A Breakdown of Natural Skincare Ingredients

We’ve all heard America’s new favorite question: wait, is it organic?  Fear of artificial ingredients and chemicals extends far beyond food and beverages – beauty products are definitely included! As the trend of “going natural” continues, here are some natural skincare ingredients you can look for when choosing your next beauty products.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has plenty of benefits for your skin and the best part is that it’s all natural! If you are treating your hair for dandruff and are looking for a natural solution, tea tree oil is an option. Many shampoos on the market contain tea tree oil already in them – and are a lot more natural than typical dandruff shampoos. Studies show tea tree oil is effective for treating dandruff with a concentration of 5% – so aim for this concentration, as well.

Tea tree oil shampoo doesn’t completely get rid of dandruff, however. Dr. Prystowsky adds, “Maintenance treatment is probably necessary to keep dandruff under control this way.”

For more information on the potential benefits of Tea Tree Oil. Check out this Article!

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil: the holy grail of skin care, trends say. Why is coconut oil so great for skin and hair? Lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut oil, has great moisturizing and antimicrobial properties.

Dr. Prystowsky explains, “Lauric acid makes coconut oil a good option as a pre-wash to help manage split ends. It’s also great as a moisturizer, especially for dryer skin types! A study has even shown that coconut oil can improve atopic dermatitis.”

To maximize benefits, use coconut oil in your hair before your shower. It will help lock in moisture, and will help protect your hair from chemical damage from shampoos and physical damage when you are brushing and combing.

Vitamins

On vitamins, Dr. P says, “All vitamins are important for healthy skin. If you are deficient in a vitamin, it’s likely that it will be reflected in your skin.” The best way to make sure you’re getting all of your vitamins is by having a varied diet. True vitamin deficiencies are uncommon in the USA.

For example, if you notice bruising on your skin, it could be that you are experiencing vitamin C deficiency. You can find vitamin C naturally in citrus fruits.

If you are experiencing red, painful rashes you could be deficient in Niacin, or vitamin B. You can treat this deficiency by eating more turkey and chicken, two foods that contain tryptophan, an amino acid that gets converted to Niacin.

Other noteworthy vitamins that are essential for healthy skin are vitamins A, K, B2 (riboflavin), B6, B12, and Biotin. Fortunately, these are all vitamins you can add by incorporating them into your daily diet! Dr. P says, “Vitamin A can be found in sweet potato, carrots, and dark leafy greens. Riboflavin can be found in lamb and milk. Vitamin B6 can be found in sunflower seeds, pistachios, and fish. Vitamin B12 can be found in fish and beef. Biotin can be found in nuts and sunflower seeds. Vitamin K can be found in green leafy vegetables and brussels sprouts.”

If you’re not reaching your daily vitamin quota, supplement with vitamin tablets. If you’re not sure what vitamin you’re missing, taking a daily multivitamin will help too!

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