Unfortunately, the skin care industry has very little oversight or regulation. Many commercially-produced skin care products are packed with artificial colors, fragrances, preservatives, and stabilizers that can potentially cause a range of negative long-term health effects. That is why it is more important than ever to research which ingredients and chemicals are in the products offered at spas.

In a world where natural foods and organic diets are finally being recognized as essential for supporting good health, natural ingredients should also be recognized as essential for healthy skin. When shopping for skin care products, follow the same rules that apply for a healthy diet. Look for products made with unprocessed natural ingredients, like shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut oil. Remove products with long lists of harsh chemicals or unpronounceable artificial ingredients.

Many beauty trends in the market today are focused on using natural ingredients to support healthy skin from the inside-out. Ingredients that are high in antioxidants and provide nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and biotin, are all beneficial when used in skin care routines.

Before heading to the store, the first place consumers can look for natural, unprocessed skin care ingredients is their kitchen! For example, organic coconut oil is a popular ingredient in the skin care industry – and for good reason. Coconut oil nourishes and improves the lipid content of skin cells. As a concentrated antioxidant and antifungal, it helps heal fungal infections, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea and can be used in a wide variety of ways for the skin from spot treatments and nourishing masks to rejuvenating cleansers.

Other natural ingredients that can be found in the kitchen or in the organic section of a supermarket include tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, raw honey, and avocado. Used alone or mixed together, these ingredients have the potential to increase collagen production, repair free radical damage, and improve oxygen and blood flow to the skin. Externally, they can also help tighten skin, diminish lines and wrinkles, repair discoloration, and protect the skin from environmental elements.

When it comes to natural ingredients, there are many more choices out there than originally believed, which can make it hard to know where to start. One of the most powerful things clients can do for their skin, however, is to commit to these three simple, natural ways of supporting healthy skin:

1. Drink more water. Water helps to flush toxins, removing bacteria and waste. Water also plays a big role in keeping skin hydrated and looking young, as dehydration can be blamed for dull-looking skin, emphasizing age lines or wrinkles and causing rough, cracked skin.

2. Get enough sleep. A full night of restful sleep reenergizes the body and gives it the boost it needs to replenish and repair skin during the night, helping clients to wake with a glowing, vibrant complexion.  

3. Eat as clean as possible and incorporate high-quality supplements. While using natural ingredients is great for the outside of the body, what is put inside the body also plays a big role in a person’s appearance. Organic, non-toxic food and high-quality nutritional supplements provide the body, including the skin, with the essential vitamins and nutrients it needs.  

The bottom line? It really is possible to have more youthful, glowing skin. Advise clients to do their research, pay attention to what they are putting on and in their body, and remember that nothing is more beautiful than good health.