If you’re concerned about your skin’s health, but don’t want to break the bank buying astronomically expensive products with artificial ingredients, a plant-based approach might be the right move for you.
You’ll find that plant-based skincare products offer a number of benefits, from promoting healthy, vibrant skin to supporting skin-renewal and balance.
Especially for moms, natural and cost-effective solutions are paramount.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the top options for plant-based cleansers, moisturizers, and exfoliators.
Plant-Based Moisturizers
If you’re a mom, it’s not enough to just find a moisturizer that smells good, you want to find plant-based moisturizers that are effective. You also want to make sure it’s cruelty-free and vegan. Then you’ll know it’s safe to use.
Many skincare products are harmful to your health and the environment. Plant-based products, however, are made using all-natural ingredients. That means you can be confident that the cream you choose is safer for your skin’s health.
That being said, if you have any skin conditions or allergies you should test the product out in a small amount on the skin of your wrist to see if a reaction occurs. If your condition is serious, just consult with your health practitioner or dermatologist first before you do anything drastic.
Common natural ingredients in plant-based moisturizers include:
- coconut oil
- aloe vera
- cacao butter
- jojoba oil
- marula oil
These all have highly moisturizing qualities and they help to repair your skin’s natural barrier, keeping your face smooth and protected.
These are also great for preventing stretch marks, so that’s a bonus for expectant moms.
Plant-Based Cleansers
When it comes to finding cleansers for healthy skin, there are many options to choose from. You can find vegan products that are cruelty-free, or you can look for natural or organic cleansers. Whatever your choice, plant-based skincare can provide amazing results.
Vegan skincare is mainly based on plants. It offers moisturizing and anti-aging benefits to your skin. Some plant-based ingredients include antioxidants and minerals. Many of the products available are designed to be gentle, hydrating and fragrance free.
Aloe Vera
While there are still a few plant-based products on the market that are not yet mainstream, there are a number of popular ingredients to try. Aloe is a potent antioxidant that helps to revive and hydrate your skin. Aloe also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Green Tea
Another popular ingredient is green tea. This powerful antioxidant works to clear up your pores, clearing up excess sebum and dead cells. If you have oily skin, green tea will also help to reduce your sebum production.
Natural Exfoliators
Choosing plant-based solutions for healthy skin if you’re a mom is a smart choice, especially for those who are worried about the environmental impact of using products.
Several states have banned microbeads in favor of alternative ingredients. And, the industry is making an effort to replace plastics with natural materials.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is a great natural exfoliator, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It’s also a great antioxidant. Combine it with green tea for even better results.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another great face scrub. When ground up, oats are gentle on the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin. Unlike other ingredients, oats won’t sting. This is a fantastic ingredient for those with eczema or similar skin conditions because it moisturizes and soothes the skin while also rebuilding the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Papaya
Papaya is a great choice for skin care because of its high levels of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and enzymes.
These natural compounds help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and give it an overall boost in radiance. Papaya contains papain, which helps dissolve dead cells. This enzyme is safe for all skin types.
Caffeine
Caffeine has been shown to help tighten skin. It is best used in combination with other exfoliating ingredients, as overuse can cause irritation. For the best results, limit use to once a week.
CBD For Skincare
CBD is one of the many benefits of the cannabis plant. It has been found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may help prevent infections from occurring on the skin, which may cause acne.
The human body has a complex system of cannabinoid receptors. While research is still inconclusive, it appears that CBD may have a variety of uses for various skin conditions.
CBD products are becoming increasingly popular for skincare. CBD-infused topicals, such as lotions and balms, are great for targeting specific areas with the soothing and calming effects of CBD.
Oils and serums are also popular choices for nourishing the skin, as they can provide essential fatty acids and antioxidants. CBD-infused masks and face creams are great for providing a deep, calming facial massage.
A topical CBD balm can be used to treat localized inflammation. It can also help calm skin irritation and discomfort, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Coconut Oil for Skin Hydration and Healing
Coconut oil is a nutrient-rich oil that can be used to moisturize and heal your skin. Its fatty acids help reduce inflammation, soften dry skin, and moisturize the drier parts of the skin.
As far as its benefits for skin, one study suggests that coconut oil helps with atopic dermatitis, a condition that causes red itchy patches. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, the oil can also soothe irritated skin.
In other studies, the oil can improve the healing process and accelerate wound repair. However, it’s important to note that coconut oil isn’t a cure-all. So be sure to consult with your physician before using it on your skin.
Makeup Remover
One of the most effective uses of coconut oil is as a natural makeup remover. The oil’s fatty acids are powerful enough to lift dirt and make-up off of your skin.
Coconut Oil Has Antioxidant Properties
Another benefit of coconut oil is its antioxidant properties. It’s packed with antioxidants, including vitamin E, which can protect against sun damage. This is important because UV rays are harmful to your health.
Essential Oils for Nourishment and Balance
Essential oils are plant extracts that are highly beneficial for your skin. They provide a pleasant aroma and help preserve your skin’s moisture.
The benefits of essential oils come from the active constituents that they contain. Some of these constituents include antibacterial, antioxidant, and cicatrizant properties.
Using essential oils in your daily skincare routine can be a great way to promote healthy, younger looking skin. Certain essential oils, such as frankincense, pomegranate, and neroli, can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Other essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, and tea tree, can soothe irritation and help heal acne-prone skin.
Essential oils can also reduce the appearance of dark spots and scars. Tea tree oil, for example, is known for its powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
However, there are a few cautions that you should take into consideration before using these essential oils. You may want to avoid using essential oils around your eyes. In addition, you should check with a dermatologist before making any changes to your skincare routine.
Face Masks to Soothe Irritated Skin
There are several face masks you can try with honey. You can apply them once or twice a week. These masks have antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. They can also soothe irritated and red skin.
Honey Face Mask
Honey is one of the best ingredients you can use in a face mask for moms who have irritated skin. The natural enzymes and antioxidants contained in honey can soothe the skin and help repair damage.
Avocado Face Mask
One mask you can try is the avocado face mask. It contains a variety of natural oils, including vitamin E and olive oil, that provide a boost of moisture to your skin.
Lavender Face Mask
Another great option is a lavender mask. Lavender is a natural anti-inflammatory and can soothe the skin. Combined with an AHA, the lavender can work to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
Turmeric Face Mask
Turmeric is another ingredient to consider. In addition to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, turmeric is an anti-inflammatory. Some studies have shown that turmeric helps treat acne, dark spots, and fine lines.
Takeaway
The benefits of plant-based skin care products are clear. From reducing inflammation and improving skin health to offering natural, safe ingredients that won’t harm your skin, plant-based products are a great way for moms to take care of their skin.
By choosing natural, plant-based solutions, moms can rest easy knowing they’re taking the best possible care of themselves and their families.