Glow Naturally: Why should you switch to natural skincare and beauty

At a time when consumers are becoming increasingly more mindful of what they put in and on their bodies, natural skincare and beauty products are more than just a trend; they’re a movement towards leading a more eco-friendly life. Switching your beauty and skincare products to organic alternatives can not only help to protect and nourish your skin, but it also helps to protect the shared earth that we live on. From reducing your exposure to harmful toxins to supporting eco-friendly brands that are committed to ethical sourcing and cruelty-free practices, there are many benefits of switching to natural skincare.

Unlike conventional skincare and beauty products that often rely on synthetic chemicals, natural alternatives use the power of plant-based ingredients to create gentle yet effective solutions that work in harmony with your skin and the environment. Here at Planet Organic, we understand the importance of using natural ingredients, which is why our collection of skincare and beauty products features many brands that use organically sourced, natural ingredients to create effective solutions for your skin.

Keep reading as we dive into the many reasons why switching to natural beauty products can be beneficial for your body and your lifestyle, and explore the various options available to you here at Planet Organic to elevate your everyday routines.

How can I take care of my skin naturally?

The simplest way to take care of your skin naturally is to stick to a consistent skincare routine that contains natural and organic products that are gentle on your skin. As important as it is to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, the same goes for feeding your skin with these natural ingredients. We recommend, at the very least, using a natural cleanser and moisturiser twice daily - once in the morning, and once in the evening - and following up with an SPF to protect your skin from the sun throughout the day and a serum tailored to your skincare concerns in the evening. 

The best natural skincare products are those that contain 100% natural ingredients derived from the land or the sea, and are processed in an environmentally friendly way. This includes products that contain plant-derived, nourishing ingredients such as;

• Aloe vera - one of the most widely used skincare ingredients, aloe vera is especially great for those with sensitive skin, as it has antibacterial and regenerative properties that can help to heal the skin barrier 

• Shea butter - used to relieve skin irritation such as eczema, rashes and burns, shea butter contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics that help to soothe and hydrate

• Jojoba oil - the chemical structure of this oil is similar to the natural sebum our skin produces, meaning that it will absorb into our skin quickly and balance our natural oils without clogging pores

• Coconut oil - has natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and can increase your skin’s barrier function and retain moisture due to its high lipid content

• Seed oils - offer skin barrier-enhancing properties that help to retain moisture and protect your skin's outer layer

• Tea tree oil - a natural oil that has antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

What are the benefits of natural skincare products?

There are many benefits to using natural skincare products, the main one being that natural skincare is generally better for your skin and overall health. It’s important to note that the terms ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ are not synonymous - some products may include natural ingredients, but that does not mean they have been organically produced. To reap the full benefits of natural skincare, it’s important to read labels carefully to ensure that what you are using contains only natural ingredients. Below are just a few of the positive effects that using natural skincare can have.

Great for sensitive skin

Without the presence of harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances, natural skincare is naturally hypoallergenic and therefore perfect for people with sensitive skin, as these products are less likely to cause an allergic reaction or inflammation.

Can help strengthen your skin barrier

Natural skincare contains only naturally occurring ingredients that are free from harmful toxins and contain beneficial, plant-derived antioxidants and minerals. These ingredients mimic and support your skin’s natural ceramides and fatty acids, therefore helping to restore and reinforce its protective function, in turn brightening and rejuvenating your skin. Some of the most commonly used ingredients in natural skincare that are beneficial to supporting your skin barrier include: honey, aloe vera, coconut oil and shea butter.

Better for the environment 

A lot of natural skincare contains ingredients that are organically sourced and produced in more sustainable ways than conventional skincare, therefore leaving less negative impact on the environment. Natural skincare often encourages more eco-conscious practices and reduces chemical exposure, which in turn can have a more positive impact on the planet by lowering pollution and protecting natural habitats. Of course, it’s still important to do your research on individual brands and their practices, as ‘natural’ doesn’t automatically mean ethical. 

What are the best natural skincare products?

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, which is why treating it with care using natural products is essential to ensuring it’s kept as healthy as possible. Absorbing up to 60% of what you apply to it, your skin deserves to be treated with natural products that are free from harmful ingredients to prevent any unwanted toxins from circulating in your body. Therefore, the best natural skincare products for you will all depend on your individual skin type and your skincare goals. 

Everyone is different, some skin types may respond better to certain products than others, it's all about figuring out what works best for you. Below are just a few of our favourite natural skincare options at Planet Organic that are great for those looking to delve deeper into more eco-friendly practices.

Green People Daily SPF30 Moisturiser and Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Night Cream £14.95

Our skin is very delicate and needs a good-quality moisturiser throughout the day to act as a barrier against any harmful pollution and toxins it may be exposed to. Moisturising your skin is the key to keeping it hydrated, reducing signs of ageing and improving texture, to give you a radiant complexion. This Green People daily SPF30 moisturiser contains organic, naturally-derived, vegan ingredients that combine potent plant antioxidants with all-important SPF30 to help nourish and protect your skin all day long. Containing extract of buds from the Everlasting Youth Tree, this natural moisturiser is known for its hydrating and smoothing properties that help to strengthen the skin’s epidermal structure. This non-greasy formula easily absorbs into the skin to give you a hydrating, invisible layer of protection with a radiant glow.

During sleep, our bodies launch into repair mode; therefore, investing in a good quality night-time moisturiser is essential to ensuring your skin absorbs all the nutrients it needs to heal any damage it has been subjected to throughout the day. This Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Night Cream is one of the best organic moisturisers that contains natural, healing ingredients such as calendula, shea butter and cold-pressed seed oils that help to promote cell-regeneration, strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, reduce moisture loss and maintain elasticity.

Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt With Baobab & Vanilla and Alteya Organics Rose Otto Face Wash Bio Damascena 

Facial cleansers are one of the most important parts of any daily skincare routine, as they help to remove any dirt, oil and unwanted debris that may have accumulated throughout the day. This Evolve gentle cleansing melt contains nourishing organic baobab oil that soothes and hydrates the skin and natural sugar extracts that, when combined with water, turn into a creamy milk that leaves the skin feeling clean, calm and hydrated. Certified COSMOS Organic, this cleansing balm is great for all skin types due to its natural ingredients and is made to help easily remove any make-up or dirt from the day, whilst keeping your skin nourished.

For those who like to double-cleanse to ensure any traces of make-up or dirt are removed, we suggest adding a water-based cleanser into your routine along with an oil or cream cleanser. This Alteya Organics Rose Otto Face Wash contains rich, organic ingredients like rose water, glycerin and coconut oil to create a cleanser that is hydrating, effectively removes impurities and balances the skin.

Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum 

In the same way our bodies need essential vitamins every day, so too does our skin, which is why adding vitamin-packed facial serums into your routine can help improve skin health. As our bodies age, our skin slows down the production of collagen, which is responsible for strengthening our skin’s barrier and maintaining elasticity. This is where a serum such as the organic Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum can help. 

Vitamin C serums help to boost collagen production whilst providing an all-day glow and enhanced skin protection. Containing Kakadu plum, which has up to 100 times the amount of vitamin C that is found in oranges, antioxidant-rich Vinaza grape and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this serum uses these natural, organically grown ingredients to help create a supple, glowing complexion. 

Browse through the full collection of natural skincare to find the right products to suit your skin type and desired results.

What are organic beauty products?

Organic beauty products typically refer to products that contain naturally derived, organic ingredients; however, due to a lack of legislation within the beauty industry, some beauty products labelled as organic may contain as little as 1% organic ingredients. Products labelled as ‘organic’ within the food industry are legally regulated; however, due to a lack of regulation for this term in the beauty industry, it’s important to check the labels of the beauty products you are purchasing to make sure that what you’re using is actually organic.

To help combat this, the Soil Association has developed the internationally recognised COSMOS standard for organic cosmetics so that consumers now have guidelines they can trust. Any COSMOS-certified product will contain at least 95% organically grown ingredients that have been physically processed and passed through checks, from the farm to the finished product, to ensure they meet all organic requirements. 

The Soil Association defines organic beauty products as products that contain natural ingredients that have been grown on organic farms. Any beauty or skincare product that is certified organic will include:

• No GM (genetically modified) ingredients  

• No parabens, synthetic colours, dyes or fragrances 

• No nanoparticles 

• Recycled and recyclable packaging

• No animal testing.

Is natural makeup better for your skin?

Yes, organic makeup is often much better for your skin compared to conventional beauty products, as it tends to avoid the use of harsh chemicals and contains no synthetic ingredients. The natural ingredients used in these beauty products not only prevent skin irritation and inflammation, but they can also help prevent clogged pores and make your make-up more breathable, as the ingredients are often non-comedogenic and gentle on your skin. A lot of natural makeup products also contain nourishing, plant-based ingredients like botanical extracts and minerals, which help to hydrate and soothe the skin while also providing a beautiful makeup look.

Dr Bronner's Naked Lip Balm and Madara SKIN EQUAL Foundation 

A beauty essential that every person needs is a lip balm, and this organic Dr Bronner's Naked Lip Balm is the perfect all-natural solution. Made from organic avocado oil, beeswax, hemp oil and more natural ingredients, this all-purpose balm is designed to nourish and hydrate and can be used not only on your lips but also on any dry patches on your hands, feet, face and body. A must-have in everyone’s daily routine, this natural, all-purpose formula provides a nourishing, protective barrier wherever you apply it.

Makeup can be a great way to help conceal any imperfections and even out skin tone without exposing your skin to harmful chemicals or harsh sun rays. This Madara SKIN EQUAL Foundation offers the perfect blend of skincare and beauty, providing a light and airy mineral foundation that works in sync with your skin to create your preferred coverage without feeling too heavy. Made by organic skincare experts, this natural foundation contains hyluronic acid for lasting hydration along with zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and antioxidant-rich plant extracts to protect the skin against external stressors.

Browse through our full collection of beauty products to find more natural makeup to add to your collection.

Why is organic important for beauty as well as food?

The same arguments in favour of organic food also apply to organic beauty and skincare. The use of organic farming for both food and beauty is better for the planet as a whole. Beauty products are a luxury and should be created in a thoughtful way that does not destroy nature and instead ensures that ingredients are farmed using certified organic methods.

The use of organic farming within the beauty and skincare industry can provide many solutions to the current ecological issues we face as a society. The soil used on organic farms stores twice as much carbon as non-organic farms, meaning that this excessive amount of carbon is being kept out of the atmosphere. The prohibited use of nitrogen fertilisers on organic farms also means that they are using less energy and offering protection to biodiversity. 

On average, organic farms are home to 50% more plants, insects, and birds than non-organic farms, and we rely on these creatures to pollinate our crops. Therefore, organic beauty products not only benefit us, but their ethical production can have a positive impact on biodiversity.

Make the switch to natural beauty and skincare

If you’re looking to make the change to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly beauty regimen, we have everything you need to get started. Browse through our full collection of organic skincare and beauty, and choose from a wide range of natural products designed to treat your skin and the planet with kindness.