5 Ingredients To Look For In Natural Summer Beauty Products
Summer means plenty of outdoor time with holidays, festivals and beach days. This is great for the body and soul, but it can be tough on our skin and hair. The combination of heat, humidity, sun and environmental stressors can lead to dryness, irritation and oiliness. This can be made worse by the harsh chemicals found in mainstream beauty products.
Here are some nutrient-rich, plant based alternatives to look out for that will soothe and protect your skin and hair without any unwanted side effects.
Murumuru butter
If you need intense hydration for your skin and hair in the summer, but don’t want the heaviness and greasiness that some products can cause, then pure murumuru butters are the answer to your prayers. They are derived from the nuts of the Brazilian murumuru palm tree, and are rich in lauric acid, vitamin A and essential fatty acids.
The light formula is easily absorbed into the skin without clogging pores, and it has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it ideal for sun damaged skin, or for treating inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. The oleic and linoleic oils help to restore moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
The product can also be used as an organic hair conditioner to help repair dry, sun damaged strands and leave them soft and hydrated.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a nutritional powerhouse that has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant. It has natural antibacterial properties and is used to treat wounds and inflamed skin, and to promote healing. It’s lightly hydrating and cleanses without stripping away natural oils, so it’s an ideal ingredient for facial cleansers for sensitive summer skin.
It’s also a lovely soothing ingredient to look out for in moisturisers, sunscreens, and natural shampoo formulas that don’t irritate the scalp.
Shea butter
Shea butter is a nutrient-dense fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. Known for its incredible moisturising properties, it’s ideal for those whose skin or hair needs extra TLC after days in the sun, wind, or water. It creates a protective barrier on dry skin to prevent moisture loss without feeling greasy. It’s ideal for hands, cracked heels, and elbows.
Shea butter is packed with vitamins A, E & F, and is a traditional remedy for sunburn, insect bites, and eczema. It’s mild enough to be used on children and babies, and can be used to treat nappy rash. Look for formulas that contain no chemicals, preservatives and artificial additives (although blends such as organic chamomile and jojoba oil are useful).
It's also a great product for treating dry, frizzy hair, or for protecting your hair from saltwater or chlorine damage. The shea butter coats the hair shaft to seal in moisture and protect against breakage.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a multitasking product that is an ideal hand luggage space saver. It’s ultra-hydrating and yet easily absorbed so it won’t leave you feeling sticky and weighed down. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, and can be used to soothe inflamed skin and promote the healing of wounds, insect bites and rashes.
It’s also a popular ingredient for haircare products, helping to balance dry flaky scalps while adding softness and shine to finer hair. It is often blended with other oils and butters such as shea butter and jojoba oil for even more intense hydration.
Green tea extract
Green tea extract is rich in polyphenols, which help to fight the free radical damage caused by pollutants and UV rays. If you are exploring new cities and urban areas this summer, it’s an ideal ingredient to look out for in cleansers, toners, moisturisers, and sunscreens.
It also has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, so it’s often used as a medicinal ingredient in light moisturisers to hydrate acne prone skin.
When choosing organic beauty products, always read the labels to ensure they are 100 per cent natural formulas with no artificial colours, preservatives or fragrances.
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