skin health
Let's explore the world of skin health using natural products
What is the skin and what does it do for the body?
skin
The outer covering of the body. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it performs a number of vital functions. It serves as a protective barrier against microorganisms. It helps shield the delicate, sensitive tissues underneath from mechanical and other injuries. It acts as an insulator against heat and cold, and helps eliminate body wastes in the form of perspiration. It guards against excessive exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun by producing a protective pigmentation, and it helps produce the body’s supply of vitamin D. Its sense receptors enable the body to feel pain, cold, heat, touch and pressure. The skin consists of two main parts: and outer layer, the epidermis, and and inner layer, the corium (or dermis).
What is the epidermis?
Epidermis. The epidermis is thinner than the corium, and is made up of several layers of different kinds of cells. The number of cells varies in different parts of the body; the greatest number is in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, where the skin is thickest.
What is the corium or dermis?
Corium. Underneath the epidermis is the thicker part of the skin, the corium, or dermis, which is made up of connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves. It projects into the epidermis in ridges called papillae of the corium. The nerves that extend through the corium end in the papillae. The various skin sensations, such as touch, pain, pressure, heat, and cold, are felt through these nerves. The reaction to heat and cold causes the expansion and contraction of the blood capillaries of the corium. This in turn causes more or less blood to flow through the skin, resulting in greater or smaller loss of body heat. [1]
What exactly is natural skin care?
Natural skin care uses topical creams, oils, butters, and lotions made of ingredients available in nature and have not been polluted with things that are not grown naturally in nature. This means free of chemicals, parabens and any other unnaturally occurring ingredients.
So, what are parabens? According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), parabens are man-made chemicals often used in small amounts as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, foods, and beverages. Common parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Often more than one paraben is used in a single product. [2]
Most people don’t think of natural skin care as something done internally. But this is not true. Although when one thinks of skin care they think of topically and not internally. Consuming certain herbs and or spices also have benefits for the skin and therefore help aid in the natural care of it from the inside out. Let’s have a look at a few these herbs and spices and how they function in the body to aid in the care of your skin.
Garlic
Garlic comes from the herb Allium sativum under the
family of Alliaceae. Its chemical constituents are Llicin,
phytoncidea, alliin, ajoene, isoalliin, methiin etc. The main
component in raw garlic is alliin; when fresh garlic is
chopped or crushed, the enzyme alliinase converts alliin
into allicin. Garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral,
and antiseptic properties because of allicin. Allicin
helps to kill the bacteria that causes acne. It also helps to
reduce swelling and inflammation and increases blood
circulation. Garlic also has thiosulfinates, which act as an
antimicrobial agent. With regular use, it clears the skin.
Garlic has potential effects on several medical conditions
like cancer, psoriasis and wound healing. Some studies
have shown that garlic possesses anti-inflammatory
properties. These properties are proved for reducing the
inflammation of acne. Garlic oil is useful to control sores,
pimples and acne. That’s why it can be frequently used in
skin lotions and creams. [3]
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains the most antioxidants among all spices. Along with
polyphenols, cinnamon contains phenolic acid and other
flavonoids. These nutrients in cinnamon are good for skin
e.g. they can protect skin cells from free radical activity and
also can increase skin glow. Due to anti-fungal, antioxidant
and anti-bacterial properties, cinnamon has become more
useful against acne and skin blemishes. It enhances blood
flow to the surface of the skin and hence ensures moist
skin.
