Shopping for beauty products isn’t always a walk in the park. If you’re not a beauty connoisseur, the list of unfamiliar ingredients and variety of brands can make the process confusing and overwhelming. Instead of exposing your body to the possibility of harmful toxins and unnatural chemicals, keep your beauty routine simple with products that are familiar to you and reduce your risk of breakouts and reactions.  

Generally, there are a few ingredients to always look out for when purchasing beauty products: 

• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Silicones
• BHA
• Polyethylene

Whether you have normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, natural products that keep the ingredient list short and recognizable are beneficial for figuring out what works best with your body. While it’s still possible to have a reaction from even the most natural products, it’s easier to find the root cause of the reaction and discover what needs to be switched.

Beauty products include not only what you’re putting on your body but also what you’re putting in your body! There are a variety of ways to amp your natural glow from the inside out with nutrient-dense foods and supplements. Eating foods that are gut-friendly and rich in antioxidants and fibers might even provide a relief to skin issues.  

Try including these simple products in your routine to see lasting results without the stress or confusion about what you’re putting in and on your body.

Collagen
Ever wonder where fine lines and wrinkles come from? As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, the protein that gives our skin, bones, and muscles structure. You don’t have to go to a doctor to start fitting more collagen into your routine. Start by simply including foods like collagen-boosting bone broth, which can be created at home by slowly simmering beef, chicken, or fish bones, into your diet. You can also find collagen powder online and at health stores that can be easily added to things like oatmeal, coffee, or smoothies. The taste is minimal but packs a powerful punch of nutrients.

Water
Yep, that’s right, regular old water can enhance your beauty routine! Water is an easy and safe way to start achieving a healthy glow naturally. Drinking water hydrates your body from the inside out and is essential for keeping your body running properly. It can improve digestion, flush out toxins, and aid in circulation. Without water, your skin may begin to feel dry, flaky, and tight, so make water your go-to drink!

Vitamin E
This powerhouse antioxidant can protect your skin from UV damage and free radicals. It helps fight signs of aging, inflammation, and wrinkles. Foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and wheat germ all contain high amounts of vitamin E, but vitamin E can also be purchased in oil and pill form, making it easy to add to your routine.

Jade Roller
Jade rollers have been around since the seventeenth century in China as a form of skincare and are used by gently rolling up and down the skin to help remove toxins, smooth fine lines, and calm inflammation. They depuff your face by increasing blood circulation and increasing lymphatic drainage in your face. This impressive tool recently peaked on social media thanks to wellness gurus and beauty experts alike. Giving your face a relaxing massage each morning or night can also leave you feeling calmer and more at ease. There’s no need to include any oils or lotions in the process of rolling but may be something to consider for additional benefits.

Bentonite “Healing” Clay
This ancient clay is made from the ash of volcanoes and was once used as a traditional healing method. The odorless gray powder is a rich source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron that helps remove toxins from the body. It’s most commonly mixed with water and applied as a face or body mask but can be combined with apple cider vinegar to reap more potent effects.

What are your favorite natural beauty products?