Want to switch to natural cosmetics? Then you've come to the right place! The skin is our largest organ, reflects our physical well-being and shows whether we are healthy. But to look naturally beautiful for a long time, it also needs to be cared for. Fortunately, more and more people are turning to natural cosmetics with natural active ingredients. However, there are a few important things to bear in mind when making your choice.
In this article, I would like to give you an overview to make it even easier for you to switch to natural skincare products. You'll learn about the key benefits of natural cosmetics and what you should look out for when buying them. Let's go!
Advantages: Why is natural cosmetics recommended?
So that the switch to natural cosmetics also works in the long termlet's first look together at the motivating benefits of using natural care products. In my opinion, the following three advantages of natural cosmetics are absolutely crucial.
1. create a naturally beautiful complexion
Fake fingernails, sprayed-on lips and chemical self-tanners - we live in a world where artificial is often preferred to natural. But (artificial) appearances are deceptive (of course). Fortunately, more and more people are now taking the opposite path back to nature. Because nature really does provide us with everything we need to protect and care for our skin and to grow old healthy.
Genuine natural cosmetics contain, for example No kerosenes, silicones or other petroleum productswhich can damage the skin - and does not contain any synthetic fragrances, colorants, surfactants, preservatives or emulsifiers. Instead, it is primarily based on plant oils from organic cultivation. Naturally coordinated active ingredients from plants strengthen the skin layers, supply them with important nutrients and stimulate the skin's own functions.
2. protect the environment
The raw materials for natural care and cosmetic products are mostly organically grown and have a positive effect on many people. Environmental problems of our time against. For example, the Soils and biodiversity promotedas more emphasis is being placed on natural helpers that maintain fertility and Declare war on pests in the long term. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers are not used in organic farming. Good reasons to switch to natural cosmetics, don't you think?
3. save the wallet
But aren't natural cosmetics much more expensive than conventional care products? In fact, natural cosmetics seem to be on average and at first sight to be somewhat more cost-intensive than conventional cosmetics.
Nevertheless, in the long term and Save money sustainably. Because natural care products help your skin to regulate itself. Ideally, you will only need smaller quantities of the respective care products for your daily care routine in future and can therefore use them for longer. In addition, many drugstores now also have high-quality natural cosmetics in their range that are genuinely available at a reasonable price are.
In principle, the following applies: The more people prefer natural cosmetics, the cheaper the products become - because demand sets the price.
Tip: It's even cheaper if you make your own natural cosmetics. You can find out more in the linked blog post, for example, How to make your own natural shower gel.
5 tips for a new beauty routine with natural cosmetics
All in all, it can be said that Health, environmental protection and cost savings are pretty good reasons to opt for natural cosmetic products. But not all natural cosmetics are the same!
Below you will find therefore now Five crucial tipsthat will make the switch to natural cosmetics much easier for you.
1. recognize genuine natural cosmetics
First of all, you should know that the term "natural cosmetics" in Germany not protected by law is. This means that cosmetics manufacturers can basically declare any product as "natural cosmetics" - even if it contains hardly any natural ingredients. Fortunately, the various Seal of quality with binding standardsThe label provides information as to whether it is actually genuine natural cosmetics.
The Requirements for certified natural cosmetic products are now high and range from organic cultivation and resource-saving processing to biodegradability and environmentally friendly packaging. Independent institutes put the respective products through their paces. And only if tested creams, shampoos and the like also meet all the requirements of the respective label are they awarded certification.
Important seals of approval, which are awarded for the certification of natural cosmetic products, include:
- BDIH Standard (for controlled natural cosmetics)
- ICADA (for certified natural cosmetics)
- Demeter (for products in which more than 90 percent of the ingredients are Demeter quality)
- EcoCert (for natural and organic cosmetics)
- NaTrue (for natural and organic cosmetics)
By the way: The EcoCert and NaTrue labels make a distinction between organic and natural cosmetics. In the first category, certain proportions of the ingredients must come from controlled organic cultivation.
2. check the ingredients of the natural cosmetic product
There are a number of ingredients that have absolutely no place in natural cosmetic products, for example because they are bad for our bodies or harmful to the environment. Nevertheless, in the list of ingredients you will occasionally come across substances such as PEG (polyethylene glycols), aluminum salts, benzophenone, formaldehyde, synthetic glycerine, silicones, plasticizers, emulsifiers, palm oil, microplastics, kerosenes, surfactants or preservatives.
When buying natural cosmetics, you should therefore always take a look at the ingredients. This is also because care products such as creams or body lotions should stay on the skin for a long time and be good for the body. Good natural cosmetics therefore consist mainly of vegetable oils. They help your skin to maintain its balance and regenerate. This strengthens its natural protective function and prevents it from drying out.