Ginger
Ginger root or rhizome is widely used as spice and folk medicine. In
addition to its medicinal value, ginger is used in skin care as
well. It contains about 40 antioxidant compounds that fight
against aging. It can improve the appearance of the skin by
removing the toxins and stimulating the circulation. It
maintains the elasticity and firmness of the skin and makes it
more youthful. Because of its toning and antioxidant
properties, ginger can reduce the hypopigmented scars (scars
that are white or much lighter than skin tone) of skin and thus
causes radiant and glowing skin. [3]
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, with several hundred species native to warm, tropical regions. Also called “rosemallow,” hibiscus can be grown indoors or out. Many cultures enjoy hibiscus tea, made from the flowers and served both hot and cold. Traditionally, hibiscus was used for treating loss of appetite, colds, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling, stomach irritation, as a laxative, and as a diuretic. Natural AHAs “anthocyanosides” in Hibiscus purify and restore the skin by breaking down dead skin cells, increasing cell turnover, and promoting healthy skin. Hibiscus is packed with Vitamin C and promotes collagen production which makes the skin look firmer and more toned. Hibiscus is also rich in antioxidants which battle free radicals formed as a result of UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental stressors. It also soothes the skin and is a perfect fit for people with sensitive skin.
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), a member of the daisy family, has been used for centuries, both internally and externally, for treating many conditions, especially gastrointestinal tract symptoms, oral or skin inflammation, as well as dermatitis. A tea is made by using 2–3 teaspoons (tsp; 10–15 mL) of dried flowers per cup of water and is taken internally or used as a compress. [4]
Rose Hip
Rosa species, rose hips, are widespread wild plants that have been traditionally used as medicinal compounds for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. The therapeutic potential of these plants is based on its antioxidant effects caused by or associated with its phytochemical composition, which includes ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds and healthy fatty acids among others. Over the last few years, medicinal interest in rose hips has increased as a consequence of recent research that has studied its potential application as a treatment for several diseases including skin disorders, hepatotoxicity, renal disturbances, diarrhoea, inflammatory disorders, arthritis, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and cancer. [5]
Rosehip tea is an herbal tea made from the pseudo-fruits of the rose plant. Rose hips have been linked to numerous benefits, including improved immunity, heart health, weight loss, and skin aging.
Gotu Kola
This legendary herb has long been known to speed up the healing of bruises and wounds, reducing swelling and pain as well. This is due to the presence of saponins in this herb, which stimulates circulation and speeds up the healing process. [6]
You can mix Gotu Kola into many other lotions or creams to make a wound-healing solution or simply use the essential oil of this herb for a powerful dose of health benefits.
Gotu kola is considered a nutritious herb, filled with vitamins A, B-complex, B2, C and K, as well as other elements such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, antioxidants, flavonoids, sterols, amino acids, fatty acids, alkaloids, sterols and triterpenoids or saponins, such as as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and madasiatic acid.
These elements combined make a healthy tea that may help not only to treat various health issues, but also ward off disease.
Now that we have seen a few examples of herbs and spices that we use internally and not just topically for skin benefits among many other benefits. Let’s take a look at what natural skin care products offer over commercial grade products with unnatural ingredients.
First, let’s look at soaps.
Natural soap is made by combining fats or oils and an alkali, such as lye. The fats and oils, which may be from animal, vegetable, or mineral sources, are degraded into free fatty acids, which then combine with the alkali to form crude soap. The lye reacts with the oils, turning what starts out as liquid into blocks of soap. When made properly, no lye remains in the finished product. In the past, people commonly made their own soap using animal fats and lye that had been extracted from wood ashes.
Most body cleansers, both liquid and solid, are actually synthetic detergent products. Detergent cleansers are popular because they make suds easily in water and don’t form gummy deposits. Some of these detergent products are actually marketed as “soap” but are not true soap according to the regulatory definition of the word. [7]
Many commercial soaps contain chemical-based colorants, dyes, fragrances, lathering agents, preservatives, and other “things” we can’t pronounce. These additives can wreak havoc on our sensitive skin and hair, and pollute our drinking water. Commercial soap lacks glycerin. Glycerin is a naturally occurring byproduct of the saponification process (that’s the chemical reaction that we call soap making). Glycerin is a humectant—meaning it draws moisture from the air to your skin—leaving your skin soft and moisturized. Handmade soap is made of vegetable oils (sometimes animal fats too) lye and butters that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that are essential to healthy skin.
What would you choose to put on your skin? Below we will look at some natural handmade soaps by www.estheticsoaps.com and their ingredients. Click the link below to purchase your natural handmade soap or even have one custom created for you. 
