Reprinted from: https://www.harpersbazaar.com.hk/beauty/natural-beauty
Natural skincare, aromatherapy, and handmade soap have become mainstream in recent years, simply because many users have found they reduce skin irritation. Those with sensitive skin, in particular, say that using natural skincare products has improved their problems with redness and itching. Jessie, the founder of Nude Story, is one such person who has experienced this firsthand. But do "organic" or "additive-free" equate to "natural skincare"? What exactly is aromatherapy? And with so many natural skincare products on the market, how should you choose? Let Jessie explain it for us point by point.
1. Organic / Additive-free = Natural Skincare?
"Natural" mainly refers to ingredients derived from nature—plants, minerals, or living animals, such as milk or honey—that have not undergone processing.
"Organic" means that during the planting, cultivation, and harvesting of the plants, the land and water sources have not been contaminated by heavy metals, radioactive substances, or carcinogens. Additionally, the entire process from production to final storage respects the natural environment, such as through the proper handling of waste. Jessie adds: "In other words, products marketed as natural and organic are generally unpolluted, synthetic-free, derived from nature, and adhere to natural production laws."
2. What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a form of natural therapy that uses essential oils extracted from aromatic plants through methods such as massage, diffusion, and bathing to relieve stress and maintain physical health.
3. Want to DIY skincare at home? How to choose and prepare ingredients?
"The first priority is cleanliness. No matter what material your container is made of, because homemade skincare lacks antibacterial properties, you must maintain hygiene throughout the production process." Secondly, Jessie believes that since DIY skincare materials are primarily food-based, you should first understand whether the pH level of the ingredients might cause skin sensitivity. "For example, many people like to use lemon in DIY skincare for its whitening effects, but they might overlook the fact that these ingredients can cause photosensitivity, so you must be careful when choosing raw materials. When using food ingredients, you can use pH test strips to check them." Jessie also notes that honey, avocado, and aloe vera are common natural DIY skincare ingredients.
4. What kind of masks should acne-prone skin use?
"You can use sheet masks with anti-inflammatory effects, but it depends on the cause of the acne. If you have dry skin, masks with overly strong anti-inflammatory effects might not be suitable, as they could leave your skin even drier."
5. How to choose natural skincare on the market and how to read ingredient lists?
Jessie states that there are many natural skincare products on the market, so you should choose products from reputable shops and learn to read the ingredient list. "There might be symbols or quantities you don't understand, which could indicate fragrances or pigments. You can also check if the product has organic certification and its shelf life; generally, natural skincare products have a shelf life of no more than one year." Additionally, there is a big difference between synthetic fragrance and essential oil. Essential oils are extracted and concentrated from natural plants, preserving the original components that provide the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy. Fragrances, on the other hand, are 100% synthetic scents.
6. 3 Simple DIY Skincare Recipes
Brown Sugar Scrub Mask
Ingredients:
Brown sugar: 4 tsp
Oil: ¼ tsp olive oil
Water: ¼ tsp
This mask removes dead skin cells. If you don't have brown sugar at home, you can substitute it with yellow sugar. For the oil, you can choose extra virgin olive oil or sunflower seed oil. Mix the ingredients and apply to clean skin, leave for 5 minutes, then add water and massage gently; the sugar will gradually dissolve, cleansing away oil and dirt while the skincare ingredients penetrate the skin. This is especially suitable for dry skin.
Yogurt Brightening Mask
Ingredients:
Full-fat Greek yogurt: 2 tsp
Honey: 1 tsp
(Optional) 2 fully ripe strawberries for whitening and acne-fighting
(Optional) 2 tbsp ground coffee and 2 tbsp cocoa powder for reducing puffiness and detoxifying
Yogurt softens the skin, moisturizing and brightening the complexion. Try to use full-fat Greek yogurt; it is much more moisturizing than 2% or fat-free versions. Also, remember to avoid using any flavored yogurt, as they contain too many sweeteners and other added ingredients. Add honey for natural moisturizing and antibacterial properties; it can control acne while replenishing moisture for the skin. Suitable for any skin type. Additionally, depending on skin needs, you can crush two strawberries into the mask to help whiten and fight acne; if you have puffiness in the morning, you can add 2 tbsp of ground coffee and 2 tbsp of cocoa powder, which have anti-aging and detoxifying effects.
Flower Tea Moisturizing Mask
Ingredients:
Flower tea: 3 tsp
Aloe vera: 2 tsp
Glycerin: ¼ tsp
(Optional) Essential oil
This mask can be customized to your preference and skin condition. For example, lavender tea can relieve stress, chamomile can improve sensitive skin, and rose can enhance moisturizing power. Adding aloe vera and glycerin to the mask can effectively reduce fine lines, nourish and hydrate, and soothe sensitivity; glycerin is generally available at pharmacies. If you want to enhance the effects, you might consider adding a small amount of essential oil; lavender, tea tree, and Roman chamomile essential oils are highly recommended.
Aromatherapist and NUDE STORY Founder Jessie Lau
In the past, Jessie loved using skincare products indiscriminately, and combined with high stress, she once suffered from eczema. Later, Jessie used natural skincare products blended by a family member who had studied aromatherapy and received massage therapy with appropriate essential oils. This not only improved her sensitivity issues but also relaxed her mood, helping her forget her current troubles. Having experienced the effects of aromatherapy on the skin, body, mind, and spirit firsthand, she began taking aromatherapy courses and became an internationally certified aromatherapist.