WHY USE NATURAL SKIN CARE?
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SUMMARY
- Natural Ingredient or Naturally Sourced: What's the Difference?
- Natural Skincare: Real Effectiveness
- Avoiding Controversial Ingredients
- An Environmental Commitment
- Incorporating Natural Ingredients into Your Routine
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Natural Ingredient or Naturally Sourced: What's the Difference?
In simple terms, a natural skincare product is primarily composed of ingredients derived from plants, animals, or minerals. It contains very little, if any, chemical or synthetic substances. The exact percentage varies depending on regulations in each country, but within the European Union, a product must contain at least 95% natural ingredients to be labeled as natural or naturally sourced.
Natural skincare products can be formulated with either natural or naturally sourced ingredients. But what's the difference between the two? Both come from nature; it's their method of extraction that differs.
A natural ingredient is obtained without undergoing chemical transformation. It remains raw, alive, and active, usually in its purest form. However, it may undergo physical transformations such as pressing, grinding, maceration, or distillation. Examples of ingredients in this category include floral waters, aloe vera, vegetable oils (such as coconut oil, argan oil, olive oil), lemon, or honey. These are widely used in various natural remedies, like using aloe vera to treat burns or applying honey as a mask for its antioxidant properties.
A naturally sourced ingredient also comes from nature but has been extracted, processed, or transformed to stabilize it and make it suitable for use in cosmetic formulations. For example, extracts of grape, Centella Asiatica, and chamomile found in many products from Le Domaine skincare line fall into this category.
Natural Skincare: Real Effectiveness
Today's natural skincare products are far from the remedies of our grandmothers. Nowadays, naturally sourced ingredients are synonymous with cutting-edge research.Nature provides us with a multitude of precious ingredients for caring for our skin. Vegetal oils (such as coconut oil, olive oil) and plant extracts are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients for skin health. By using natural products, you can enjoy the benefits of these ingredients and provide your skin with a healthy and balanced diet, promoting its natural radiance and beauty.
Furthermore, the idea that natural ingredients are better tolerated by our skin is gaining ground. By mimicking natural mechanisms, we ensure that we work in harmony with nature itself. For example, PROGR3®, one of our patented molecules, is composed of extracts of chamomile, green tea, and grapevine shoots. These molecules, selected by our researchers, naturally combat Progerin, one of the proteins responsible for skin aging. Derived from a combination of Grenache and Mourvèdre grape seed and skin extracts, Syrah seed and skin, and a beneficial post-biotic microorganism for the skin microbiome, GSM10® fights oxidative stress.
Avoiding Controversial Ingredients
Natural and naturally sourced skincare products often exclude potentially harmful ingredients from their formulations, both for the health of consumers and the environment. This blacklist includes certain preservatives like parabens, triclosan, MIT, mineral oils, silicones, micro-plastics, sulfates, phthalates, artificial colorants, and fragrances. These substances are commonly found in some conventional skincare products and can have detrimental effects on the skin in the long term.
By opting for natural products, you choose "clean beauty" with safe ingredients, simple, and transparent formulations. However, it is essential to understand the ingredient list (INCI) of products before purchasing them. Natural does not always mean harmless. Some natural products can be potent allergens or have unintended effects. For example, while not toxic, soap or alcohol can be harsh on the skin, which is why they are not recommended for facial cleansing. Instead, gentler products with natural or naturally sourced ingredients are preferred, such as The Cleansing Emulsion from Beau Domaine. Like all products from the brand, the Cleansing Emulsion has a formula free from allergens.
An Environmental Commitment
In an era where transparency, sustainability, and environmental conservation are priorities, it is not surprising that more and more people are turning to natural ingredients.
Natural skincare products are often manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner, using ingredients from sustainable sources and minimizing their impact on the planet. Using natural products involves being interested in the origin of the ingredients that make up a product, their traceability, freshness, quality, and concentration. That is why Le Domaine sources some of the ingredients for its skincare line from its own lands.
Incorporating Natural Ingredients into Your Routine
Natural skincare offers a variety of options to personalize your beauty routine based on your specific needs. Whether you have sensitive, dry, oily skin, or are looking for anti-aging solutions, there are natural products suitable for every skin type and concern.
Here are some examples of natural ingredients that you can incorporate into your skincare routine:
Aloe vera: It is both moisturizing and soothing, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. It also has healing properties that promote skin regeneration.
Green tea: Rich in antioxidants, green tea helps reduce oxidative stress and cellular aging, making it perfect for combating signs of aging.
Chamomile: This plant is known for its antioxidant and soothing properties, making it particularly suitable for sensitive skin and calming redness and irritations.
Argan oil: Known for its revitalizing and anti-aging virtues, it is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, making it an excellent choice for deep skin nourishment.
Shea butter: This plant-based butter is a highly effective natural moisturizer. It is ideal for repairing and softening dry skin, providing a comforting sensation.
Coconut oil: Besides being nourishing, coconut oil has protective and anti-aging qualities. It is also excellent for hair care.
Lemon: Lemon is a versatile ingredient with skin-brightening, exfoliating, and antibacterial properties.
Honey: Honey is an antioxidant and moisturizing ingredient that can be used to revitalize dull skin.
Incorporating these natural ingredients into your skincare routine can add a new dimension to your beauty ritual. You can use them in their pure form, for example, by applying floral water as a toner. Alternatively, you can integrate them into your routine by selecting skincare products that contain extracts of these natural ingredients.
In conclusion, natural skincare is more than just a passing trend. Natural products offer real effectiveness due to their nutrient-rich and active ingredients while avoiding potentially harmful substances. Embracing them means opting for a holistic approach to beauty that takes into account your skin's health, your personal well-being, and the preservation of our environment. It's about caring for your skin in the best way possible.
