The beauty world is awash with high-tech devices and cutting-edge ingredients, but when it comes to tackling some of the most common skincare concerns, it’s always better not to be updated. In some cases, simple natural selection may be as effective as a scientifically engineered solution.
“Many of my patients follow a ‘clean’ diet and want to expand this philosophy into their skincare routines,” Papri Sarkar, dermatologist, Brookline, MA MD said. “Finding effective clean beauty products isn’t as simple as finding organic products at the grocery store, but it’s easier than ever to find products that meet your needs.”
We Request Experts share ingredients that offer the best of both worlds—nature-based and science-backed.
Benefits: moisturizing, anti-inflammatory. There is growing scientific support for the use of this vegetable fat as a topical skin soother. Recent studies have shown that extra virgin coconut oil can suppress some of the body’s natural inflammatory factors while making the skin a better barrier. “Many people prefer coconut oil products to help combat dry, itchy skin and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis,” says Laurel Naversen Geraghty, MD, a dermatologist in Medford, Oregon. “Some of my psoriasis sufferers swear by an overnight coconut oil scalp treatment under a plastic shower cap.” But Geraghty warns against applying coconut oil to acne-prone areas, as it may worsen breakouts. Find it in the jar in the cooking area.
Benefits: wound healing. This ancient herb is often used for its wound-healing properties, and Asian delicacy is now part of the modern skin, says Dr. Michelle Wong, a cosmetic chemist and creator of the Lab Muffin Beauty Science blog. part of care. Chemicals in the plant boost blood supply to the injured area and strengthen the skin. The researchers found that when skin lesions in rats were treated with Centella asiatica
, the The healing rate is higher. The combination of amino acids, beta-carotene, fatty acids, and phytochemicals help speed up healing time, making it an effective treatment for injuries. Find it in balms and creams.
green tea
Benefits: Sun protection, anti-aging. The link between drinking green tea and improved health has been suggested for years, but it may also be helpful to use this plant on the skin. “Green tea has great effects on photoprotection and anti-aging,” says Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey. The polyphenols in green tea have antioxidant properties and soothing properties that help heal sun-damaged skin and offer a way to address the signs of sun damage, she says.
Find it in your drinkable tea and some sunscreen.
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, relieve eczema. “Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant chemicals called avenanthramines,” says Wong. “It also contains moisturizing beta glucans and starches. That’s why oatmeal baths are so effective for conditions like eczema and rashes.” But not all oatmeal is created equal, says Geraghty. “Colloidal oatmeal is a powder made by grinding oats and preparing them to a very small, specific size,” she says. This size and quality of oats is what makes this ingredient so therapeutic and capable of forming a soothing paste when mixed with water.
“I love colloidal oatmeal products because they’re gentle and safe, and studies show they don’t cause allergies or irritation,” says Geraghty. “I’ve found that if my eczema sufferers develop a gentle skincare routine and regularly slather on a thick moisturizer with colloidal oatmeal, they don’t need to use topical steroids as much or as often.” Find it in skin and bath care.
benefits: anti-inflammatory, anti-itching. Derived from the nut of the Shea tree, Shea Butter is an ingredient in many moisturizers. “It seems to be effective at hydrating the skin because it’s rich in fatty acids,” says Geraghty. These nutrients have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. She says shea butter may be most effective in treating and soothing eczema. A clinical study using shea butter for eczema in children showed a reduction in itching within 4 weeks, and another study in adults showed improvement within 2 weeks. Geraghty points to another benefit of natural moisturizers: Shea butter doesn’t seem to cause frequent skin irritations, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Find it in body creams and lotions.
Soy
Benefits: Inhibit pigmentation and increase collagen production. Soy contains a variety of phytochemicals that affect the skin. These include antioxidants, fatty acids, and isoflavones. Soy also produces estrogen, or phytoestrogens, to address skin problems associated with menopause.
” We believe one of the reasons postmenopausal women experience a decrease in skin elasticity and brightness is because of estrogen The hormones are reduced,” Sarkar said. “Topical estrogen has been shown to help reduce UV-induced hyperpigmentation and improve collagen synthesis.” She says soy won’t provide as powerful an effect as retinoids, but it’s an option for patients looking to address these concerns , which is another option. According to research, the isoflavones in soy also provide sun protection and help with hyperpigmentation to keep skin even.
It can be found in face creams and moisturizers.
Tea Tree Oil
Benefits: Antibacterial,
Herbal extracts from tea tree leaves are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, helping to fight a range of bacteria, fungi and bacteria, says Geraghty. “The fact that tea tree oil helps fight bacteria-caused acne means it may help reduce inflammatory types of blemishes—tender pustules or inflamed pink pimples,” she says. But topical treatments don’t do much for deep cystic acne or comedones. Geraghty also warns that using tea tree oil on the skin may cause irritation. She recommends monitoring the area for signs of redness and rash. Find it in skin treatments like facial masks.
Geraghty says that when trying any new treatment, it is best to let A dermatologist does some checks to make sure you’re using natural remedies the right way. “Coconut oil, for example, can make acne worse, and some treatments are completely unproven—they’re not worth it.”
Scoop: Fork
using NYC Seagull Fight hair’s arch-enemy with these pro tips from the salon’s head stylist and co-owner, Shaun Surething.
Fine Hair: For all hair types, especially fine hair, Using a humidifier while sleeping is absolutely essential. Hair split ends due to dryness, and fine hair is the easiest to split ends. “If you can make the financial leap, a good humidifier with a digital display is great,” Surething says. “Maintaining a high humidity level will help keep moisture in your hair and prevent split ends.”
Wavy hair: Swap your cotton pillowcases for satin, this will allow the waves to slide freely across the pillow instead of sticking to the cotton fibers. If you prefer cotton pillowcases, consider wrapping your hair in a satin scarf before bed, suggests Surething.
Wavy hair: Swap your cotton pillowcases for satin, this will allow the waves to slide freely across the pillow instead of sticking to the cotton fibers. If you prefer cotton pillowcases, consider wrapping your hair in a satin scarf before bed, suggests Surething.
curls: While changing the look of your hair is fun, keep in mind that overuse of hot tools and styling tools can lead to split ends. Surething says to always start gently at the bottom when grooming or brushing. Never tug on a tangle as it can cause the strands to tear and split. Shield from the heat with a heat protection spray.
Coarse Hair: On coarse, curly hair, it is more difficult to retain moisture , so a weekly mask and moisturizing conditioner are the most important. “These products lock in moisture and create a barrier between the hair cuticle and the elements, including rain, snow and sun,” says Surething.
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