6 Natural Ingredients That Are Good For Your Skin

When you're looking for a solution to your skin problems, nature can often actually tell you the answer. Experts reveal that the better way to treat acne, uneven pigmentation, sun damage, and many more skin problems is to use products that contain natural ingredients.

1. beta-carotene

‘Red, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are rich in beta-carotene, which has many benefits for nourishing the skin.’ Eli Fowler, who co-founded a branded skincare line, says, ‘Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A , which is an essential nutrient for wound healing, protection from the sun, and boosting cellular metabolism.’

Dr Jessica Wu, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California and a dermatologist, says, ‘Studies report that topical beta-carotene can discolour the skin and have improved antioxidant benefits for melasma.’

2, Green Tea Extract

Neil Schultz, M.D., a New York dermatologist and creator of BeautyRx skincare, says, ‘This healthy beverage contains high concentrations of antioxidant chemicals (catechins such as catechins and flavonoids, kaempferol, theaflavins, etc.) that help prevent and fight UV damage to the skin, which are the same chemicals that give green tea its naturally anti-inflammatory, skin care and skin soothing ingredients.’

3. Licorice

The anti-inflammatory properties of liquorice extract are a better natural ingredient for treating redness and rosacea. It has also been shown to reduce uneven pigmentation by blocking melanin production. Dr Wu recommends looking for liquorice extract in eye care products, as one study found that eye creams containing the ingredient helped reduce dark circles.

4. Oats

Colloidal oats are one of the few natural ingredients that the FDA has approved for treating skin allergies such as eczema, dry skin, poison ivy, poison oak, and insect bites. Dr Wu says, ‘Oat lipids and proteins help replenish and maintain the skin barrier.’ Also, she explains, ‘Oats contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant chemicals.’

5, Soya

‘If you want your skin to look brighter and more even-toned, look for this ingredient,’ says Dr Wu. ‘Topical soy has been shown to reduce melasma and sun damage by inhibiting overproduction of melanin in the skin.’

Dermatologist Michael King, M.D., medical director of the Gold Skin Care Centre in Nashville, says, ‘Soy products are an especially good option for those looking for alternatives to high-strength ingredients such as pro-vitamin A and hydroquinone.’

6: Vitamin C

You might think of vitamin C as a foundational ingredient in defence against colds and flu, but it's also there to fight the common signs of skin aging - sagging and sluggishness. Dr Wu explains that vitamin C helps with collagen synthesis, which is off important for skin firmness and smoothness. Plus, it has antioxidant benefits that can help fight free radical damage and reduce dark spots. Vitamin C also regulates sebum production, prevents acne and reduces inflammation.

In the meantime, you'll want to eat plenty of citrus fruits to make sure your skin benefits from vitamin C.