Natural skin care is based on using botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, and manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.
Natural skin care has its roots in the 4th millennium BC in China and the Middle East. It is believed that the Egyptians developed many natural skin care treatments for a variety of skin conditions. One such treatment consisted of bullock´s bile, whipped ostrich eggs, olive oil, dough and resin mixed with milk. In the modern age many people with unique skin types and needs (sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin) have turned to natural skin care solutions.
Luckily today life is slightly more convenient and we do not have to venture out ourselves and source “bullock´s bile”. Natural beauty is now packaged in pretty, recyclable containers and can be purchased off the shelf at your local shopping centre.
Natural skin care goes beyond the application of products on one´s skin. It also pertains to a holistic philosophy surrounding the holistic care of one´s body. This includes the belief that what is ingested affects all aspects of health, including the health of skin. People who use natural skin care products are less concerned with artificial beauty enhancements, as they feel that natural beauty is healthy beauty.
Beware the sun
According to CANSA, skin cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa with 20 000 new cases reported each year. With Summer right around the corner here are some ´natural remedies´ to cover up and protect your skin this season.
Containing Phytosan, known for its anti-tumor effects, Africology´s SPF 30 (R190 for 50ml) increases the skin´s resistance to UV damage. Africology focuses on increasing the skin´s tolerance to UV rays in a more natural way. The aim of this product is to reflect the sun´s rays away rather than allowing absorption by the skin, causing cellular damage. We love that this sunscreen is easily applied and absorbed into the skin without leaving that sticky feeling – great when used on your face – and it’s 100% natural, biodegradable and safe for babies. Also as part of their sun care range is an After Sun Soothing Gel (R132 for 50ml) perfect after a day at the beach.
liveeco´s essential summer tip: Always wear a hat when exposed to the sun. Woolies has a fabulous range this Summer.
Skin Deep
Need a lift? Avoid the knife and go natural with The Body Shop´s new range Natrulift – made with organic pomegranate. A firming extract obtained from the pulp, seeds and skin of the pomegranate has been shown to help improve collagen production to keep the skin´s firmness. An organic oil has also been extracted from the seeds that is rich in anti-oxidants, which are known to protect against free-radicals. In addition to pomegranate, the Natrulift range harnesses the skin-caring power of a blend of natural ingredients, each ethically sourced from Community Trade suppliers around the world. These include Brazil nut oil from Peru to Aloe Vera from Guatemala.
liveeco loves the Natrulift Firming Night Cream (R165 for 50ml) for its smooth, rich texture that hydrates skin overnight. Our favorite part of this range is the exquisite, bright, pomegranate pink packaging!
Dry skin that needs some exfoliation? Look no further than Meadowsweet´s Purifying Body Salt Scrub (R54.95 for 250ml). This locally made range is affordable and paraben-free. The Purifying Body Salt Scrub purifies by artfully combining Fennel and Grapefruit pure essential oils with natural Sea salt. This scrub is an eco fabulous exfoliant that leaves skin feeling healthy and silky smooth – it gets our green, glam thumbs of approval. Afterwards lather up with African Organics´s Body Lotion (R45 for 250ml) with Kigelia. Kigelia Africana is extracted from the curiously named African Sausage Tree and helps to improve firmness and elasticity in the skin. It has also been used to alleviate sun spots and blemishes.
The liveeco team
