How I Learned That Natural Ingredients Matter for Maturing Skin

My obsession with skincare products started at the age of thirteen, and in the 80's, we didn't have the internet, nor were we bombarded with thousands and thousands of products making outrageous claims. If any of you are from that era, you probably remember drugstore products like Noxzema, Sea Breeze and Oil of Olay, and department store brands (Sephora and Blue Mercury did not exist) such as Erno Laszlo, Elizabeth Arden, Estée Lauder, and Clinique. 

I used what my friends and family used until I entered my late teens and began reading major beauty magazines; that changed everything. I started using only high-end, or RX skincare, and became an expert resource to my friends and family. With the emergence of the internet in my 20's, I began reading more about ingredients and paying attention to clinical study results. My grandmother used to say 'You only get one face, so take care of it', and I was determined to age gracefully.

And then 42 happened. Everyone warned me that I might just fall apart at 40, but that birthday came and went, and life moved on as normal until two years later. I was a busy global executive, a wife, a mother and still followed a skincare regime consistently. I noticed more and more that my skin was becoming red, bumpy and prone to acne. As someone who only experienced the occasional breakout, I didn't know what was causing it. I won't bore you with the visits to three different dermatologists and five estheticians; at the end of all of that, I still experienced redness, bumpiness and breakouts.

Frustrated and limited on time, I started my own research over the next few years, found some skincare ingredient manufacturers and started mixing my own concoctions in my home to see what worked and what didn't. My husband, who is 10 years older than me, became my willing tester as he was not happy with the appearance of age showing up on his skin.

What I've learned is not rocket science; as we age, our skin understandably undergoes various changes - mostly due to hormonal changes in men and women over 40. This includes decreased elasticity, increased dryness, the appearance of thinning skin and wrinkles. (More on this in the next blog). But we can also develop a 'sensitivity' to synthetic chemicals. 

Now, let me state for the record that I've used almost every high-end brand on the market and some of the brands that have synthetic chemicals worked beautifully for me for many years so I'm not advocating that everyone buy only natural or my brand -- whatever works best for you is what you should use, and not all synthetic ingredients are neccisarily toxic. But, looking at statistics in the US, an increasing number of men and women are turning to natural ingredients for their skincare routines. Why? I think they have also discovered the following:

Gentle and Nourishing

Natural ingredients tend to be gentler on the skin compared to synthetic chemicals. As skin matures, it becomes more sensitive and prone to irritation. Natural oils, extracts, and botanicals provide the nourishment that aging skin craves without the risk of harsh reactions. Ingredients like calendula, aloe vera, and sunflower seed oil are known for their soothing and moisturizing properties, making them ideal for sensitive, mature skin. And, do not be mislead, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid and many other found in skincare are naturally occurring compounds. They are needed by aging skin, but sometimes the quantity and strength need to be titrated properly.

Rich in Antioxidants

Many natural ingredients are rich in antioxidants, which are crucial in fighting free radicals – unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and accelerate the aging process. Ingredients such as green tea extract, vitamin C (found in citrus fruits), and rosehip oil are packed with antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage, promoting a more youthful appearance. Research has shown that antioxidants can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles(1).

Enhanced Hydration

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy, youthful skin, and natural ingredients excel in providing deep moisture. Hyaluronic acid, often derived from natural sources like root vegetables, is a powerful hydrator that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Natural oils like argan oil and coconut oil also penetrate deeply into the skin, providing lasting moisture without clogging pores. Adequate hydration helps plump the skin, making fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.

Free from Harmful Chemicals

One of the biggest advantages of using natural ingredients is the absence of harmful chemicals often found in conventional skincare products. Parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances can cause long-term damage to the skin, exacerbating aging. Natural skincare products typically avoid these chemicals, reducing the risk of adverse effects and promoting overall skin health. Studies have linked prolonged exposure to certain synthetic chemicals with increased skin sensitivity and accelerated aging(2).

Supports Skin's Natural Functions

Natural ingredients work in harmony with the skin's natural functions. For instance, essential fatty acids found in natural oils help maintain the skin's lipid barrier, which is crucial for retaining moisture and protecting against environmental aggressors. Ingredients like shea butter and beeswax also support the skin's barrier function, enhancing its ability to repair and regenerate. This synergy helps keep the skin resilient and youthful(3).

Conclusion

Incorporating natural ingredients into your skincare routine can have significant benefits for maturing skin. They offer gentle, nourishing care while providing the antioxidants and hydration needed to combat the signs of aging. By avoiding harmful chemicals and supporting the skin's natural functions, natural ingredients help maintain a healthy, youthful complexion. As the trend towards embracing the power of natural ingredients continues to grow, it's clear that we can provide our skin with the care it needs to age gracefully and healthily.

1. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology - Recent Advances in Herbal-Derived Products with Skin Anti-Aging Properties and Cosmetic Applications
2. Frontiers in Genetics -The Chemical Exposome of Human Aging
3. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology - Topical Botanical Cream for Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Firmness,