As you look into the mirror, you might find yourself wondering about the ingredients that make up the skincare products you use daily. With so many different options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out what's best for your skin. That's why we've decided to ask experts in natural skincare for advice and take a closer look at natural skincare ingredients and how they can help to nourish, protect, and transform your skin. From coconut oil's moisturizing properties to aloe vera's soothing effects and rosehip oil's anti-aging secrets, in this article, we explore some of the most powerful natural ingredients that you should consider incorporating into your daily routine. So, join us on this journey as we discover the benefits and potentials of Mother Nature's gifts to skincare.

The Power of Nature: A Guide to Natural Skincare Ingredients

Before we start exploring all the amazing natural skincare ingredients, it's good to remember that skincare is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving healthy, radiant skin. Other factors, such as hydration, diet, and exercise, play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of your skin.

Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated will help flush out toxins and keep your skin plump and refreshed. And if you want healthy and youthful skin, it helps to stay active and be mindful of your diet on top of that. You might be wondering how exercise can give you better skin. Regular exercise can help increase blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to your skin while also aiding in eliminating toxins.

Additionally, good sleep also plays a significant role in skin health. A lack of sleep can lead to increased inflammation, which can result in various skin issues, such as acne, wrinkles, and dull skin. All these, together with a good skincare routine,are the key to healthy and beautiful skin. Now let's find out what magical ingredients Mother Nature has in store for us!

#1 Vitamin C: The Brightening Boost

Out of all vitamins for healthy skin, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an absolute must in your routine. It's a powerful antioxidant that can help to brighten and even out skin tone. It can also help to protect the skin from environmental damage and boost collagen production. Vitamin C is a key ingredient in protecting the skin from UV damage. You can find it in various forms, such as serum, oil, or cream. When looking for products with vitamin C, make sure to choose those that have a high concentration of L-ascorbic acid. This is the most stable and effective form of vitamin C.

#2 Coconut Oil: The Multitasking Moisturizer

Coconut oil is a versatile and nourishing ingredient that can benefit all skin types. It's rich in fatty acids, which help to moisturize deeply and protect the skin. Its antibacterial properties make it an excellent choice for fighting acne, and you can also use it to soothe eczema and psoriasis. Additionally, coconut oil can also be used as a makeup remover and as a hair conditioner. On top of that, it's also one of the most common ingredients in natural sunscreens.

#3 Peptides: The Anti-Aging Solution

Peptides are small chains of amino acids that play a crucial role in the health of our skin. They can help to boost collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides can be found in various forms, such as serums, creams, and masks.

#4 Amino Acids: The Moisturizing Marvel

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and they are essential for maintaining the health of our skin. They can help to retain moisture and improve the skin's texture and elasticity. They can also help to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

#5 Tea Tree Oil: The Acne Fighter

Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent that can help to clear up acne and prevent future breakouts. Its antimicrobial properties make it effective against a wide range of bacteria and other skin irritants. You can use it as a spot treatment or add it to your cleanser or moisturizer for added benefits. Keep in mind that tea tree oil is quite strong. Therefore, you should use it in dilution and always patch test before applying it to the whole face.

#6 Hyaluronic Acid: The Hydration Hero

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for hydration. It can help to plump up the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve skin elasticity. Nowadays, you can find it in the form of serums, creams, and masks.

#7 Silver Carp Collagen: The Collagen Booster

Collagen is a protein that makes up a significant part of our skinand is responsible for keeping it firm and elastic. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. Silver carp collagen is a marine collagen that is known for its high bioavailability and efficiency in supporting skin, hair, and nail health. You can use it in the form of a serum or as a part of a different skincare product. Or, you can even take it as a supplement.

#8 Aloe Vera: The Calming Agent

Aloe vera is a well-known ingredient for its soothing and healing properties. It is packed with vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation, hydrate the skin, and even improve skin tone. It can also help to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Aloe vera is gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used to treat sunburns and other types of skin irritation.

#9 Rosehip Oil: The Anti-Aging Secret

Rosehip oil is a natural source of antioxidants, which are known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Rosehip oil is light, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. It can be used as a standalone oil or added to your existing skincare routine.

What Natural Skincare Ingredients Will You Start Using?

