A holistic approach to natural skin care

by The WellBeing Team January 11, 2011

The skin is usually the first organ to show signs of aging. How quickly this occurs depends on many factors including genetics and lifestyle. Anti aging results can be best achieved if you address your health holistically. Therefore a natural skin care should involve a healthy diet, using healing and rejuvenating qualities of botanicals in skincare, controlled sun exposure, exercise and good sleep, drinking plenty of purified water for detoxification and cultivating inner peace and contentment.

Why natural skin care is important
The skin acts as a barrier between your internal environment and the external world of toxins, pollutants and ultraviolet light. The protective acid mantle on the epidermis is thriving with good bacteria, water and lipids (oils) that keep the skin healthy and balanced. Maintaining the health of the acid mantle with gentle, natural skin care is important, as an imbalance of this delicate ecosystem can contribute to many skin conditions, including dermatitis and acne.

Anti aging and sun protection
sun protection is essential in a natural skin care routine to achieve anti aging results. Guarding against the sun’s ultraviolet rays is one of the first steps to maintaining healthy skin. UVB rays cause visible sunburn and UVA rays penetrate the skin, causing cellular damage that accumulates over time. However, controlled exposure to sunlight is important, though, as the body needs it to synthesise vitamin D, essential for the absorption of calcium and therefore healthy bones and teeth.

Free radicals and natural skin care
Free radicals are oxidising agents that can overload the cells and cause damage. The first signs are usually seen in the skin with early wrinkles, hyper pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Free-radical triggers include ultraviolet radiation, pollution, poor diet, refined foods, fried and burnt foods, processed cooking oils, alcohol, cigarettes, synthetic chemicals and stress. Antioxidants ingested and applied to the skin can provide protection from free-radical and form an essential part of an anti aging and natural skin care regime.

Avoiding inflammation with natural skin care products
You may notice when you use a harsh product your skin becomes warm and red — the result of inflammation. In the long run, inflammation causes free-radical damage and cell wall deterioration so it’s important to use gentle, soothing ingredients, both topically and internally, to help calm any inflammation that may arise. Natural skin care products are a beneficial option.

Your natural skin care routine
Natural skincare involves the application of biological substances derived from living plants and mineral sources that haven’t undergone any synthetic processes. Minerals, and plants that contain active substances such as vitamins, minerals, alkaloids, saponins, antioxidants and tannins, can be employed for protecting, healing, balancing, hydrating, fortifying and rejuvenating the skin. Many of these ingredients are easily absorbed deep into the skin where they can improve skin metabolism, accelerate cell functioning and affect collagen and elastin. They in turn can have beneficial anti aging results.

Natural skin care choices
Here are some natural skin care options for you to consider.

Essential oils
Plant hormones
Unrefined vegetable and nut oils
Soy isoflavones
Phospholipids
Ceramides
Marine extracts
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)
Proteolytic enzymes
Clays
Sun protection (again remember natural skin care options as some products may contain harmful chemicals) products