Native Skin Care – 5 Natural Skin Care Ingredients and Practices That Are Safe and Effective
Navigating the skincare aisle can be confusing; knowing what products will work or are safe can be challenging. Native skin care uses traditional ingredients and practices that have proven successful.
These include plants and herbs that contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to combat oxidative damage to cells while stimulating collagen production and brightening skin tone.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has long been prized for its healing and soothing properties, making it one of the world’s favorite plants. A succulent species with thick fleshy leaves that contain a gel-like substance used in cosmetic and medicinal products. Aloe vera serves as a natural moisturizer and absorbs quickly into dry or sensitive skin without leaving behind an oily residue; additionally, it’s excellent in treating burns, cuts, and wounds while being rich in Vitamin A and C, which both offer robust antioxidant protections that promote radiant, healthy-looking skin!
Aloe vera is widely known for its moisturizing properties; however, it also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin – essential proteins that maintain skin elasticity and firmness, which naturally decrease with age. Aloe vera is an effective anti-aging ingredient and may help fade stretch marks or signs of pregnancy and aging, soothe inflammation, or reduce redness in an anti-inflammatory fashion.
Aloe vera can be an invaluable remedy for various skin conditions, from acne and sunburn to psoriasis and other inflammatory ailments. With its natural cleansing action that clears away dirt from pores, aloe vera also works wonders at removing away acne and blackheads. It provides soothing relief from dry, irritated skin conditions.
Aloe vera offers many other advantages that make it a fantastic addition to any skincare routine, including acting as a natural antiseptic that kills bacteria and promotes wound healing, speeding up skin cell regeneration by up to eight times and suppressing the appearance of blemishes, redness, and swelling.
When purchasing aloe vera products, ensure they are organic and bear the seal of approval from the International Aloe Science Council. This organization provides all products contain high-grade aloe vera that is beneficial and safe for consumption.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the wealthiest natural oils found in nature. Full of medium-chain fatty acids – including lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties to keep skin healthy and free from infections – coconut oil provides ample nutrition and anti-aging antioxidants for increased protection from signs of aging.
Coconuts thrive in tropical climates across their native countries, and their oil has long been utilized to treat and beautify hair and skin. Though solid at room temperature, its liquid form allows it to stay on the surface of the skin or scalp and be easily massaged in.
Coconut oil has long been recognized for its ability to moisturize, soothe, and nourish both skin and hair. Due to its low molecular weight, it quickly penetrates tissues to deliver vital nutrients. Furthermore, its stable fats prevent rancidity from becoming rancid, leading to infection. Again, coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturizer and an ideal carrier of essential oils due to its small molecules being easily absorbed by skin and hair cells.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of coconut oil for treating chronic inflammation, one of the primary contributors to skin conditions such as psoriasis and contact dermatitis. Furthermore, capric acid found in coconut oil has antifungal properties, which may protect against nail fungus-causing fungi.
Coconut oil may contain saturated fats, but studies have revealed that they do not increase the risk of heart disease or other health issues. Aside from fat, it also includes vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals like vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and protects cells from damage; iron can improve circulation while improving oxygen absorption; it provides an excellent source of protein, which strengthens nails and hair;
Juniper Oil
Juniper oil boasts powerful antibacterial and antifungal effects due to its abundance of potency plant compounds such as sabinene, myrcene, alpha- and beta-pinene. A test-tube study demonstrated juniper oil’s bactericidal solid activity against 16 species of bacteria, yeast, and fungi–including its potency against Candida and dermatophytes fungi that cause ringworm.
Juniper Berry Essential Oil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it an excellent addition to Native skin care products. Furthermore, its use as an anti-viral can speed wound healing when combined with moisturizing carrier oils such as coconut oil.
Juniper oil’s soothing properties help restore balance to the skin, making it ideal for treating issues like weeping eczema, psoriasis, and acne-prone skin. Mix several drops into your favorite base moisturizer or carrier oil before massaging directly onto the problem areas.
Juniper essential oil is an effective decongestant that can relieve congestion when inhaled directly or diffused, helping clear sinuses and alleviate cold symptoms by loosening mucus and reducing inflammation. You can add it to a diffuser blend for cold relief or blend it with lemon and sandalwood oil as a soothing vapor rub.
Notably, juniper oil is highly concentrated, so any time it is used topically, it should always be mixed with a carrier oil to dilute it before using directly on the skin. Although suitable for most skin types and conditions, we advise consulting your physician before treating specific issues with this natural remedy.
Juniper oil’s herbaceous scent is well-known to promote relaxation. Diffusing it in a room can promote peace and serenity, supporting those struggling with insomnia. You could add it to a massage blend for stress relief or a warm bath to soothe and comfort the body.
Juniper oil has been shown to contain blood-purifying properties and can assist with eliminating toxins from the body. We advise taking small doses only to minimize any dizziness or headaches resulting from excessive consumption. Furthermore, it should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding since doing so could impede fertility or cause miscarriage.
Yucca Root
Native Americans used Yucca to produce soap and are now recognized for its excellent skin healing properties. Yucca contains saponins, anti-inflammatory and regenerating agents, and various vitamins and minerals for optimal skin care.
CoQ10 can be used in numerous ways for numerous conditions, including osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, inflammation of the intestine, stomach disorders and diabetes, and liver and gallbladder issues. Topical applications were made for sores, skin diseases, bleeding sprains, baldness, or dandruff, and it was also an abundant natural source of CoQ10. CoQ10 is widely recognized as the most potent antioxidant available; studies have revealed 17 times its antioxidant power over synthetic chemicals such as idebenone, often found in sunscreen products.
Because vitamin E is so effective at protecting skin cells from oxidative damage, we use it in skin care products to help reduce signs of aging and repair damaged cells. It is featured in our body and hair bars and facial scrubs.
An excellent addition to shampoos and body washes, calendula can create a very light lather with excellent natural foaming properties. Use in place of castile soap or add it as part of your liquid soap recipe for an exfoliant effect on both the scalp and skin.
Yucca root is an excellent source of Vitamin C – essential for healthy skin – and abundant folic acid, making it a perfect way to prevent acne, eczema, and psoriasis outbreaks. Yucca can be eaten raw or cooked like starch as part of your meal; combine it with plenty of non-starchy vegetables and protein foods to create a well-rounded meal!
Our new Yucca Root Soap is a gentle cleansing bar designed to cleanse both the skin and delicate woolens of Native Americans, with essential oil blends of tea tree, mint, and lavender scenting its formulation as well as natural saponins from yucca root for maximum effectiveness.