There's no denying the benefits of natural skincare ingredients and their power to improve your skin's overall health and appearance. Lucky for us, nature has provided us with an abundance of ingredients that can effectively nourish, protect and transform our skin. So don't be afraid to explore and experiment with these miracle workers and find what works best for your skin type.

But the real magic happens when you make a choice to go natural. When you start using natural ingredients on your skin, you not only take care of yourself but also take a small step towards preserving the environment. Nature has provided us with everything we need to have healthy, glowing skin, and it's time we start taking advantage of that. So, let's make the conscious choice of going natural, and in doing so, not only will we achieve the skin of our dreams but also play our part in preserving the earth for future generations.

We know that finding skin care for oily skin can be confusing, especially when so many products claim to be “good for oily skin” but really aren't. 

So today, we're going to break down exactly what your perfect skin care routine should look like if you have oily skin (including products!).

Cleanse & Exfoliate

The first step in good skin care for oily skin is cleansing and exfoliating your face. You should wash your face twice daily using warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup. 

Try to find a cleanser that works well for your specific skin type; this will ensure that it won't dry out your skin or leave behind residue after use. 

Next, make sure to exfoliate twice a week to remove oil and dead skin cells that can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

Finding a good cleanser and a good exfoliator can be a difficult process. At Aiona Alive, we’ve made this decision easier by creating an award-winning exfoliating cleanser that can be used on any skin type. 

Our E-Citrus Exfoliating Cleanser penetrates deep into your skin to remove blackheads and makeup. The lather easily washes off without residue. Another benefit is this exfoliating cleanser will last you a year if you use it twice a day!

Anti-Oxidant

Having a high sebum output (in other words: having oily skin) can increase lipid peroxidation. This means that more sebum can be turned into free radicals which cause acne and premature aging. 

The good news is that this can be prevented by using an anti-oxidant in the form of a Vitamin C serum. The antioxidants effectively block the effect of lipid peroxidation and prevent wrinkles and acne.

At Aiona Alive, we made Vitamin C even better by combining it with peptides and amino acids into one powerful serum. 

Vitamin C and peptides enhance each other's collagen-producing effects and work together to fight wrinkles. Within a few days, not only will the Vitamin C prevent acne in oily skin, but you’ll also notice a drastic improvement in your skin’s elasticity and texture.

Moisturize

All skin types need to moisturize. However, if you have oily skin, you must be careful about the type of moisturizer you use. Try to find a moisturizer that is

• Oil-free
• Water-based
• Lightweight 

We know it’s hard to find skin care for oily skin with all these criteria, so we created our own moisturizer. Our E-Sensual Moisturizer is a lightweight, all-natural formula that easily absorbs into your skin to create a breathable moisture mask.

To Summarize

If you have oily skin, one of the best things you can do is create a skincare routine that works specifically for your skin type. Good skin care for oily skin can not only reduce visible shine on your face, but it can also minimize breakouts and prevent wrinkles.

If you’re interested in natural skincare products suitable for all skin types, visit our shop. 

We all like to believe that all our skin concerns and issues can be whisked away by fancy bottles and a few of our favorite beauty magazine’s promises. That would explain why we’re so quick to write a blank check and happily walk out of the beauty store, hoping it’s worth the splurge. Deep down, however, we all know that it’s never that easy. Sure, skincare routines are important – but approaching our skin maintenance from the outside alone cannot deliver the results we’re looking for. How our skin looks and feels today and in the future can also be traced back to what we eat and drink, how we handle stress, how much we sleep, exercise, et cetera. Therefore, the next time you step into the skin care aisle, remember that beauty begins from within. Aiona Alive gives you eight tips for healthy skin from the inside out.

Topical skincare products are essential today for healthy-looking skin. But that’s not the be-all-and-end-all of skin maintenance.

Alt-tag: A woman at a spa using cream.

Best tips for healthy skin from the inside out

1. Eat your way to glowing skin

Our waistlines aren't the only reason we must be more conscious about our food intake. Making healthier food choices is a massive part of achieving that gorgeous, healthy, glowing skin. So, whether you want to address particular skincare concerns or issues, slow down your skin’s aging process, or revitalize your dull-looking, lackluster complexion, it matters what you put on your plate.

Your skin craves fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, protein-rich foods, foods with healthy oils, and omega-3 fatty acids. This will boost your skin's collagen production, making it smoother and suppler while preventing premature wrinkles and skin sagging.