But beware: although natural cosmetics do not contain any harmful substances, they still offer not one hundred percent protection against allergies. Ingredients such as propolis or lanolin as well as essential oils such as citrus, eucalyptus, tea tree and bergamot oil provide according to the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB) pose an allergy risk. People with contact allergies should therefore also pay more attention to the composition of natural cosmetic products.
Vegan cosmetics are a special feature. Furthermore, they do not contain Ingredients of animal origin. These products therefore come entirely without Animal testingand without ingredients from animals or animal products such as honey and milk. By choosing them, you are protecting animals and protecting the environment. natural resources the earth.
Tip: Sometimes the technical terms in the ingredients are difficult to decipher - in such cases, simply use the CodeCheck App to help.
3. find natural cosmetic products for your own skin type
No two people are alike. And therefore our skin also sometimes requires special care products and routines. In the meantime, there is therefore on the one hand already a Large variety of natural products - Whether face cream, shampoo, shower gel or make-up.
For example, the manufacturers promise a radiant complexion, shiny hair or soft, smooth skin. Natural ingredients such as shea butter, green tea, olive oil or avocado are supposed to ensure this. Good Natural cosmetics also take your own skin type into account. Because this is the only way it can work optimally. So here is a rough overview and the appropriate tips:
- For Oily, blemished skin products with peppermint, seaweed and clay are ideal. These ingredients help the skin to restore its natural balance and regulate itself.
- Dry skin can itch, tighten and flake. It therefore needs oils and plenty of moisture. Oils such as jojoba, olive, evening primrose or almond are therefore suitable for this skin type. Glycerine and shea butter also moisturize.
- Who Sensitive skin often suffers from red and itchy patches. In order not to irritate the skin unnecessarily, only mild and few products should be used. A mild cleansing gel, for example, is suitable for gentle cleansing. A soothing cream with witch hazel or aloe vera, on the other hand, can be used as a basic skin care product.
- Many people have Combination skinboth dry and oily skin. To harmonize the skin, products with green tea, sea salt, grape extracts, ginkgo and calendula are recommended.
People with Normal skin can generally use all natural cosmetic products, provided they are not allergic to certain ingredients.
4. get your skin used to the new routine
Natural cosmetics are suitable for both young and old skin. But switching from conventional cosmetics to natural alternatives doesn't happen overnight. Of course, you could empty out your entire bathroom cupboard and replace it with new products, but it's better to give your body the time it needs. to give them the time they need to switch to natural cosmetics.
At the beginning, for example Redness noticeable make. However, this is completely normal as your skin first has to adjust to the new skincare product. It is also possible that your first purchase will not be a complete success. Therefore, approach the wide range of natural cosmetic products with caution, read through the information and recommendations and find the products that suit you best.
Switching from one day to the next is also not recommended because this extremely wasteful After all, you would probably throw away quite a few half-full jars and tubes. Of course, this does not correspond to the Zero Waste basic ideas. Therefore, set yourself rather the resolution: What needs to be bought new from now on, I replace with natural cosmetics. This way, your collection will grow gradually - and above all sustainably.
5. approach the matter with curiosity
Last, but not least, you should also check your Lower expectations a little at the beginning and be curious instead. Because the fact is: the artificial silicones in your current shampoo may make your hair velvety soft, artificial surfactants provide a soothing lather when you cleanse your face - and fragrances do the rest to make you feel good every day when you shower and wash.
However, natural cosmetic products work and smell differently and achieve different effects. You often have to get used to this at first. The good news: In the long term, your body will benefit from natural care products. Or to put it another way: without all these synthetic substances, your skin and hair will be happier in the long run.
Sustainable switch to natural cosmetics? No problem!
Choosing natural cosmetics is not only a statement in favor of an environmentally friendly and health-conscious lifestyle, but also a A living appreciation of your own skin. By switching to natural skincare products, you are consciously deciding against harmful ingredients and in favor of the power of nature. Natural cosmetics not only help your skin to regenerate and glow - they are also easy on your wallet and protect our planet from additional pollution caused by human activity.
"Nature is the best pharmacy."
Sebastian Kneipp (more at Health Quotes)
I hope that the benefits and tips in this article have inspired you to make the switch to natural cosmetics. Do you have any questions, experiences or further advice on natural body care and cosmetics? Then I look forward to your contribution in the comments.
Stay, of course,
PS: I have also written a detailed blog article for you on the subject of Sustainable body care compiled. Take a look there next. Have fun!
