By Dr. Suki Harding
Introduction
Background
The skin the largest organ in the human body with an area of around 1.8 square metres. It acts as a protective shield against pathogens and toxins while retaining moisture and nutrients inside the body.
Daily skincare is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin and preventing various dermatological issues.
In this blog post, we will cover 13 powerful healthy skin and beauty tips and hacks to help you optimize your skincare regimen. By providing actionable advice and insight, this post aims to empower you to achieve your skincare goals and cultivate a routine that not only enhances your skin health and appearance but also boosts your confidence and overall wellbeing.
Skin Microbiome
Our skin is colonized by a wide range of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and mites (“microbiota”), most of which are harmless or even beneficial. There are many factors that affect the skin microbiome, including sex, age, genetics, health status and medications, lifestyle, stress levels, skincare and hygiene practices, geographical location, climate and much more. When this balance is disrupted, acne, skin infections, anti-inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and other skin issues can arise.
Understanding the skin microbiome is helping skin heath companies develop new and more natural skincare products and dermatological treatments to enhance skin health and beauty.
Many over-the-counter skincare products contain allergenic and irritating chemicals, such as preservatives, synthetic fragrances and colours. In this context, evidence-based natural formulations that contain plant based oils which repair the skin barrier, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and prevent or treat common skin health issues such as acne, impetigo, eczema, cold sores and athlete’s foot are becoming an increasingly attractive solution.
Understanding Natural Skincare
Natural Skin Health
For thousands of years, many cultures have used natural plant-based oils to maintain skin health and beauty. Over the last 30 years, research teams around the world have amassed scientific and clinical evidence that help identify their active constituents and mechanisms of action.
For example, we now know that plant-based oils that are higher in linoleic acid, such as sunflower seed oil, may promote skin barrier health, whereas oils higher in oleic acid, such as olive oil, may be detrimental to the skin barrier.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are complex, chemical entities which are made up of hundreds of natural chemical compounds that are responsible for the essential oil’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
Essential oils are extracted from plant-based material such as:
- leaves and small branches e.g. manuka, oregano, thyme, patchouli and tea tree
- flowers e.g. German chamomile
- wood e.g. sandalwood
- seeds e.g. cardamom, kakadu plum and star anise.
Recent findings have confirmed the value of essential oils in the development of skincare products with numerous health benefits. For example, manuka leaf oil is useful in the treatment of acne, skin infections such as impetigo, athlete’s foot and cold sores, and in healing cuts and wounds.
Clear Skin Tips
Some Ideas
Daily skincare routines and sensible lifestyle choices go a long way towards creating hydrated, clear and even-toned skin while banishing bothersome blemishes and delaying the effects of natural aging.
Thorough cleansing of the skin is essential. Gentle cleansers that contain natural ingredients such as seaweed extract, aloe vera, manuka oil, tea tree oil and chamomile oil effectively remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Regular exfoliation with natural scrubs and masks made with oatmeal, sugar, or clay can help unclog pores, prevent the build-up of dead skin cells, promote cell turnover, reduce excess oil production, and minimise the likelihood of breakouts. Furthermore, incorporating a weekly detoxifying mask containing ingredients like charcoal or kaolin clay can help draw out impurities and tighten pores.
Incorporating skin tonics and toners with ingredients with natural astringent properties, such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar, can also help minimize the appearance of pores and control oil production.
Daily moisturisation of the skin is vital. Lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers containing natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and sebum balancing properties can help soothe irritated skin, combat acne-causing bacteria and help hydrate the skin without adding excess oil. Popular natural ingredients in such moisturisers include manuka oil, tea tree oil, manuka honey, grapeseed extract, green tea extract, Vitamins C, E and B3.
Sun protection helps prevent premature aging and pore enlargement. Natural products with sunscreen and antioxidant properties include coconut oil, shea butter, carrot seed oil and green tea extract.
By incorporating these natural methods into your skincare routine, you can effectively banish blemishes and maintain a smooth, healthy complexion.
Beauty Skin Tips and Hacks
Must Do’s
Achieving a radiant complexion is not just about what you put on your skin. It is also about nourishing it from within. Incorporating natural skin health and beauty hacks into your routine can help you glow from the inside out.
Firstly, hydration is key. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps your skin hydrated and plump, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Secondly, focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. These foods provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that promote skin health and combat oxidative stress.
Additionally, consider adding skin-loving superfoods like avocado, berries, and nuts to your meals for an extra boost of nutrients.
Another natural hack is to prioritize stress management and quality sleep. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to dullness and breakouts. Daily exercise and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can help keep stress levels in check.
Lastly, don’t forget the power of natural skincare ingredients like honey, aloe vera, manuka oil and green tea, which have soothing and antioxidant properties to keep your skin glowing and healthy. By incorporating these natural hacks into your lifestyle, you can achieve a radiant complexion that emanates beauty from within.
DIY Natural Skincare Tips
Your kitchen is a treasure trove of ingredients that can enhance skin health and beauty naturally.
One such ingredient is manuka honey, which is packed with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, making it effective in treating acne and moisturizing the skin. Mixing honey with yogurt or oats creates a nourishing face mask that soothes and rejuvenates the skin.
Another kitchen staple, avocado, is rich in healthy fats and vitamins that nourish and hydrate the skin. Mashed avocado can be applied as a face mask to promote a glowing complexion and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, the humble cucumber is not just for salads; its high water content and cooling properties make it an excellent remedy for tired, puffy eyes. Simply placing cucumber slices over the eyes can reduce swelling and refresh the delicate skin around the eyes.
