Do Natural Skin Care Products Really Work Like They Promise?

Every day, we expose our skin to a myriad of terrible things: irritating chemicals, harsh UV rays, dirt, oil, air pollution, and more.

Over time, these conditions can cause extreme damage that will leave a lasting impression in the form of wrinkles, premature aging, and poor complexion. So, what can you do to take care of your skin? After all, your skin is the outer expression of your inner beauty, and how you care for it is incredibly important. The good news is that the appropriate skin care routine can solve most of your woes; the key is using the right products. The issue is that many of the skincare products we use on a daily basis are full of toxic ingredients or synthetic materials, which seems counter-intuitive since those are exactly the types of things that harmed your skin in the first place. That’s why we prefer natural skin care products. But do they work as promised? We’re diving down into the nitty-gritty truth about natural products, so that next time you’re shopping, you know what to look for.

What Are Natural Skin Care Products?

While some companies and people try to make natural seem complicated, it’s actually very simple. Natural products are those made with ingredients described as, “existing or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind.”

How does this compare to synthetic products? Synthetic materials are those “made by chemical synthesis, especially to mimic a natural product.”

Simple right? It should be, but unfortunately, there are no legal definitions for labeling a product “natural” when applied to personal care products, and so some skin care products that claim they’re “natural” are made up of mostly synthetic materials. As a result, these products can often do more harm than good.

The Benefits of Natural Skin Care Products

The reality is that your skin is the largest organ of your body, and that means your skin will reflect what it absorbs: whether that’s toxins or nutrients. So, if you’re putting dangerous ingredients on your skin, you can bet those same ingredients are getting into your body. In fact, it’s well known that preservatives—such as parabens—and other ingredients including petrochemicals and phthalates, can even increase the risk of cancer.

Natural skin care products are very effective at promoting healthy skin. Going natural can even treat a variety of skin conditions such as hyper pigmentation and inflammation, as well as photo-aging. Even better, natural beauty products are environmentally friendly, meaning that they leave behind little negative impact if any.

The type of benefit you receive depends on the natural ingredient. A few of the most well-known and effective ingredients include, but are not limited to:

Green Tea Extract:

Green tea extract, such as what’s found in our Anti-Aging Wrinkle Cream, is naturally rich in antioxidants, which protects your cells from damage.

Vitamin C:

Many natural skincare products include antioxidants, such as vitamin C, to help fight free radical damage—the damage that causes premature aging. In a 2009 study by the University of Leicester, topical vitamin C provided significant protection against aging free radicals.

Oatmeal:

Colloidal oatmeal soothes dry and sensitive skin. The oats contain both polysaccharides and filaggrin, which help to form a protective layer over the skin and retain moisture.

Algae and Seaweed:

One study showed that algae Chlorella Bulgaria when applied topically, prevented the breakdown of elastin and collagen for a firmer more firm feeling skin.

Soy:

Soy can help improve pigment irregularities that are associated with an aged appearance. According to Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Madison Skin & Laser Center in Seattle, Washington, the isoflavones found in soy have been shown to "brighten the skin, decrease redness, boost collagen production and improve skin tone."

Coconut Oil:

Coconut oils can strengthen the underlying epidermal tissue, remove dead skin cells, and protect you from sunburns. Research has even shown that coconut oil is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and antioxidant, to help you fight chronic diseases characterized by defects in the epidermal barrier.

Who Should Use Natural Skin Care Products?

The truth is that everyone can benefit from using natural skin care products, but if you suffer from any of the following concerns, then natural products are a must:

Sensitive Skin:

Chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), parabens, synthetic fragrances, colorants, and other skin pollutants can irritate sensitive skin. Natural products can help you avoid allergic reactions and skin irritants.

Headaches:

The artificial fragrances found in many products tend to cause headaches and sensitivities in some individuals. By contrast, natural skin care products that are scented with essential oils can provide aromatherapy.

Poor Immune Function:

Synthetic materials found in many skin care products can alter the body’s functions and compromise your health. Natural ingredients in skin care, just like natural ingredients in food, are safer and better for your body - inside and out.   At PHL Naturals, we aim to provide the world's best ingredients in our All Natural Products, that are 100% made in America, Never Tested on Animals and can accommodate all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. To see what natural skin care products may work best for you, check out PHL Naturals’ full line of products.