You can do many things to have naturally beautiful skin without using harsh chemicals. One of the simplest things you can do is drink plenty of water. Water helps flush out toxins from the body, and it also helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Eating a healthy diet is also vital for keeping your skin looking its best. Foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You can also use natural ingredients to take care of your skin. For example, you can use olive oil or coconut oil to moisturize your skin or lemon juice to exfoliate your skin.
- In this article, we go through the best natural skin care ingredients, products, and routines you can do (aka the outside approach).
- In the forthcoming article, we go deeper into nutrition and the gut-skin -axis, so more of an inside-out approach.
What exactly is the best moisturizer for your skin?
Dry skin is no longer a problem if you become friends with the oil world. Oils and waxes in natural cosmetics have been rising for quite a while now. Read further to learn more.
Why is body oil essential in skin care?
The protective lipid layer covers our entire body, regardless of the season. As a result, we're already oily. Lipids are natural fats that protect us from the sun, keep moisture in our cells, and help to heal skin that scratches or wounds have damaged. On the other hand, our daily habits only remove the necessary fat. Hand washing, disinfection, alcohol-based products, soap, and relaxing, long showers and baths in warm water are all negative influencers on your skin.
The effect of temperature on the skin
Cold weather improves blood circulation in the face and body, reducing swelling around the eyes and face. To avoid frostbite, however, the skin must be supported. It is beneficial to moisturize yourself at least twice a day. Some people, particularly young children and the elderly, are more sensitive to climate change than others. Our skin's natural fat components decrease as we age, and our skin becomes thinner.
When it comes to your face, the skin under your eyes is ten times thinner than the rest of your face. It should also be well-supported and moisturized several times per day. We use lip moisturizer several times a day, and that's correct. However, the skin under the eyes is just as important and requires hydration several times daily. The simplest method is to use the same lip balm that you use on your lips. However, you should check the composition; if the lip balm contains strong essential oils that may irritate the eyes, choose something else.
Use an oil or body lotion that does not contain water after washing or disinfecting your hands. Make sure to concentrate on all of the body's parts.
Water-based products are not recommended during the autumn-winter season because the constant changes in indoor and outdoor temperatures cause water to evaporate quickly, leaving you with a continuous need for cream throughout the day. On the other hand, oils and waxes help keep moisture inside the cell and form a protective layer around it. Throughout the day, your skin is well moisturized.
How to choose the right oil?
Oils regulate fat production in the skin. Many vegetable oils mimic the natural lipids found in our skin, which helps to improve and regulate the skin's natural moisture barrier. The oils are advertised for their absorbent properties.
Furthermore, facial oil is a good option for acne or oily skin. Even many dermatologists claim that the oil helps reduce the skin's natural oil production when there is a risk of overproduction, no matter how strange it may seem. If you support the body externally, it won't have to do it independently. Anti-inflammatory properties are found in many oils, which can help soothe irritated skin.
Natural relief for a range of skin problems and for moisturising: Try out our new BIOHACKER'S functional natural fix
While terms like "organic" and "eco" refer to the cultivation of ingredients and are already well-known, "cold-pressed" or "unrefined" refers to the method of processing. Heat treatment or chemical solvents are the most common methods for extracting oil from raw nuts and seeds, and the result is refined oil. Both techniques reduce the number of natural vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids in the oil, lowering its quality. Consider this process similar to cooking in that even if you start with a healthy vegetable, its nutritional value is significantly reduced once cooked.
The oil you select must be cold-pressed. Because refined oil loses its intense natural scent and can easily add everything it needs, it is commonly used in the beauty industry. According to studies, cold-pressed or unrefined oil contains more antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and thus provides better skin protection than refined oil. Cold-pressed oils have a longer shelf life and can often be used without the addition of synthetic preservatives. Overall, cold pressing produces a clean, robust, and efficient product.
To clean the face and for make-up removal: Try out Biohacker's Functional cleanser.
Using a body oil or face oil
When it comes to oils, it's also important to understand that different oils absorb at different rates due to their different molecular weights.
For example:
- grape seed, almond, and hemp oils are quickly absorbed
- olive, jojoba, and argan oils are absorbed moderately
- avocado and coconut oil are absorbed slowly
In some ways, all fats are beneficial, but knowing when to use which one depends on the situation. Evening bath rituals benefit from slow oils, but fast and medium absorption oils are better for quick morning rituals. In the winter, it's also beneficial to use oils slowly absorbed in outdoor sports for a long time. To avoid pore-clogging or soiling, eliminating any excess fat on the skin is always a good idea.
