Top 5 Natural Ingredients for Your Skin

By: Sana Iraei, Founder of Hediyeh | December 24, 2022

First and foremost, the health and appearance of your skin is a reflection of your internal well being. This means before you focus on choosing the best topical skin care products, you must first be conscious of the effects diet and lifestyle choices have on the skin.

In today’s world, we are bombarded with an array of expensive skin care products with promises of drastic results. However, to achieve youthful and glowing skin you really don’t need all these synthetically filled creams or serums containing 20-50 different ingredients, some of which their long term effects on your health remain unknown. A simple and minimalistic skincare routine with few products using naturally derived ingredients and healthy lifestyle choices are all you need. Discover our top 5 natural ingredients we recommend looking into!

1. Aloe Vera

A natural effective ingredient for improving skin hydration and increasing wound healing. “Due to this powerful plant’s anti-inflammatory, increased immune activity, anti-bacterial, antiviral effects, and decreased histamine activity properties, it accelerates the healing process of the burn wounds.” A great way to utilize the benefits of this plant is by purchasing fresh aloe vera leaves and scraping the gel inside to apply directly to your skin.

2. Gotu-Kola

Centella asiatica, commonly known as gotu kola, is a herbaceous, perennial plant in the Apiaceae family. It has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Studies have shown the powerful wound healing effects of this herb and its ability to enhance collagen synthesis.

3. Sea Moss

Also known as Irish moss, this ingredient contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, making it a nourishing addition to your skincare. "Due to a high sulfur content, sea moss has antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial functions, and it is therefore believed to help with balancing the skin microbiome," says Dr. Karen Hammerman, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Garden City, New York. "The high sulfur content can also decrease the excessive sebum production in the skin. Together with the antibacterial effect on P. Acnes bacteria [which causes acne], it may help reduce the severity of acne in people who suffer from this condition."

4. Shea Butter

If shea butter is not the most moisturizing or nutrient-rich emollient in the market, it is certainly one of them. Extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, this butter has been shown to help heal the skin and reduce inflammation. In addition, this butter contains vitamin A and E which are great antioxidants for the skin.

5. Honey

This natural ingredient is soothing to the skin and works great as a natural humectant, drawing moisture to the skin. It also has antibacterial properties which are due to production of hydrogen peroxide or presence of methylglyoxal in manuka honey, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.