Furthermore, green tea, with its potent antioxidants, can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV radiation. Using green tea as a toner or incorporating it into homemade face masks can help improve skin tone and texture.
By harnessing the power of these kitchen ingredients, you can achieve healthy, radiant skin without the need for harsh synthetic chemicals or expensive skincare products.
Powerful Skincare Tips
01. Hydrate Inside and Out: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from within. Additionally, use hydrating skincare products containing natural humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerine to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
02. Eat a Skin-Friendly Diet: Support skin health by consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and E to nourish and protect your skin from the inside out and reduce inflammation from within.
03. Get Adequate Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to allow your skin time to repair and regenerate overnight. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to reduce inflammation, support collagen production, and maintain a healthy, youthful complexion.
04. Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to lower cortisol levels and minimize stress-related skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Listen to music that you love. Walking and gentle exercise are stress busters and a mood boosters!
05. Consistency is Key: Stick to a regular skincare routine tailored to your skin type and concerns, being patient and consistent with your efforts to achieve long-lasting results and a radiant, healthy complexion.
06. Limit Hot Showers: Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water, which can strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation, opting for lukewarm showers instead.
07. Cleanse Gently: Cleanse your skin with a mild, all-natural, soap-free cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping its natural oils or disrupting its pH balance. Look for products with gentle surfactants and botanical extracts to cleanse effectively without irritation. Use oil-based makeup removers to dissolve makeup and impurities without tugging or rubbing to prevent skin irritation and breakouts.
08. Exfoliate Naturally: Incorporate natural exfoliants like sugar, coffee grounds, crushed apricot kernels or ground oats into your skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Be gentle when exfoliating to avoid irritating sensitive or dry skin.
09. Moisturize Daily: Apply a nourishing, all-natural moisturizer to keep your skin soft, supple, and protected from environmental damage, locking in moisture for a radiant complexion. Use non-comedogenic products that are less likely to block pores and cause breakouts. Look for ingredients such as jojoba oil that resembles the skin’s natural sebum, rosehip oil which helps skin cell generation, squalene that mimics the skin’s natural oils and green tea extract that reduces inflammation and regulates oil production.
10. Facial Massage: Facial massage stimulates blood flow to the skin, delivering oxygen and nutrients while aiding in the removal of excess fluid and toxins, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion. Regular facial massage can help improve skin texture by stimulating collagen production and cell turnover. It can also help firm and tone facial muscles, reducing the appearance of sagging and promoting a more youthful-looking complexion. Massaging skincare products into the skin enhances their absorption, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeper layers for optimal effectiveness Massaging the face can help relax facial muscles, reducing tension and stress accumulated throughout the day.
11. Protect from the Sun: Shield your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen with natural mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially when spending time outdoors, and wear long sleeves, hats and sunglasses.
12. Select Natural Skincare: Choose evidence-based skincare products with natural, non-toxic ingredients to minimize exposure to potential irritants and allergens. Look for products labelled as organic, vegan, or cruelty-free, and avoid common irritants like parabens, sulphates, and synthetic fragrances.
13. Learn About the Skin Health Benefits of Natural Ingredients: Manuka oil, manuka honey and tea tree oil have antibacterial and wound healing properties. Kawakawa, marigold and manuka oil have anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair properties that can help moisturise and restore dry, flaky or inflamed skin. Rosemary oil, peppermint oil and ginger oil help promote scalp health and hair growth.
Conclusion
Natural skin care, harnessing the power of ingredients like honey, aloe vera, manuka oil, seaweed and kawakawa can help you achieve healthy, radiant skin while minimizing the risk of skin irritation that can occur when using harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients. By incorporating simple practices such as staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and practicing stress management techniques, you can support your skin’s natural healing processes and maintain a healthy complexion from the inside out.
Embracing these holistic practices not only promotes physical well-being but also cultivates a deeper connection with our bodies and the environment. Adopting these natural skin health beauty tips may help you achieve a radiant complexion while embracing a lifestyle that honours both your personal wellness and the planet.
Check out the references below and reach out to GNZ Bioscience to learn more about the science of natural skin health and wellbeing.
References
Allahverdiyev, A.M. et al., (2013) Development of New Antiherpetic Drugs Based on Plant Compounds, Chapter 17, Fighting Multidrug Resistance with Herbal Extracts, Essential Oils & Their Components, Edited by M. Rai and K. Kon., (2013), Elsevier, First Edition
Grice, E.A. et al. (2011), The skin microbiome, Nat Rev Microbiol. April 2011, 9(4), 244–253
Liao, R. et al. (2022), A Green Tea Containing Skincare System Improves Skin Health and Beauty in Adults: An Exploratory Controlled Clinical Study, Cosmetics 9(5), 96.
Mayo Clinic, Skin Care: 5 Tips for Healthy Skin
Michalak, M. et al. (2021) Bioactive compounds for skin health: A review, Nutrients 13 (1), 203.
Orchard, A. et al., (2017), Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases, Hindawi Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2017, Article ID 4517971, 92 pages
Reichling, J. et al., (2009) Essential oils of aromatic plants with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and cytotoxic properties – an overview, Forschende Komplementärmedizin, 16(2):79-90.
Vaughan, A.R. et al. (2018), Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science, American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19, 103-117.
Yang, Y. et al. (2022), Advances in the human skin microbiota and its roles in cutaneous diseases, Microbial Cell Factories, 21(1), 176.