2. Mega omegas

Case in point: the importance of fatty acids in omega-3s for skin can't be ignored. Research suggests these essential nutrients play a hugely significant role in determining how your skin behaves. For instance, they regulate your skin's oil production, boost hydration, minimize signs of aging, soothe breakouts, and even improve the skin's immunity to damaging environmental factors like UV damage.

Where can you find omega-3s? Plant-based sources include flax seeds, chia seeds, and soybean oil. There is also fish oil and other seafood. Avocados, olives, cashews, and macadamia nuts have omega-9s, which are just as crucial if you want to look and feel good.

Omega-3 is proven to have undeniable benefits for overall skin health.

Alt-tag:  Fish and lemon on a white ceramic plate

3. Vital vits

Once you've found the best diet for you, one of the best tips for healthy skin is to fortify it with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, & E. Serums, skin treatments, and moisturizers can do a lot for your skin. Still, you need these nutrients to work their magic throughout the body rather than just on your face. Your primary source of vitamins and minerals should be your diet and food. To achieve maximum benefits, you can rely on vitamin supplements as your secondary source, and finally, there’s topical application.

4. Beef up on your protein

As one of the skin tissue’s fundamental building blocks, protein plays a significant role in keeping your skin healthy, plump, and glowing. Thebest source of this macronutrient will depend on your personal dietary preferences, ethics, tastes, intolerances, and allergies. For instance, animal protein sources are known as “complete proteins” because they contain a complete amino acid profile. Plant proteins, on the other hand, do not. For this reason, vegans and vegetarians tend to boost their protein intake by combining various plant protein sources.

5. Water, water, water

Dry skin? Just drink more water! That makes sense, right? Unfortunately,there isn't enough research to support that idea. Experts agree that increasing your water intake is no magic bullet, despite what we’re led to believe by our darling celebrities. As we age, our skin undergoes gradual changes; it’s natural, and one more glass of water won’t change that. The only caveat is that only severe dehydration will translate to your skin, which then becomes dry and flaky, and loses its elasticity, making it more prone to wrinkles, irritations, and blemishes.

But there’s more to the story. Research shows that water consumption can positively affect your overall health. So, it may not fix your crow’s feet, but it is certainly necessary for your body to run optimally, flushing the system and helping the essential nutrients reach the skin through proper blood flow.

If you're unsure how much water you should drink, divide your weight in half. Then, drink the amount you get in ounces. Averse to drinking water? Luckily, you can also hydrate through water-filled fruits and vegetables, fresh juices, smoothies, green tea, and coconut water.

6. Manage stress levels

If you’re under a lot of stress all the time, your skin is likely to show it. According to research, acute and chronic stress can negatively impact overall skin wellness and even make skin problems flare up or cause new issues to develop. And although stress is a normal part of life, and we cannot avoid it altogether, it matters that we learn how to cope.

Of course, not all coping techniques are created equal. For instance, knocking back a drink or lighting up a cigarette may seem to help at the moment. But in reality, these are some of the unhealthiest ways of handling stress and can alter our skin in the worst ways. On the other hand, maintaining good lifestyle habits, scheduling time for relaxing activities, learning stress management techniques, talking to someone, etc., can do wonders for your health.

7. Exercise

Expensive creams and lotions can only do so much. That’s why maintaining certain healthy lifestyle habits, such as staying active and getting regular exercise, is one of the best pieces of advice for healthy skin we can give. Keeping up a regular fitness routine helps you lower stress hormone levels and replaces them with so-called feel-good hormones that boost your energy, mood, and outlook. That doesn't directly affect the skin, but it can improve its overall appearance.

Treat your body right, and it will show immense gratitude.

Alt-tag: A woman holding red dumbbells showing that working out is a way to have healthy skin from the inside out

Note that it’s essential to have pre-and post-workout skincare. This is because exercise can also put your skin under a lot of stress: sweat, dirt, bacteria, sun, etc. So, if you have a set routine, all the better. Prepare your skin before every workout by removing makeup and cleaning up your face. Then, it's time to hit the shower as soon as you finish working out.

8. Get some shut-eye

It’s called beauty sleep for a reason. During a solid eight-hour sleep sesh, your body and mind recharge, restore, and heal themselves. For one thing, your skin cells switch into full recovery mode, regenerating three times faster than during the day. Next, your body starts producing growth hormones. These guys ensure that your skin generates enough collagen, which is crucial for smoother, more elastic skin. Finally, your skin can de-stress and take that much-needed environmental break from elements such as sun exposure, pollution, and blue light. Therefore, our suggestion for healthy skin? Tuck yourself in and get ready to REM – your skin deserves some downtime!

