance out the overall pH level of the skin. Without a doubt, Citrus Grandis, overall, is excellent for bringing life back to dull skin.
Citrus Aurantium Delcis
Next, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (also known as orange peel) is oil derived from the common orange. Popular for its high alpha-hydroxy acids content (or AHA’s), many beauty products incorporate Cirus Aurantium Delcis into their ingredients for its natural exfoliating properties. But aside from cleansing the skin of dead skin cells, AHAs also have a strong hydrating effect on the skin and can help boost the skin with a more full and plump appearance. It is also believed that long-term use of low concentration AHA's can even increase collagen, as well as stimulate regenerative properties in the skin, which can help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
Citrus Medica Limonum
Next, Citrus Medica Limonum (also known as lemon peel) is a gentle ingredient known for its lightening and brightening effects on the skin. Excellent at enhancing the skin’s overall clarity, lemon peel’s natural citric acid is known to help fade blemishes and acne scars. On top of that, thanks to its major antioxidant benefits, lemon peel is also famous for its ability to plunge deep into the pores to detox the skin of impurities while simultaneously brightening the skin, leaving it with a radiant and glowing appearance. It also has natural exfoliating properties and can be used topically for removing dead skin cells.
Jasminum Officinale
Next, Jasminum Officinale (also known as jasmine extract) is most known for its lush hydrating properties that help to promote softer skin. With a soft floral fragrance, Jasminum Officinale is commonly used to restore the skin, as the oil extracts of jasmine can help increase the skin’s elasticity and regulate moisture to reduce dry patches. Plus, it’s also a natural antibacterial agent and aid in the skin's overall immunity, enhancing its natural protective barrier. It is also non-cosmogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, which is another huge plus.
Clary Sage
Next, clary sage is a natural extract derived from the Salvia sclarea herb. Used topically, clary sage oil exhibits a natural cooling property that soothes skin afflicted with inflammation. It has been known to calm rashes, reduce redness, and overall strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. Clary sage also contains a special compound known as linalyl acetate, which is known to regulate oil production on the skin and reduce build-up. On top of that, clary sage also has astringent properties that are known to tighten the pores and tone the skin for a clearer appearance.
Geranium
Next, geranium is an essential oil made from pressed flowers and leaves that is rich in antioxidants. With its potent floral fragrance and tender application, geranium oil works to firm facial skin and is often used as a natural agent to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. On top of that, because geranium oil is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory oil, it actively boosts the skin’s overall health and natural glow with regular use. By helping maintain moisture and keep the skin conditioned, geranium is a soothing ingredient perfect for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It is also often used to combat dermatitis and other damaging skin conditions.
Lavender
Next, lavender, derived from Lavandula Angustifolia, ultimately works to kill bacteria on the skin and is known to prevent and heal acne breakouts. With a soft floral smell, lavender unclogs pores and reduces inflammation when used topically on your skin. And since lavender has natural antifungal properties and is known for reducing inflammation, Lavender oil can also aid in natural skin lightening treatments and can also help to reduce discoloration, including dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Rose
Next, rose oil is an essential ingredient for sensitive skin and can help to attack a variety of skin problems. Rich in natural, purifying antioxidants, rose oil helps promote radiant and glowing skin, as it is known to penetrate deeply into the dermis layer of skin and detox impurities (which is especially good for those with mature skin). On top of that, it also has proven antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it perfect for those that struggle with acne or skin redness. Using rose oil regularly can also help to visually improve your skin’s outer texture with a soft and radiant appearance.
Rosewood
Next, rosewood is another popular ingredient known for its soothing effects on the skin. Extracted from the wood of the Aniba Rosaeodora tree, this colorless oil is most known for its ability to promote healthy regeneration of skin cells and has become a popular ingredient to apply for its anti-aging benefits because of this. However, aside from smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, rosewood is also a useful ingredient for working with acne, as it is naturally antiseptic and antibacterial, helping to eliminate skin impurities and unclog pores. With its gentle qualities, this makes it a useful tool for those who struggle with acne, inflammation, or redness.
Jasmine
Next, jasmine is another popular natural ingredient used in facial skin care for its natural ability to restore and return moisture to dehydrated skin. Aside from its moisturizing properties, jasmine has also been known to increase the skin’s elasticity and boost the skin’s protective barrier and immunity to foreign toxins. On top of that, jasmine oil is also a cicatrizes, meaning it also helps to fade acne scars and stretch marks, which can improve the overall texture of the skin. You can read more about jasmine oil’s natural benefits for beauty and its many uses here on healthline.com.
Lemon Verbena
Next, lemon verbena is a herb native to South America that carries with it a strong citrus smell and a high amount of antioxidant compounds, including nerol, citral, geraniol, and verbascoside. On top of its antioxidant properties, Lemon verbena is also a natural astringent, which means it can help topically with comforting and clearing acne and acne-prone skin. It is also suitable for all skin types, thanks to its gentle nature, and has been known to regulate the natural oils of the skin for a fresh and detoxified treatment.
Lemon
Next, lemon oil is another one of the best natural ingredients for the face and is packed full of all the properties needed to tackle acne-prone skin. This is because, when diluted, lemon essential oil can actually kill bacterias that may get trapped in pores and cause breakouts. Aside from that, it can also clarify your skin with antioxidants and Vitamin C, gently exfoliating dead skin cells for a smoother and brighter appearance.
Palmarosa
Next, palmarosa (also known as Indian geranium) is an essential oil extract that can penetrate deep into the skin cells, balancing moisture levels and keeping moisture locked in. On top of that, it is also great at balancing and regulating the sebum and oil production of the skin and can help to give your face a more matte finish. For this reason, it’s excellent at treating acne breakouts. In addition to that, sensitive skin conditions, such as eczema can also be treated with palmarosa. This oil is also considered to be a non-irritant and non-sensitizing essential oil, making it ideal for all skin types.
