The importance of choosing natural body care

EATING A healthy diet, drinking water regularly, exercising, and taking care of your mental health are all examples of the everyday actions we take to care for our bodies.

However, why do we allow our bodies to absorb many chemicals by applying skin products to them every day? Undeniably, anything that is applied to the skin is ingested by it and could, in the long term, be harmful. It is therefore preferable to opt for products containing as few ingredients as possible and having natural ingredients.

According to Dr Orlando Thomas, medical doctor and functional medicine practitioner at Thomas Medical and Shockwave Centre, our skin is our primary defence against the outside elements. “It is an airtight and watertight barrier that protects us from the millions of microbes in our environment. So, if our skin is damaged, bacteria and germs can easily infect us, and our immunity will be compromised,” he said.

Taking care of the body and skin, he said, is part of a healthy lifestyle. If you take the time to do your skincare routine and do it well, you are more likely to make healthier choices.

“Body care, after all, is not just lathering on many products onto your skin to keep it healthy. It also includes eating healthy and exercising. You will end up looking and feeling great, both inside and out. It will be a great confidence booster and will result in a happier you,” Dr Thomas said.

Additionally, doing body care is an excellent preventative measure. “Prevention is better than cure. Wearing sunscreen, washing your face often, and using moisturising products can save you from invasive and often expensive treatments later when your problems pop up,” he said.

According to Treacha Reid, cosmetologist and trichologist, before you buy famous name brands, you have to consider your skin type first. “There are thousands of body care products with different ingredients, and depending on what kind of skin you have, reactions can be good or bad,” she said.

Do you have oily skin? Avoid products that have oils or alcohol in them, and instead, opt for ones with salicylic acid or natural essences like citrus or jojoba. If you have sensitive skin, products made from natural ingredients and anti-inflammatories will work. Avoid skincare products that rely heavily on chemicals.

For dry skin, body lotions and creams infused with natural essential oils that help retain moisture are best for you, like coconut oil and sunflower oil. Also, if you have normal skin, a body care routine will still do you a whole world of good. Maintain your normal skin by nourishing it with moisturising products and wearing sunscreen to protect from harmful UV rays and keep it looking young.

BODY CARE TIPS:

• Moisturise both day and night

The best times to moisturise are after your morning shower and before you go to bed at night.

• Avoid touching your face

Our hands are one of the dirtiest parts of our body, so touching your face can spread bacteria and germs and can cause breakouts, scarring, wrinkles, and even flu.

• Hydrate inside and out

Using body care products that promote hydration is good, but an extra boost from drinking around eight glasses of water every day is better.

• Exfoliate

Our body loses millions of skin cells daily, and the buildup of dead skin cells can make it look dull, so exfoliating often will bring it back to a healthy glow.

• Maintain a healthy diet

Nourishment from the inside helps a great deal for skincare, too. So, eat your greens and food rich in omega-3 fatty acid, which helps retain moisture. Reduce your carb intake as well.

• Get enough sleep

During sleep, the skin repairs itself by rebuilding collagen, repair damage from UV exposure, and reduces wrinkles.

NATURAL CLEANSERS:

Coconut oil: Appy a small amount to damp skin and rinse with lukewarm water.

Aloe vera: Blend one cup of aloe vera and two tablespoons of honey until smooth. Add a few drops of preferred essential oil (optional).

NATURAL SKIN SCRUB:

Honey and brown sugar scrub: Combine one tablespoon of brown sugar and two tablespoons of honey.

Coconut oil and fine salt: Combine one tablespoon of coconut oil and two tablespoon of fine salt.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com