That was the last of our tips for healthy skin from the inside out. Hope we they are helpful!

Meta Description: We often forget how important it is to care for ourselves properly. Here are eight tips for healthy skin from the inside out.

Photos Used:

https://unsplash.com/photos/w4Dj3MshHQ0

https://unsplash.com/photos/oXI2_S1ILQI

https://www.pexels.com/photo/sliced-lemon-on-white-ceramic-plate-8696533/

https://unsplash.com/photos/jY-GlbKeTDs

 In recent years, ACV has been gaining popularity with skincare enthusiasts for its all-natural skin benefits and is often hailed as a wonder product. What’s all the hype about?

 What is ACV?

 ACV is a common abbreviation for apple cider vinegar, a common liquid household ingredient that’s been used in cooking and cleaning for centuries. It’s often incorporated into things like salad dressings, sparkling drinks, marinades, homemade disinfectants and cleaning solutions, but this everyday ingredient has several little-known alternative uses in the realm of natural skincare.

 Apple cider vinegar is typically made with three incredibly rudimentary, all-natural ingredients: apples, yeast, and water. To make it, apples are chopped and combined with yeast and then covered with water to ferment. The fermentation process is where the magic happens—the yeast breaks down the natural sugars found in the apples to create ethanol, and then bacteria converts the ethanol into an acidic solution.

 You will often notice the “mother”, a byproduct of fermentation, hanging out near the bottom of a container of apple cider vinegar. This is completely natural and doesn’t need to be discarded, as it’s part of the live culture of your vinegar. However, if it does bother you, you can strain it out with a fine mesh strainer or a coffee filter.

 You can easily find ACV in its simplest form in your local grocery store, and it’s often kept near the salad dressings with other vinegars and oils. Many natural skincare brands also use it as an ingredient in cleansers, toners, masks, and other products.

 Is ACV Good For Skin?

 Natural skincare junkies, holistic estheticians and dermatologists alike will attest that yes, ACV is good for your skin — in the right amounts and used at the right frequency. Just like many other skincare ingredients, there are appropriate times to use ACV and it’s possible to overuse the ingredient in your routine. As long as you watch for reactions and monitor your skin for unwanted results, ACV is perfectly safe to use on almost all skin types, oily and acne-prone skin included!

 Apple cider vinegar offers a range of skin benefits, is fairly inexpensive and easy to source, and can be incorporated into your skincare routine in a whole host of ways. Plus, the vinegar in its simplest form is 100% natural and contains no fillers or preservatives, so you don’t have to worry about questionable extras sneaking their way onto your skin.

 Benefits of ACV

 Apple cider vinegar offers a range of benefits and can be an asset to almost every skin type. When used correctly, ACV can fight acne-causing bacteria, balance the skin’s surface PH levels, prevent skin infections and other conditions, and exfoliate the skin to reveal a smooth, bright, even complexion free of blemishes.

 PH Balancing

 Balancing your skin’s PH is crucial to maintaining proper skin functions like regulating oil production and promoting a healthy microbiome. Apple cider vinegar is acidic, and when diluted can help balance the surface PH of your skin.

 Prevents Infections

 A natural byproduct of the fermentation process is the acetic acid found in ACV, which gives the vinegar antibacterial properties and can help prevent infections and treat certain skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. Because it helps to clear bacteria from the skin, it can also help with acne.

 Natural Exfoliant

 Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (also known as an AHA) that gently dissolves dead skin and debris when applied topically. Using ACV as an exfoliant 2-3 times a week can help even skin pigmentation, unclog pores, and brighten your overall complexion.

 Combats Acne

 The combination of the vinegar’s natural antibacterial properties, exfoliating properties, and PH balancing effects work together to unclog pores and eliminate acne-causing bacteria. The result? Dissolved blackheads, potentially reduced pore size, regulated oil production, and fewer breakouts.

 How to Use ACV for Your Skin

 Apple cider vinegar is unbelievably easy to incorporate into your skincare routine in a number of ways, but there are a few things to keep in mind no matter which route you take.

