The 5 Best Natural Skin Care Ingredients According To Research
Skin care is constantly evolving – with innovations developing at breakneck speed. While we like to keep up with these breakthroughs, we like to revisit classic products. There are so many wonderful natural ingredients that have been used for decades due to the simple fact that they are effective.
And just in case you needed more proof – they also have plenty of research data to back them up.
For dullness: Aloe Vera
Even though it’s most famous for its role as a sunburn soother, aloe vera has been used for centuries for a number of skin care, health, and medicinal purposes. The reason it’s so beloved is because it’s full of nutrients: Research shows that it contains more than 751 (and perhaps as many as 2002) different active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, sugars, enzymes, salicylic acids and amino acids.
For starters: it is an excellent moisturizing agent.
The ingredient is a natural humectant, which means it attracts moisture to the skin.Research has shown that it has the ability to increase the water content of the outer layer of the skin (called the stratum corneum). However, it does not reduce transdermal water loss, suggesting its role as a humectant rather than an emollient or occlusive. (Read:The ingredient should be used alongside thicker botanicals such as shea butter, oat oil, coconut oil, and so on).
But we really love it for its luminous abilities.According to one study, one of the ingredients in aloe (called aloesin) was found to be effective in treating hyperpigmentation caused by UV radiation and post-acne.Another study found that topical application of aloesin can directly inhibit hyperpigmented skin from producing more melanin, the pigment that, when overproduced, causes dark spots to form.For dry skin: coconut oil
There are more than a few reasons why coconut oil is touted as the holy grail in natural skin care. First and foremost, coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that nourish and smooth the skin.
It is especially useful for those with dry skin, as coconut oil is extremely moisturizing:
Research shows that it can help to increase moisture levels in the skin (“has an occlusive effect”, meaning it seals in moisture), as well as improve skin barrier function – perhaps that’s why those suffering from eczema flare-ups and psoriasis usually find it so soothing for the skin.
For inflammation & ageing: green tea
Green tea is supercharged with polyphenols – a staggering 30% polyphenolic antioxidants by weight.The most notable of these is catechin which research shows has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Studies have found that topical application of polyphenols can help restore the skin, protecting it from sun damage and even help reverse signs of skin aging (such as black spots, fine lines and wrinkles).For sensitive skin: oat extracts
Considered one of the gold standards for sensitive skin, oatmeal (in its many forms, such as colloidal oatmeal and oat oil) is beloved by dermatologists and aestheticians for its ability to soothe reactive skin.
For oil control: jojoba oil
Jojoba oil has become one of the most popular skincare ingredients, largely due to the discovery that its chemical composition is actually quite close structurally to our own natural oils.It can reduce skin oiliness by regulating your skin’s natural sebum production. And thanks to its high levels of iodine, the oil balances the overgrowth of bacteria that can cause pimples.
Not for nothing, it’s also rich in beauty-enhancing ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin B complex, copper and zinc. These nutrients give the oil its anti-inflammatory properties.
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