How Natural Ingredients Can Benefit Skin

Natural ingredients have great benefits for sensitive skin. Learn about which ingredients work well and which to avoid if you experience sensitivity.

Natural skincare ingredients have potent benefits for all skin types, but especially for those with sensitive skin. We source nourishing extracts from nature for our range of skincare, because we understand that natural can mean magical things for your complexion and confidence.

Those with sensitive skin are more susceptible to reactions and therefore require special care. To find out about more about sensitivity in skin, which ingredients to avoid and the best natural products for increasing skin vitality, read our helpful guide below.

What is sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is defined as skin that is prone to irritation and adverse reactions. Factors that can cause these reactions include changes to the environment, such as temperature change or an increase in air pollution. Other causes include our lifestyle, stress and hormonal change. And though we try to assist our skin with skincare regimes, certain products and ingredients can adversely implicate the health of our skin.

The way that our skin reacts to these factors can vary, as each skin type is unique. Common examples of sensitive skin reactions include increased redness, dryness and itchiness, inflammation, as well as flakiness.

Skincare ingredients to avoid for sensitive skin

For those with sensitive skin, reading the ingredients list on the back of your topical products can mean the difference between glowing or glowering skin. Irritation and inflammation can affect your overall confidence, so knowing which ingredients to look out for is worth taking the time to understand.

Everyone’s sensitivity is unique, but there are certain ingredients that everyone with sensitive skin should avoid. Products that contain alcohol, dyes, and fragrances all tend to have negative affects.

Natural Ingredients that Benefit Skin

Here’s the good news. Sensitive skin can be protected and rejuvenated by certain products, especially those derived naturally. What makes natural products so beneficial for those with sensitive skin is that their structure often closely aligns with what our own body produces. This encourages our natural production of sebum and collagen, which goes a long way in not only deterring sensitivity but also preventing signs of premature ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles. Look for sensitive skin products and skincare developed for sensitive skin, to ensure clarified and firm skin moving forward. We’ve listed the natural ingredients that can hugely benefit sensitive skin below.

Shea Butter and Forms of Honey

Shea butter is a natural fat which deeply softens and hydrates, leading to plumper, supple skin. This hero ingredient is derived from African Karate trees. Alongside this, honey is a humectant, meaning it keeps skin moist without making it look oily. Body moisturisers that contain shea butter and honey, like our Crème De Corps Whipped Body Butter, will ensure your skin is enriched with deep hydration.

Calendula

Flower power is a real thing. The petals found on the calendula flower are known to soothe irritated or sensitive skin and have been used medicinally for centuries. For those with sensitive skin, using a gentle cleanser is imperative. Our Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash uses extracts from the native Mediterranean flower to gently remove dirt and impurities whilst also soothing and revitalising skin. When toning, it’s important not to use products that contain alcohol, as it can strip and dry out your skin. Use an alcohol-free toner like the Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner to purify and further remove impurities.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is full of benefits for those with sensitive skin. You might be most familiar with the ingredient through its usage in after-sun products. The soothing gel is deeply absorbable, making its restorative qualities even stronger. When your skin could use extra hydration or feels a little tired, using a calming face mask with aloe vera like our Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Face Mask will actually reduce visible redness whilst brightening your complexion.

Hemp Oil

If you’re yet to try hemp skincare, this natural ingredient should make an appearance in your sensitive skin routine. Hemp oil helps to fortify the skin barrier (called the epidermis), which in turn protects your more vulnerable layers of skin from external irritants and dehydration. One of the best ways to strengthen your skin barrier is through the use of a facial oil, applied after your moisturiser to trap in water. Our Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate facial oil is made up of 60% hemp to help skin protect itself.

Squalane

Squalane oil is produced naturally by our own body, making it a deeply restorative topical treatment. Moisturisers that use squalane like our Ultra Facial Cream will go further in keeping your skin soft and supple all day.