We're Going Au Naturale | Organic Skin Solutions Sans the Caustic Chemicals

Posted by Amy Pyles on 23rd Oct 2019

Our skin is a tough yet flexible armor protecting our innards against heat, light, injury and infection. Considering our intense, ever-changing elements, we’d say our skin has a giant job to do. The market is chock-full of acne fighting products to make this smoother and make that tighter, beautify this and eliminate that. Unfortunately, we’re still searching for that perfect potion because acne continues to plague tens of millions of Americans of all ages, according to The American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists have their work cut out for them as about half of all acne sufferers, teens and adults alike, will seek professional help for their skin sometime in their lives. The skincare industry has taken note.

Acne is caused by a plethora of sometimes unavoidable factors including:

Stress
Poor diet
Lack of hydration
Bacteria
Clogged pores (due to excess oil production and dead skin cell buildup)
Picking at skin and blemishes (Admit it, you’re guilty!)
Oxidative damage (resulting from an imbalance between free-radicals and antioxidants)
Sleep deprivation
Genetic pre-disposition
Smoking and alcohol consumption
Over-cleansing
Hormonal imbalances and fluctuations
Experimenting with too many skincare products
Harsh chemicals

Our Favorite Chemical-Free, Skin Supporting Substances:

Apple Cider Vinegar — Packed with potassium, magnesium, acetic acid and enzymes that kill bacteria, apple cider vinegar tones, stimulates circulation, balances oils and skin pH, whisks away pore-clogging dead skin cells, and more. (Dilution is recommended to prevent any irritation.)
Activated Charcoal — Drawing dirt, bacteria, chemicals, and other micro-particles to the skin’s surface, activated charcoal powder is proven to absorb thousands of times its own mass in harmful substances which makes this an excellent cleanser or face mask additive.
Rose — Rose oil is especially soothing for dry and aging skin with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds. Need we mention its intoxicating scent?
Green Tea — This powerful antioxidant fights against skin cancer by promoting DNA repair. It also improves skin tone, reduces acne, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, and dark spots. Better yet, green tea has caffeine and tannins which shrink blood vessels around the eyes, thus reducing dark circles.
Hyaluronic Acid — Naturally produced by our bodies, hyaluronic acid helps retain collagen, increase moisture, and provide elasticity and flexibility. Its Fountain of Youth properties make it a no-brainer for our list!
Aloe Vera — This evergreen perennial has anti-inflammatory affects making it a great blemish healer. It inhibits the growth of bacteria-causing infections and improves the look of wrinkles and skin elasticity. Its extract effectively hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.
Coconut Oil — A sultan of superfoods, coconut oil boasts a benefit list too long for a blog. Its medium-chain fatty acids permeate skin cell membranes easily boosting collagen and acting as a natural sunscreen. These acids are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, fighting skin infections and acne. When taken internally, coconut oil’s fats deposit under the skin reducing the appearance of pores. Skin aside, this king of the essential oil kingdom burns fat, can help prevent seizures, raises good cholesterol, prevents heart disease and high blood pressure, improves energy and brain function, and so much more.

Hats off to Mother Nature for providing these natural goodies, but we recommend practicing healthy lifestyle routines to fight acne and support glowing a complexion. Proper hydration, a nutrient rich diet, consistent cleansing and moisturization, along with zinc, fish oil, and vitamin E supplements all contribute to clear and glowing skin. All natural, all good.

It’s important to note that all chemicals are not necessarily ailment-inducing poisons, and a little research is needed to make the distinction between helpful and harmful ingredients. Furthermore, just because something is promoted as “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe or beneficial. We encourage you to educate yourself about the individual ingredients in the products you’re using and how they may affect your own body.

Our Skin-Loving Suggestions:

LITTLE BARN APOTHECARY:

PASSION FRUIT + ROSE ENZYMATIC EXFOLIANT MASK

Aloe leaf juice*, hydroxyethylcellulose, passion fruit acids*, lemon fruit acids*, pineapple fruit acids*, grape extract*, silver dihydrogen citrate, rose oil, citric acid, potassium sorbate — *Organic

ALOE + ROSEWATER BALANCE MIST

Aloe leaf juice*, sustainably wild harvested rose Damacena hydrosol, witch hazel distillate*, Leuconostoc (radish root ferment filtrate), hibiscus sabdariffa extract* — *Organic