Cedarwood
Next, cedarwood essential oil is a powerful substance derived from the bark, leaves, and needles of cedar trees. With a musky and woodsy scent, this oil helps to soothe inflammation, as well as alleviate the itchiness and dryness associated with rough and damaged skin. By regulating sebum production, eliminating acne-causing bacteria, and exhibiting a protective astringent property, cedarwood oil is a natural guard against environmental pollutants and toxins, which can help reduce the chances of future damage or breakouts. Cedarwood is also naturally antiseptic and anti-bacterial.
Petitgrain
Next, with strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, petitgrain essential oil is often used for problematic and acne-prone skin. Derived from the orange tree, this aromatic oil can help to reduce inflammation and soothe your complexion. Not only does it help to level out the hormones that cause breakouts, but it also helps to keep sebum supplies balanced so that your complexion is constantly nourished. Whether it’s acne irritation or rosacea, petitgrain oil combines a powerful array of soothing and cleansing properties and is excellent for all skin types.
Roman Chamomile
Next, Roman chamomile is another one of the most gentle ingredients used in skincare today that is commonly used for swelling, redness, and other common skin irritations. And because its application and healing effects are so soft on the skin, it is also frequently used in ointments and creams for wounds, burns, and even sensitive skin conditions, such as eczema. Overall, adding Roman chamomile oil to your daily skincare regimen will help to boost the skin with harmless, soothing benefits while also promoting youthful-looking skin. You can also read more about Roman chamomile and its other incredible benefits here on verywellhealth.com.
Patchouli
Next, patchouli oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the patchouli plant and contains a wide variety of benefits for the skin. From helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes to working to make oily skin a little more manageable, patchouli essential oil can truly do it all. With a musky, earthy scent, this herb carries with it many natural antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can help to soothe inflammation and promote a more radiant complexion. On top of that, it is also known to improve circulation in the skin, which alongside its astringent properties, can also help you with achieving a more youthful appearance.
Rosemary Verbenone
Next, rosemary verbenone is a shrub of the Lamiaceae family and is known as the mildest variation of rosemary oils on the market. With a potent, fresh, earthy smell, Rosemary Verbenone is a natural stimulator and is known for its invigorating properties. With both a warming and cooling effect, Rosemary Verbenone has a huge reputation for attacking and diminishing stubborn oil build-up. On top of that, it is also well known for its natural ability to replenish the skin with rejuvenating moisture, which makes it excellent for healing dry or sensitive skin.
Everlasting
Next, the everlasting essential oil (also known as Imortella) is a proven antibacterial agent with natural anti-inflammatory properties that have various benefits to boost your skin. With a sweet and spicy scent, the everlasting oil contains many healthy compounds such as flavonoids, which have been shown to diminish harmful bacteria on the skin’s surface, making it a natural at diminishing signs of acne. Applied in small amounts, the everlasting oil can also help to assist the skin’s natural regeneration process to help the user achieve clearer and more flawless-looking skin.
Neroli
Next, neroli (also known as the bitter orange flower) is a relative of the common orange and is known for its soothing and stimulating properties. With a sweet, zesty scent, this spicy natural ingredient is commonly used in skin care for its regenerative properties. Neroli oil is also antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, which makes it useful for treating acne and redness associated with breakouts. On top of that, it also has powerful hydrating qualities and can be used to help the skin better retain moisture. It is also non-toxic and is ideal for all skin types.
Ylang-Ylang
Next, ylang-ylang is a star-shaped flower that grows on the Cananga tree and is a common ingredient in beauty products and aromatherapy practices. As a strong anti-inflammatory oil, ylang-ylang is good at balancing sebum production in the skin, which can reduce the skin’s chances of breakouts. On top of its oil-controlling properties, it is also known to not only reduce redness and swelling in the skin caused by acne but also reduce and minimize the size of pores to make them less likely to clog and collect bacteria. Used regularly, this aromatic oil has similar cleansing effects to a deep-pore facial mask and can help you achieve clearer and smoother-looking skin.
Thyme Linalool
Next, Thyme Linalool (also known as sweet thyme) is one of the lesser-known oils on the market that has incredible soothing properties for the skin. As a potent carrier of antiseptic and antifungal properties, Thyme Linalool makes an excellent component in cleansers and toners and is gentle enough for daily use. On top of its soothing properties, Thyme Linalool has also been shown to treat acne and reduce clogged pores and may also help in detoxifying the skin for a more youthful appearance.
Plant Stem Cells
And last but not least, plant stem cells are undifferentiated cells found in plants and are believed to have strong regenerative properties for the skin. There is evidence that suggests that stem cells can actually help promote the production of new collagen in the face, as they are believed to stimulate the restoration of tissues. This, overall, can strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and truly reverse the effects of aging all in one. Plant stem cells also have high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to protect the skin from free radicals, pollution, and sun damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many unique natural ingredients for facial skincare on the market. From combating acne to reversing aging effects, if you ask us, the more natural, the better when it comes to skincare, and it may be a good idea to be a little more selective with the ingredients you choose to put on your skin, as we do absorb most of them into our bodies. Either way, we hope this article has helped to give you some insight into the power of natural ingredients and how they can play a simple yet effective role in helping you achieve the skin of your dreams.
Sources:
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/beauty-products/g26011830/best-essential-oils-for-skin/
https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-skin#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/ylang-ylang-good-for-skin
https://www.wellandgood.com/plant-stem-cells-in-skin-care/
https://snappyliving.com/sesame-oil-as-a-skin-moisturizer/