It's a great way to moisturize your feet by making them oily and wearing socks overnight. If sleeping with thin gloves is possible, you can do the same for the hands.
For massage: Check out BIOHACKER'S Functional Massage Oil
Sauna and natural skin care
Sauna has long been regarded as one of Finland's and Estonia's favorite pastimes. Sauna is always essential to Finnish and Estonian people, and the rest of the world is aware of our long-standing tradition. Today, going to the sauna is considered one of the forms of therapy because it releases happiness hormones in the body, reducing stress and elevating mood on its own. You will feel light and happy after the sauna procedures. A restful night's sleep is assured.
Sauna has a good effect on the body
Read more about the health benefits of the sauna in our Heat alteration article.
The skin is renewed from the inside out over 28 days. The skin's self-renewal is aided and accelerated in a sauna with branches and hot steam. Sweat can help your immune system by removing harmful toxins from your body.
Birch whisk is a tradition often used in the sauna to get all kinds of benefits. Whisks can be made from a variety of plants. Although birch and oak are more well-known, why not juniper or nettle? Nettle is perfect for aching joints. Place the tree branch (whisk) in warm water for up to five minutes (avoid boiling), then in cold water for up to five minutes to get an excellent whisking experience.
You could make a sauna whisk out of your backyard during the summer. Every plant has its energy, and you might be surprised at how the plants you require arrive at your doorstep. Whipping fresh plants in the sauna or steam room also produces a wonderful magical aroma. It's not a good idea to soak branches in water after whipping because this will cause the whisk to lose its leaves the fastest.
If a ritual experience is desired, you can add fresh or dried plants to the steam water. A good sauna experience also includes a variety of essential oils. Everyone has a favorite, but eucalyptus is always helpful in treating respiratory ailments.
It's important to remember that going to the sauna dehydrates your body, so drinking alcohol isn't a good idea. Instead, double-check that you have enough water.
What are the important health implications of using the sauna?
Even Hippocrates, the father of ancient medicine, stated that if no other treatment works, the sauna will undoubtedly help.
Elevated body temperature (such as going to the sauna) strengthens immunity by promoting white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, interferons and enhancing the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells.
Saunas are especially beneficial for people who suffer from respiratory problems. The sauna can also help with joint pain and chronic headaches because it is a natural pain reliever.
According to a study by Finns in 2018, those who visited the sauna more than four times per week had a 63 percent lower risk of dying from a heart attack than those who went to the sauna only once per week.
Having a sauna also helps to relieve muscle tension after a workout.
How to experience sauna procedures?
When going to the sauna, you should shower with running water before entering the sauna (for hygiene reasons).
One of the most common blunders is washing with soap or shower gel after enjoying sauna pleasures. The soap dries out the skin by removing its natural protective layer. We are already wiping out the pores and sweating out the toxins in the sauna, so there is no point in rubbing off this last layer of protection.
A thorough body scrub should follow sauna sessions to remove dead skin cells. Because the essential oil in it creates the magic of scent in the heat and offers a special aromatherapy pleasure, our female force exfoliator is designed for sauna fans. A regular sauna session also aids in the preservation of youth, as various procedures aid in retaining moisture in the skin.
For this, we recommend: BIOHACKER's functional body scrub.
Three reasons to use beeswax in your beauty treatments
One of the most underappreciated skin care ingredients is beeswax. Beeswax is a powerful skincare ingredient that we always see, but many consumers and even skincare companies are unaware of it. Wax can last thousands of years in good condition.
Beeswax is a waxy substance produced by bees. The white wax in the honeycomb turns yellow or brown when pollen is mixed in. Wax products are probably not for you if you are allergic to honey or pollen.
The three most compelling arguments for using beeswax in your beauty treatments are as follows.
1. Support for sensitive skin
Since ancient Egyptian times, there have been numerous benefits to using beeswax on the skin. It has traditionally been used to treat burns and wounds but has beneficial properties. The composition of beeswax alone is impressive; it contains over 300 ingredients.
