Top Skincare Ingredients to Look For And Avoid

There’s a daily ritual that unites women from all walks of life—the sacred pilgrimage to our vanity. It’s where we seek solace, nurture our skin, and indulge in self-care rituals. But let’s face it, our once sparse shelves are now groaning under the weight of our self-care aspirations. The enemy? Skincare products of every shape and size, with never-ending ingredient lists that could stump even the most dedicated beauty aficionado.

Want to reclaim your serene sanctuary and rediscover the joy of simplicity?

Enter Ayurveda, the age-old wisdom that cuts through the clutter, demystifies the jargon and invites us to embrace a skincare routine that’s natural, effortless, and perfectly tailored to our needs. It offers a curated selection of potent natural skincare ingredients that have stood the test of time.

Skincare Ingredients to Love

Ayurveda, with its deep reverence for the healing properties of plants, presents us with a plethora of herbs that form the very essence of Ayurvedic beauty. Within the ancient texts, specific groups of herbs are marked for their potent actives and remarkable abilities to address various skin concerns and target specific beauty goals. These herbs are carefully selected skincare ingredients that have been treasured for centuries, and hold the key to enhancing the natural radiance and vitality of our skin.

Tvachya: These herbs focus on enhancing and nurturing the overall health and moisture of the skin. Among them, Manjishta and Yashtimadhu are renowned for their exceptional ability to restore moisture balance and provide deep nourishment.

Tvachagnivardhani: These herbs boost skin radiance by enhancing its metabolism. Gotu Kola stands out among them for its ability to improve circulation and effectively eliminate deep impurities when applied externally.

Varnya: These complexion-enhancing herbs bestow a youthful glow. Sandalwood and Turmeric, in particular, are renowned for their remarkable ability to enhance the skin’s radiance and even out the skin tone.

Vayasthapana: This term translates to “arresting age.” Herbs like Ashwagandha, Bakuchi and Gotu Kola possess anti-ageing properties and are known to enhance collagen synthesis to delay visible signs of ageing.

Shothahara: These anti-inflammatory herbs, including Aloe Vera and Rose, contain natural actives that work wonders in soothing the skin and shielding it from allergens, chemicals and stress.

Sandhaniya: These restorative herbs, such as Liquorice and Giloy, facilitate the healing process and boost the regenerative function of the skin, reversing the signs of damage and wear and tear.

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

Ayurveda, with its emphasis on natural and holistic beauty, doesn’t believe in a strict “no-go” list of ingredients. It invites us to celebrate the power of nature, with a focus on moderation.

However, let’s face the reality of our modern lives: not every product on the vanity is 100% natural and passes the A-Beauty test. And so, it is important to keep an eye out for some “not-good-for-us” skincare ingredients that can often weasel their way into the best of products.

Phthalates: A group of chemicals often found in skincare and cosmetic products, that give these products that oh-so-smooth texture. But here’s the catch- studies have shown that these chemicals can mess with our hormones and lead to respiratory, neurological, behavioural and reproductive issues.

Silicones: Commonly used to create that silky, velvety texture in products. However, some researchers have raised concerns about their potential to clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing freely. So, if you’re looking for a breath of fresh air in your skincare routine, it might be worth exploring silicone-free alternatives.

Parabens: The most commonly used preservative to extend the shelf-life of our beauty must-haves. Studies show that Parabens can elevate cellular level damage caused by UV exposure, which may even cause skin cancer. They can also sensitize the skin, causing allergic reactions.

Heavy metals: These uninvited troublemakers can have serious health implications when absorbed by our bodies. Lead, mercury, and other heavy metals, whether through contamination or intentional use, have been linked to various adverse effects, including neurotoxicity and organ damage.

Oxybenzone: This is a common ingredient found in sunscreens, however, concerns have been raised about its potential to disrupt hormones and cause skin irritation. To play it safe under the sun, exploring Oxybenzone-free sunscreens can provide effective protection without worries.

Formaldehyde: A potential carcinogen, and a hormone disruptor hidden under various aliases such as formalin, glyoxal and bronopol. In sensitised persons, contact dermatitis and other skin irritations may also develop at very low exposure levels.

As we wrap this up, we hope this A-Beauty guide helps you make better and more informed choices in skincare (if not in life).

FAQs

What are some natural skincare ingredients that are beneficial for the skin?

In addition to the above-mentioned natural skincare ingredients, the following are beneficial too:

• Multani Mitti/Fuller’s Earth: Works wonders in absorbing excess oil and impurities, leaving your skin refreshed and rejuvenated.
• Neem: Possesses powerful antibacterial properties that help combat acne, soothe inflammation, and promote a clear and healthy complexion.
• Clove: Acts as a natural antiseptic, helping alleviate acne and promote a balanced complexion.
• Saffron: Has brightening and antioxidant properties that promote a luminous and youthful complexion.

These are just a few of the ingredients that we have named. You may also visit our www.forestessentialsindia.com/ to explore a range of skin, hair and body care products made with the most potent and 100% natural ingredients.

How do active ingredients work in skincare products?

Active skincare ingredients work by targeting specific skin concerns and delivering visible benefits. Their smaller molecular size allows them to reach the deeper layers of the skin, where they can deliver their intended benefits more effectively. By penetrating deeply, these actives can target specific concerns such as collagen synthesis, regeneration, and antioxidant protection at a cellular level. This deep penetration ensures that the active ingredients can work more efficiently and, promote healthier and rejuvenated skin from within.

What are some ingredients that are good for acne-prone skin?

Natural ingredients beneficial for acne-prone skin include:

• Neem
• Tulsi
• Turmeric
• Aloe Vera
• Manjistha

What are some ingredients that are good for anti-ageing?

Ayurvedic ingredients for anti-ageing include:

• Ashwagandha
• Gotu Kola
• Saffron
• Bakuchi
• Guggu

What are some ingredients that are good for brightening and evening out skin tone?

Natural skincare ingredients that are good for brightening and evening out skin tone include:

• Sandalwood
• Saffron
• Liquorice or Mulethi
• Manjishtha

References:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51566791_Trends_in_aging_and_skin_care_Ayurvedic_concepts

https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/body-and-physical-health/a19690965/what-is-ayurveda-beauty/

https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/8-ingredients-that-your-beauty-products-makeup-skincare-should-not-include

https://www.byrdie.com/toxic-beauty-ingredients-4782646

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3151377/