If only we were all blessed with perfectly clear skin—not a blemish, dry patch, or red spot in sight!
Aw drat. That’s just not the case.
But thankfully there are a bunch of beautiful natural ingredients that can be used as home remedies to help a number of common skin conditions.
(Though if you have a skin condition that has lasted for a few days and is not improving we recommend you see a health professional.)
These not-so-exotic ingredients don't usually get much love as they're not usually the headline act, so today we're going to let them have their 15 minutes!
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil has been used in skincare for decades, which means it’s been tried and tested by thousands, if not millions of people. It’s considered a bit of a nifty ninja when it comes to problem skin such as acne and eczema-prone skin.
Jojoba is not an oil but a super mild wax ester which has some similar properties to your skin’s sebum(your skin’s own natural oil). This makes it useful for all areas of your body including your face.
It’s packed with nutrients and anti-oxidants and can be suitable to moisturise the dry skin associated with conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Studies have also found products containing jojoba oil effective in addressing acne which is why we created ourLaugh Out Loud Active Jojoba Oil :)
Aloe vera
Who’d have guessed that an odd-looking desert plant could offer an array of benefits to your skin? But it’s true! Aloe vera is packed with active components, such as anti-oxidant vitamins (A, C, E, B12), inflammation-fighting enzymes, minerals and fatty acids.
Aside from its moisturising ability, aloe vera has long been used to treat sunburn, thanks to its healing and regenerative properties. In Ayurvedic medicine aloe vera has been used to treat chronic skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Aloe vera’s antibacterial and soothing ability makes it ideal for moisturising skin while eliminating the symptoms (or potential for) skin infections. This is why we use it in ourCloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm (and just about everything else too)!
Tamanu oil
Tamanu Oil (we prefer to call it Dilo Oil) comes from the nuts of the Tamanu fruit, grown mostly in the Pacific Islands. It contains two unique actives - calophyllic acid and calophyllolide. These two miracle ingredients work together and the result is an amazing oil that not only keeps your skin nourished and super supple but also helps to form new skin tissue all the while providing anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits.
This makes tamanu oil (or dilo oil) ideal for aggravated and scarred skin (secret’s out - this is our favourite ingredient in theTLC Intensive Repair Oil!).
It’s one little oil that comes with a mighty big bag of skin-loving benefits. No wonder it’s often referred to anecdotally as “First Aid Oil!”.
Our tamanu/dilo oil is wild harvested in Fiji and tests have shown that it has one of the greatest efficacies (i.e. most potent!) of all tamanu oils tested worldwide.
Shea butter
Extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree, shea butter is a surefire way to soothe and nourish skin. Excellent for dry skin conditions, shea butter is an all-natural source of vitamin A, which is considered beneficial for addressing pesky skin woes According to the American Shea Institute, shea butter can help improve dry skin, skin rashes, peeling skin, wrinkles, itchy skin and sunburn - the list goes on…
But be aware, not all shea butters are the same; old shea butter or shea butter that has been altered from its natural state loses its healing power and clinical potency and so won’t provide optimal skin benefits. The trick is to buy from a brand you trust.
Shea butter is a quiet achiever in almost all of our cream-based products, but it’s a shining, underarm-loving superstar in theWoohoo All Natural Deodorant Paste.
Turmeric
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, turmeric has been used in skincare for thousands of years. Studies suggest that turmeric’s medicinal-like properties can help to heal chronic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, dry skin and acne.
When it comes to the skin benefits this bright yellow spice offers, the real hero is curcumin; a bioactive compound that provides potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant action. These actions combined help calm the skin and support wound healing.
However, skin healing is but one of the many benefits of turmeric. Word is it can help with arthritis, diabetes, cancer, boost brain function and protect the heart when used as a dietary supplement… Heck, now we’re hanging out for a turmeric latte!
Activated Charcoal
Have you noticed that the beauty world is looking a bit dark lately? It seems the overload of all things unicorn has pushed us in the completely opposite direction!
Yup, it’s time for charcoal to enter the spotlight and as it turns out, it's is not the same type of charcoal that fuels our BBQ pits — it's born out of a different process. The charcoal we love is usually made from bamboo or coconut. It's slowly dried, heated, and oxidised with carbon dioxide or steam, which creates tonnes of tiny pores across its surface that can trap toxins or chemicals.
And it’s pretty darn amazing in skincare products - namely, ourChirpy Charcoal Cleansing Gel! Activated bamboo charcoal can do some pretty special things for skin that’s prone to breakouts or acne, as it pulls out toxins and purifies your skin.
Please note: The information in this post is general and intended for educational purposes. It does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing a skin condition please contact your health professional for personalised advice.