Because it is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, beeswax benefits all skin types and people of all ages, but it is especially beneficial to sensitive skin. It soothes itching and irritation while promoting skin recovery—dry or flaky skin's best friend.
Beeswax for hair nourishes, softens, and nourishes the ends of your hair while increasing its shine.
2. Beeswax and skin moisturizing
Beeswax is a natural moisturizer found in various skincare products and cosmetics. It is particularly effective because it shields you from the cold and the wind. Because it can lock in moisture, the wax helps to protect and repair rough, dry, or cracked skin. Beeswax products can be used daily, in addition to being a natural moisturizer that nourishes the skin.
Beeswax creates a natural barrier on the skin's surface, protecting it from environmental irritants and elements. Beeswax is unique because it does not clog pores and allows the skin to breathe. This natural barrier also prevents fluid loss, keeping the skin soft and supple for an extended period.
Wax contains vitamin A and has emollient properties that aid cell regeneration. The wax relieves fine lines on the face and body thanks to its vitamin A content. Vitamin A makes retinol products, which help speed up cell turnover and stimulate collagen production.
After a runny nose, this is a great way to heal your skin and relieve sunburn.
3. Alleviation of skin diseases
Beeswax has been used for skin problems for a long time to improve the texture and condition of the skin due to its antibacterial properties. Beeswax is now used to treat the symptoms of psoriasis and dermatitis, among other skin conditions. Natural products are far better at caring for sensitive skin than skin care products containing synthetic ingredients, based on a 2018 study. Natural products relieve redness and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Beeswax is one of the best skin-softening ingredients, and it also helps to increase skin elasticity and soothes reddened skin. The wax aids in the treatment of acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Beeswax is an excellent choice for a variety of skin problems. Diaper dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema can all benefit from a mixture of honey, beeswax, and olive oil. Honey and honey mixtures have been shown in studies to inhibit the growth of bacteria that affect the skin and cause skin diseases. Beeswax removes pathogens from the skin, allowing it to heal.
Beeswax can be found in Biohacker's Functional Hydrating Skin Balm and Functional Lip Balm.
Additional materials – Herbs in the BIOHACKER's functional products
Herbs in the Sauna balm:
- Celandine soothes skin and reduces redness, in addition to being anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. It also stimulates the immune system by being absorbed through the skin.
- Yarrow is deeply nourishing and restorative, helping to heal broken capillaries, and is ideal for sensitive and problematic skin. It speeds up blood circulation, opens pores, and relieves skin irritations.
Herbs in the Lip balm:
- Meadowsweet is anti-inflammatory and promotes skin healing, recovery, and strengthening.
- Horsetail is known for its anti-aging properties due to its ability to help form collagen and restore damaged skin.
Herbs in the Massage oil:
- Folk medicine uses red clover for its therapeutic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects, and Lady's mantle is a skin toner and healer.
- Red clover is a plant that energetically supports communication—accepting others and telling your truth.
- Lady's mantle energetically supports the power of female energy. We all have both male and female energy, which needs balance.
Herbs in the Cleanser:
- Meadowsweet strengthens, soothes, and heals wounds, inhibiting inflammation and having an antibacterial effect. Thus, it promotes skin healing, recovery, and seasoning. It is used for sensitive skin due to its soft toning effect, but suitable for everyone. It also relieves itchy and reddened skin. Supports skin renewal processes while restoring pH balance.
Herbs in the Natural fix oil:
- Oregano is an antibacterial and skin rejuvenator. Energetically, it has the power to soothe and calm.
- Peppermint cools and soothes. Energetically supports sharpness of thought and keeping focus.
- Yarrow is deeply nourishing and restorative. It helps heal broken capillaries and is ideal for sensitive and problematic skin. It accelerates blood circulation, opens pores, and relieves skin irritations.
Herbs in the Scrub:
- Lemon eucalyptus provides freshness, strengthens the immune system, and soothes.
- Yarrow is deeply nourishing and restorative, helping heal broken capillaries and relieving skin irritations.
- Yarrow is one of the oldest medicinal herbs mentioned in the earliest plant medicine books.
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How do you support skin health? What is your skin care routine? Tell us in the comments.
This long article is a compilation of three blog posts written by Mai-Liis Kivistik (the founder of MAIWISTIK natural cosmetics brand - also the formulator of Biohacker's Functional Cosmetics).
Article edited and composed by: Olli Sovijärvi