At one time, natural skin care products involved raiding the kitchen cupboards and creating a home-made concoction. Looking for an exfoliating face mask? Try slathering on honey. For sleek, glossy hair? Apply mashed avocado for 20 minutes before shampooing…
However effective these remedies are, it's hard to find the time in a busy working week to prepare a cleanser or moisturiser, but with reports of damaging chemical "nasties" such as parabens and sulphates in beauty products, natural skin care sounds more and more appealing. A straightforward solution? The latest ranges of natural skin care. Today's natural products combine 21st century science with eco-friendly credentials and botanical ingredients so you can nurture your skin in the blink of an eye, and without a recipe book in sight.
Whilst "natural" is hard to define as some natural substances are poisonous, the easiest way to tell if a product is natural is to read the label and look at the ingredients - synthetic preservatives, phthalates and silicones are a few of the chemicals you won't find in natural skin care products. However, the lack of man-made substances doesn't mean these products aren't effective, the alternative botanical ingredients used are potent, powerful and many have been used in skin care remedies for centuries.
With our increased eco-awareness - an emphasis on recycling, sustainability and a greater interest in our impact on the environment - using botanical beauty products seems a natural progression as it's both kinder to our skin and the environment. Indeed, a growing number of beauty brands not only manufacture products but grow their own ingredients and are committed to sustainability. Jurlique operate from their biodynamic farm in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, growing over 35 varieties of plants on 153 acres, whilst Dr Hauschka has gardens specialising in holistic agriculture which supply many of the botanicals used in the products - their cult moisturiser Rose Day Cream uses over 1,075 organic rose petals in each tube, a flower known for its ability to help smooth, tone and repair skin.
For nearly every skin care product using artificial ingredients, there is a plant or flower which can do the same job. Want to reduce the appearance of fine lines? Try Neal's Yard Frankincense Hydrating Cream.
And if swapping to all-natural seems a little too much try adding 1 or 2 products to your daily routine. Infused with delectable essential oils and bursting with vitamins, these all-natural, hydrating products will help to nourish and soothe your skin:
