Face washing is next to no one’s favorite pastime, but it must be done – for a variety of reasons. But if the chore must be done – twice a day, preferably – you will want to use the best natural face wash you can find, so your skin is at its optimal health.
Since face cleansing is the backbone of your beauty routine, you need to pay extra special attention to the ingredients you are slathering on in an effort to wash the day away. The beauty and skincare market is penetrated by a variety of options and it can be overwhelming, to say the least, if you’re searching for a new product. But, if you know what to look for, your search can be that much simpler.
Your face, your billboard for your character, might require specific ingredients based on your genetics. One thing is always for certain though, natural cleansers are the best option for radiant, glowing skin without the chance of irritation, redness or breakouts. Regardless of skin type – oily, dry, combination, sensitive – when you use a natural product, you can trust that you are giving your skin the health kick it needs.
Natural Products
Natural products have increased in popularity over the years, and now there are plenty of options and face washes, as you know, come in a variety of forms. Whether you are using disposable wipes, a gel, foam or scrub, you’ll want to commit to a product long enough to allow it to work and provide benefits. Especially when you are washing with organic oils and other botanical ingredients.
The good news is that when you use a natural product, it absorbs into the skin faster because the skin recognizes the molecules of the formula as familiar as opposed to the same lab-generated foreign chemical. And when you use natural products, your skin feels refreshed, hydrated and thankful for the extra love.
At the end (and beginning) of the day, it’s about protecting your skin while keeping it clean. Many people underestimate the effect of chemical irritants and don’t realize the long-term effects of applying these to the skin. “Organic” is no longer just a buzzword, it’s an identifier for Earth-derived substance and can make a world of difference in your skincare routine.
In an effort to clean those pores, remove makeup, eliminate dirt, dead skin cells and debris from pollution and other environmental factors, what exactly should you be looking for? Glad you asked. If you are perusing the local drugstore or searching online these are a few of the key things to be mindful of:
Look For These Ingredients:
- Antioxidants
Such as vitamin C, retinol, vitamin e, coenzyme Q10, polyphenols, flavonoids.
Antioxidants are not only effective in reducing wrinkles, but also ward off inflammation and skin cancer. Antioxidants are also known to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or molecules that can damage your skin’s DNA.
- Anti-bacterial
Elements such as benzoyl peroxide or natural salicylic acid can unclog pores and kill bacteria that lead to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. These agents can also loosen up the excess skin cells that build up over time, leaving your skin looking aged and rough.
- Organic
Products are derived from nature, free from pesticides and don’t contain any scary chemicals.
What To Avoid:
- Parabens
Preservatives that are not regulated by the FDA and while they stretch out the shelf life of a product, these have been linked to breast cancer.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
This may provide a squeaky-clean feeling, but at what cost? This will strip your skin of the natural oils you need for protection. To give you an idea, this chemical is found in car wash soap, engine degreasers and garage floor cleaners. Needless to say, it can upset and irritate the skin.
- Fragrances
While sounding lovely in print, this actually equates to a whole bevvy of chemicals which can cause asthma, allergy attacks, headaches and more. Fragrances tend to have phthalates, a group of chemicals linked to reproductive problems and birth defects. If it smells overly perfume-y, ditch it. When you use organic products, you’ll get a naturally fragrant scent that won’t harm your health.
- Alcohols
Can help other ingredients penetrate into the skin for maximum effectiveness but can be very drying and damaging to the skin. Alcohols can actually erode your skin’s natural barrier over time.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to look for and/or avoid, you are ready to set sail on your new natural face wash voyage. But, when you are narrowing down your choices, note that not all products that are labeled “natural” or “organic” are actually good for your skin. These are very hot marketing words to lure you in, but oftentimes if you the packaging and start reading ingredients you may find that there are some natural or organic ingredients included, but are also matched with a slew of chemicals. Yes, it is annoying and burdensome to have to read the back of every container, but your skin will be grateful in the long run. And it will look and feel amazing too!