Moringa oats
Ingredients:
Olive oil (Olea europaea fruit oil) infused Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata Flower), Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis root), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus leaf oil), Lemon balm(Melissa officinalis leaf), Sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus seed oil), Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii), Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao seed butter), Moringa powder (Moringa oleifera leaf), Ground Oats (Avena sativa kernel meal), Distilled water (Aqua), *Lye (Sodium hydroxide).
*No lye remains after saponification process.
Baby bar Oatmeal & Blue Clay
Ingredients:
Olive oil (Olea europaea fruit oil), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii), Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter), Blue Cambrian clay (Phycocyanin), Ground Oats (Avena sativa kernel meal), Distilled water, *Lye (Sodium hydroxide).
*No lye remains after saponification process.
Baby bars are gentle for the whole family.
Aloe Oats & Honey Soap
Ingredients:
Sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus seed oil), Mango Butter (Mangifera indica seed butter), Murumuru butter (Astrocaryum murumuru), *Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera), *Shea Muyao Butter (Vitellaria nilotica), *Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao seed butter), *Nettle oil (Urtica dioica) infused *sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus seed oil), *Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), *Ground Oats (Avena sativa kernel meal), *Raw honey (Mel), Aloe Vera gel (Aloe barbadensis leaf juice), *Apple cider vinegar (Vinegar), *Oat milk (Avena sativa kernel meal & Distilled water (Aqua), **Lye (Sodium hydroxide).
*Organic
**No lye remains after saponification process.
Now let’s look at some of these ingredients and the benefits.
Olive oil comes from the fruits of Olea europaea trees. It consists mainly of oleic acid, with smaller quantities of other fatty acids such as linoleic acid and palmitic acid. More than 200 different chemical compounds have been detected in olive oil, including sterols, carotenoids, triterpenic alcohols, and phenolic compounds. Hydrophilic phenols are the most abundant antioxidants of olive oil. The phenolic contents have antioxidant properties higher than those of vitamin E. [8]
Coconut Oil Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae, Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which are a form of saturated fat. In fact, these medium-chain fatty acids make up about 65% of its total composition. [9]
The fatty acids found in coconut oil include: [9]
- Lauric acid: 49%
- Myristic acid: 18%
- Caprylic acid: 8%
- Palmitic acid: 8%
- Capric acid: 7%
- Oleic acid: 6%
- Linoleic acid: 2%
- Stearic acid: 2%
The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful microorganisms. This is especially important for skin health, as many types of skin infections, including acne, cellulitis, folliculitis and athlete’s foot, are caused by bacteria or fungi. Applying coconut oil directly to the skin may prevent the growth of these microorganisms. This is due to its lauric acid content, which makes up nearly 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil and can fight harmful microorganisms. [10]
Shea Butter Butyrospermum parkii- shea nuts and shea fat (shea butter) constitute a significant source of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting compounds. [11] shea butter boosts collagen production, demonstrating some major anti-aging potential.
Mango butter Mangifera indica- Mango possesses antidiabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, cardiotonic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory properties. Various effects like antibacterial, anti fungal, anthelmintic, anti parasitic, anti tumor, anti HIV, antibone resorption, antispasmodic, antipyretic, antidiarrhoeal, antiallergic, immunomodulation, hypolipidemic, anti microbial, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective have also been studied. Pharmacologically and medicinally important chemical such as mangiferin, being a polyphenolic antioxidant and a glucosyl xanthone, it has strong antioxidant, anti lipid peroxidation, immunomodulation, cardiotonic, hypotensive, wound healing, antidegenerative and antidiabetic activities. [12]
Now these are just a few ingredients used in natural skin care, to learn about the benefits of herbs in skin care check out the Herbal Glossary
Now let’s have a quick look at some ingredients in commercial soaps, lotions, body butters and creams in comparison to natural products.
There is no doubt the commercial market is more about producing quantity over quality. What you put on your body and in your body is a direct reflection of your overall health. Natural herbs and products are all that is meant to go on or in your body.