 First, know your skin type and any special skin conditions you have that may be irritated by vinegar. If you have especially sensitive skin, very dry skin or skin that is easily irritated, consult your dermatologist before using ACV to ensure it doesn’t make your condition worse or cause a reaction.

 Secondly, no matter what type of skin you have, you should always do a patch test to make sure you don’t react poorly before diving into regular use. Apply diluted ACV to an inconspicuous area and wait an hour to monitor your skin for signs of irritation.

 Lastly, always, always, always dilute your ACV! Apple cider vinegar is very acidic when fully concentrated, so follow the specific instructions for whatever application you are using it for and dilute accordingly with water, cleanser, oil, etc. It’s safe to use 2-4 times per week, but you may have to adjust accordingly to your skin’s needs.

 Here are 5 different ideas on how to use ACV in your skincare routine:

 Swipe on diluted ACV with a cotton pad as a toner after cleansing.

1. Add 1-2 cups to a bath and soak for softer skin.
2. Use diluted ACV as a mixing medium for clay masks or other powdered treatments and apply to your whole face (avoiding your eyes and mouth as you usually would when masking) or stick to problem areas for a spot treatment.
3. Clean your makeup brushes! Add 1-2 tablespoons of ACV to one cup of warm water and let brushes soak bristle-side down for a few minutes before gently scrubbing to remove build up and debris.
4. Use diluted apple cider vinegar post-shave to soften skin and prevent ingrown hairs!

 ACV is also beneficial for your health! When ingested, ACV has been shown in studies to be effective in helping manage blood sugar, assisting in weight loss, and can also help improve cardiovascular health. Consult your physician to discuss managing your health with apple cider vinegar.

 Possible Side Effects

 Just like with other skin care ingredients, no matter how natural they are, it’s possible your skin could disagree with using apple cider vinegar in your routine. Be vigilant for redness, irritation, dryness, flaking, or other signs that your skin is reacting poorly to the acidic properties of ACV. You may try diluting it further to lessen harsh effects or discontinue use altogether to give your skin some time to recuperate.

There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation and converting it into heat, while physical sunscreens work by reflecting or blocking UV radiation. Both types are effective at protecting against UV damage, but chemical sunscreens have come under scrutiny in recent years for their potential health risks.

Chemical Sunscreen

These active ingredients in chemical sunscreen can be problematic for a number of reasons. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are both endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormone production. Octisalate, octocrylene and avobenzone are all photo-sensitizers, meaning they can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. And finally, homosalate has been shown to disrupt the body's natural production of vitamin D.

Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body's hormone production. It's been shown to mimic the hormone estrogen in the body and can also act as The UV radiation before it can damage the skin.

Homosalate is a UV filter that absorbs UV radiation. It has been shown to disrupt the body's natural production of vitamin D and may also act as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body's hormone production.

The proposed concentration limit of 2.2 percent for oxybenzone and 1.4 percent for homosalate is based on the fact that these ingredients are not safe in the current amounts used.

U.S. sunscreen manufacturers are legally allowed to use these two chemicals at concentrations up to 6 and 15 percent, respectively, and hundreds of sunscreens manufactured in the U.S. use them at concentrations that far exceed the European Commission's recommendations. These ingredients are all systemically absorbed into the body after one use according to studies published by the FDA, (Matta 2019, Matta 2020), according to studies published by the FDA, which also found that they could be detected on the skin and in the blood weeks after no longer being used (Matta 2020). Previous studies detected many sunscreen ingredients in breast milk and urine samples (Schlumpf 2008, Schlumpf 2010). In addition, it's possible for sunscreen users to inhale ingredients in sunscreen sprays and ingest some of the ingredients they apply to their lips, so the ingredients must not be harmful to the lungs or internal organs.

Safe Alternatives- Physical sunscreen

Physical sunscreens work by reflecting or blocking UV radiation. They are typically made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are both effective at protecting against UV damage. However, physical sunscreens can be difficult to apply evenly and can leave a whitish cast on the skin. They also need to be reapplied more frequently than chemical sunscreens. But overall, physical sunscreens are considered to be more safe and effective than chemical sunscreens. So, if you're looking for a sunscreen that will protect you from UV damage without any potential health risks, a physical sunscreen is your best bet.

So, what's the bottom line? When it comes to sunscreen, be choosy about the ingredients and don't overdo it. Your health—and the health of the planet—will thank you.