Winter calls for a little extra attention to be paid to our skin – after all, a rapid decrease in humidity (hello, drier air) and exposure to icy temperatures and wind means we’re more prone to developing dry or dehydrated skin.
If you are prone to sensitive skin, you’ll know that winter is also known for exasperating sensitivity. Redness, itchiness, irritation and flaky skin are all common in the colder months, which means it might be a good time to turn to gentle-yet-effective natural ingredients and ditch harsh, artificial ingredients that aggravate sensitivity.
Earthsap, a local leader in natural and biodegradable beauty products, has identified five natural skincare ingredients we should all incorporate in our regimes this winter:
Calendula
Calendula is a plant also known as pot marigold and is native to the Mediterranean. It carries bright, sunny flowers that are often used as a food colouring agent. Calendula is popularly used in beauty products because it is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. It is known for helping reduce skin sensitivity and the symptoms thereof, such as redness, inflammation, irritation and discomfort. Calendula is rich in antioxidants, which help protect skin against harmful effects of environmental aggressors and radiation, as well as skin-friendly oils, which help keep skin moisturised.
Try Earthsap Calendula Hand and Body Lotion (R84.99). It contains a combination of soothing and healing calendula, and moisturising and nourishing aloe and olive oils, resulting in a natural combination that leaves the skin soft, smooth and healthy.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the steam distillation of the leaves of the tea tree, which is native to the swampy South-East coast of Australia. Tea tree is a common ingredient in topical products thanks to its antibacterial properties. It has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries and is known for treating fungal infections, preventing infection and promoting healing. In addition, benefits include its ability to help fight breakouts and acne, soothe skin irritations, relieve psoriasis and speed up wound healing.
Try Earthsap Tea Tree Face Toner (R94.99). This natural cleansing toner formula is made with real tea tree and aloe oils to nourish and protect your skin. The botanical blend offers a naturally cleansed, healthy complexion without drying out your skin, plus it’s been enriched with nourishing vitamin E to combat free radical damage and slow the signs of ageing.
Carrot
We know that carrots are incredibly healthy for our bodies (think antioxidants and plenty of vitamins), but did you know they’re also beneficial for your skin? Carrots contain beta-carotene, a substance responsible for their orange colour, which is also rich in antioxidants. Beta-carotene also helps increase skin cell turnover, thereby promoting cell regeneration and younger-looking skin. Carrot extract may help brighten skin and reduce inflammation.
Try Earthsap Garden Carrot Face Wash (R94.99). This mild face wash is made with a blend of real carrot oil and 100% natural, biodegradable ingredients. It’s kind to your skin and packed with nutrients like vitamin A and antioxidants, to leave you with a fresh and healthy complexion. Free of harsh chemicals, this face wash gently cleans away grime and dirt without drying or damaging your skin.
Lavender
Lavender is known for its aromatherapy properties and its floral scent is a long-time favourite among fragrance enthusiasts. Lavender oil is an essential oil that offers many skincare benefits: it has the ability to soothe skin, improve acne, protect against harmful free radicals and fight bacteria. But that’s not all – this powerful natural ingredients has also shown to help treat and manage eczema, relieve dryness and promote skin healing.
Try Earthsap Lavender & Rosemary Hand Soap (R89.99). This all-natural hand soap is gentle and therapeutic; you can use it to cleanse your hands and your face as well. It’s made with a wonderful blend of skin-friendly ingredients and is free of harsh synthetic chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about it drying your skin out. Lavender oil adds a wonderfully calming scent and also keeps germs at bay, while rosemary soothes as wheat germ cleanses and hydrates.
Orange
Oranges are extremely high in vitamin C, which is one of the reasons they’re so heathy to eat. This also makes them a nourishing ingredient to utilise in skincare. Their brightening and detoxifying properties leave the complexion glowing and looking radiant. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, known to brighten skin and fight hyperpigmentation, as well as vitamin A, which is known to iron out wrinkles and fine lines and promote a more youthful appearance.
Try Earthsap Orange & Mandarin Foam Bath (R94.95). There’s nothing like a relaxing bath in winter, right? This all-natural, SLS-free bubble bath cares for skin while you soak. Its biodegradable formula offers a fresh, uplifting citrus fragrance you’ll adore.
Shop Earthsap products online at Faithful to Nature and at selected heath shops nationwide.
Also see: TikTok skincare trends: skin flooding vs. skin cycling
