Winter can turn the mildest skin problem into a major annoyance, but these multitasking beauty ingredients are bound to help.
Are you suffering from a stubborn skin condition?
Let me share with you six natural beauty ingredients that can soothe everything from eczema and psoriasis to dermatitis and hives.
Argan oil
I have found that argan oil helps dry skin and flaky scalps.
It works really well for both hair and skin.
Everyone can use it as a moisturiser for the face and body and if you have really dry skin it can be used as a serum. It’s great as an intensive pre-shampoo treatment, nourishing really dry hair and flaky, dry scalps.
Opt for a cosmetic grade pure virgin argan oil, which although expensive, goes a really long way as you only need a small amount.
Argan oil naturally sinks right into the skin or you can take a spoonful of it pure and mix it into your yoghurt, salad or porridge.
Argan oil rubbed into the skin or incorporated into your diet can really help relieve eczema and dermatitis. Fatty acids and carotenoids in the oil work to balance the skin’s natural moisture levels, which is important because dry skin often makes psoriasis worse. It also features vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, which helps to reduce the inflammation caused by psoriasis.
Dead Sea salts
The therapeutic power of mineral-rich dead sea salts can provide relief from skin ailments such as psoriasis and eczema.
Stress can often play a part in these conditions, so run the taps and pop these in your bathtub for an instant calming effect. When hives flare up, too, it’s often down to an attack on the immune system so the salts will help to calm the body down and give it chance to relax and unwind. Stay in there for 10-15 minutes, put a lot of moisturiser on afterwards and you’ll find it very healing and soothing.
You can add an essential oil too for some proper pampering.
Although there aren’t any medical claims to back this up, many psoriasis and eczema suffers have found Dead Sea salts helpful and we do know that they help to increase blood circulation, which impacts positively on the appearance of our skin.
Aloe vera
Research shows that aloe vera juice contains high levels of polysaccharides that have protective properties on the skin’s surface. It also increases the hydration of the skin and encourages cell replication and regeneration.
It is particularly good for eczema, hives and anything where skin feels heated.
The tough-looking spikes slice surprisingly easily, revealing a soft, shiny, cooling, gel-like sap.
To harness its healing power, cut off two inches of leaf, slice in half and apply the cut side to the area that hurts; it seals the skin with a protective, healing covering as the gel dries. Alternatively, peel the aloe and moosh it into the skin. Avoid the green-ish/brown juice of the rind, though, because paradoxically this part can actually irritate.
Aloe very is an incredible ingredient for skin that is dehydrated (lacking in water) as opposed to dry (lacking in oil). Aloe vera has smaller molecules that are easily absorbed into the skin to plump thirsty skin cells.
It has a cooling effect, so is fantastic for anyone who suffers from rosacea or sensitive skin that reddens easily.
Yarrow
Yarrow has a reputation for having an all-healing action used topically to speed up the recovery of inflamed wounds and damaged skin.
Yarrow oil has a sweet, spicy smell.
It can help to improve skin conditions from rashes, cuts and eczema to inflamed skin, scars and burns.
It’s known to provide some protection against infections and its extract helps to balance skin functions, making it great for acne or oily skin.
It can soothe itchy, dry skin and relieve minor skin irritations, and it stimulates regeneration of new skin cells, improving its overall appearance.
If you’re looking for a natural, anti-ageing moisturiser, opt for one containing yarrow. Research suggests that yarrow may thicken the epidermis with regular use, making it an ideal ingredient to reduce the appearance of fine lines. It also contains salicylic acid, which is antibacterial and known for treating acne and spots. Its antioxidant properties make it a potent protector against skin-cell damaging free radicals.
Marigold
Usually referred to as calendula in the cosmetic world, marigold is one of nature’s most healing, skin-soothing elements.
Even if you’re unsure about a suspect skin condition, calendula cream is so gentle it can be used for babies’ skincare. What more could you ask for?
Marigolds are rich in betacarotene, antioxidants and salicylic acid. Hands, in particular, respond to their TLC.
Very occasional adverse reactions have been reported though – so remember your patch test, as always.
Calendula cream is such a great product to have to hand. It soothes and promotes healing of most red, angry rashes and is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
I recommend it for treating psoriasis and dermatitis too. Calendula extract is a rich source of flavonoids and these, together with mucilage and carotenoids, are responsible for speeding up cell division and therefore increasing the speed of healing.
Calendula has long been believed to have healing and protective properties across the world and in India it’s often used in ayurvedic medicine. It can be beneficial for dry, irritable, sensitive, damaged and acne-prone skin, helping to reduce redness, pain and irritation. It gives protection, plus it contains natural antiseptic agents to promote healing.
Cupuacu butter
Similar to cocoa butter in that it’s used to treat very dry skin and hair, capuacu butter is a natural emollient derived from a tree that is actually related to the cacao tree from which we get cocoa butter.
Really dry complexions will benefit from the intense moisturising it gives as well as the potent antioxidant benefits.
It’s best avoided if you have greasy skin that is prone to spots though.
It’s the butter’s high water absorption capacity that makes it extremely moisturising. That’s why it’s often found in skin formulations, lip balms and body lotions.
It has anti-inflammatory qualities, making it especially soothing and healing for dry scalps and psoriasis. It contains high levels of essential fatty acids and sterols, helping to improve and boost the skin’s natural elasticity.