NON NANO ZINC OXIDE
1. Researchers have found that zinc has natural sun-protection benefits. When your skin is filled with a rich layer of zinc oxide, it reflects and absorbs the UVA and UVB rays. This way it blocks the harmful rays from entering your skin. However, the efficacy of this ingredient completely depends on its concentration.
Nano-sized ZnO does not irritate skin, in a similar manner to non-nano ZnO.
Scientists recommend it as a safe alternative to chemical UV filters. By filtering harmful UV rays, zinc oxide helps protect cells from damage, halt the aging process, and prevent skin dryness. It is effective after application since it forms a natural barrier between your skin and sunlight.
2. Prevention of Photodamage and Skin Cancers: Zinc oxide is widely used as a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. Its advantage lies in its low cost and an excellent safety profile.
Antiaging: After 8 weeks of therapy, significant elastic fiber regeneration was seen in the papillary dermis leading to effacement of wrinkles.
Scars & Keoloids: The beneficial effect of topical zinc in the treatment of keloids in few studies has been attributed to its ability to inhibit lysyl oxidase and stimulate collagenase that leads to decreased production and increased degradation of collagen.
Pigmentary Disorders: Topical zinc has been used for both vitiligo and melasma.
Premalignant and Malignant Dermatoses
Zinc in high concentration has been found to possess a direct cytotoxic effect and is well known to induce apoptosis of malignant cells and tissue necrosis. This property of zinc has been utilized for its use in premalignant and malignant conditions of skin like xeroderma pigmentosa, actinic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma. Topical therapy with zinc sulfate solution has been found to have both therapeutic and prophylactic role in patients with xeroderma pigmentosa.
Zinc is a proven treatment modality for seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Ulcers & Wounds: Zinc, both oral and topical, for its healing properties has been used for a long time for the management of ulcers and wounds of varied etiology.
Eczemas, Psoriasis, Rosacea: Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and increases reepithelialization supporting its use for treating eczemas. Zinc oxide paste has been used for the treatment of diaper dermatitis since long.
Acne: topical zinc alone as well as in combination with other agents is effective perhaps because of its anti-inflammatory activity and ability to reduce P. acnes counts by inhibition of P. acnes lipases and free fatty acid levels. Another proposed mechanism for the benefit of zinc in acne is suppression of sebum production by its antiandrogenic activity.
SWEET ALMOND OIL
3. Many people use almond oil to help treat common skin conditions, such as dermatitis and eczema. In general, there is good evidence that moisturizers improve eczema. One study showed that a moisturizer containing sweet almond oil reduced the symptoms of moderate or severe hand dermatitis. Another showed that emollients containing refined almond oil helped relieve itching and improved the skin’s barrier function in people with xerotic eczema, also known as asteatotic eczema, which causes the skin to become particularly dry, cracked, and itchy.
Some people with acne use almond oil as a moisturizer, often alongside topical acne medication.
Pregnant women looking to prevent stretch marks or reduce associated itching might try massaging almond oil into their abdomens.
One study found that massage with bitter almond oil can reduce stretch marks, but that the application of the oil without massage did not. Another study indicated that sweet almond oil cream may reduce the itchiness of stretch marks and their spread.
Anti-aging and UV protection
Almond oil may help reduce signs of aging and restore or support the barrier function of the skin. Some people also believe that almond oil may help protect the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, though there is very limited evidence for this.
Some people rub almond oil under their eyes to reduce bags or dark circles. There is little reliable scientific evidence for this or for almond oil helping to lighten patches of darker skin.
SHEA BUTTER
4. It’s moisturizing: Shea butter is typically used for its moisturizing effects. These benefits are tied to shea’s fatty acid content, including linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids. When you apply shea topically, these oils are rapidly absorbed into your skin. They act as a “refatting” agent, restoring lipids and rapidly creating moisture. This restores the barrier between your skin and the outside environment, holding moisture in and reducing your risk of dryness.
It's non-comedogenic: It won’t make your skin oily. Shea butter contains high levels of linoleic acid and oleic acid. These two acids balance each other out. That means shea butter is easy for your skin to fully absorb and won’t make your skin look oily after application.
It’s anti-inflammatory: The plant esters of shea butter have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin, shea triggers cytokines and other inflammatory cells to slow their production.
This may help minimize irritation caused by environmental factors, such as dry weather, as well as inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema.
It’s antioxidant: Shea butter has significant levels of vitamins A and E, which means it promotes strong antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are important anti-aging agents. They protect your skin cells from free radicals that can lead to premature aging and dull-looking skin.
It’s antibacterial: A 2012 study suggests that oral doses of shea bark extract can lead to decreased antimicrobial activity in animals.
Although more research is needed, this could indicate possible antibacterial benefits in humans. Because of this, some speculate that topical application may decrease the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
It’s antifungal: Shea tree products have been established as powerful ingredients to fight skin infections caused by fungi. While shea butter may not be able to treat every kind of fungal infection, we know that it kills spores of the fungi that causes ringworm and athlete’s foot.
It may help prevent acne: Shea butter is rich in different kinds of fatty acids. This unique composition helps clear your skin of excess oil (sebum). At the same time, shea butter restores moisture to your skin and locks it in to your epidermis, so your skin doesn’t dry out or feel “stripped” of oil. The result is a restoration of the natural balance of oils in your skin — which may help stop acne before it starts.
It helps boost collagen production: Shea butter contains triterpenes. These naturally occurring chemical compounds are thought to deactivate collagen fiber destruction.This may minimize the appearance of fine lines and result in plumper skin.
It helps promote cell regeneration: Shea’s moisturizing and antioxidant properties work together to help your skin generate healthy new cells. Your body is constantly making new skin cells and getting rid of dead skin cells. You actually get rid of anywhere between 30,000 to 40,000 old skin cells each day.
Dead skin cells sit on the top. New skin cells form at the bottom of the upper layer of skin (epidermis). With the right moisture balance on the surface of your skin, you’ll have fewer dead skin cells in the way of fresh cell regeneration in the epidermis.
It may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scarring It’s thought that shea butter stops keloid fibroblasts — scar tissue — from reproducing, while encouraging healthy cell growth to take their place. This may help your skin heal, minimizing the appearance of stretch marks and scarring.
It may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: By boosting collagen production and promoting new cell generation, shea butter may help reduce what researchers call photoaging — the wrinkles and fine lines that environmental stress and aging can create on skin.
It offers added sun protection: Shea butter can’t be used by itself as an effective sunscreen. But using shea butter on your skin does give you some added sun protection, so layer it over your favorite sunscreen on days you’ll be spending outside. Shea butter contains an estimated SPF of 3 to 4.
It may help prevent hair breakage: Shea butter hasn’t been studied specifically for its ability to make hair stronger.
It may help treat dandruff: One way to treat dandruff (atopic dermatitis) is to restore moisture to your dry and irritated scalp.
One 2018 review found that shea butter, when used in combination with other moisturizers, could help decrease dandruff flakes and reduce risk of flare-ups.
It may help soothe conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis: Shea’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe skin and relieve itching. This may prove especially helpful for inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Shea also absorbs rapidly, which could mean quick relief for flare-ups. Research even suggests that shea butter could work just as well as medicated creams in treating eczema.
It may help soothe sunburn and other skin burns: Research suggests that oils may be beneficial for superficial (first-degree) skin burns, such as sunburn.
Shea’s anti-inflammatory components may reduce redness and swelling. Its fatty acid components may also soothe the skin by retaining moisture during the healing process.
It may help soothe insect bites: Shea butter has been traditionally used to soothe bee stings and insect bites. Anecdotal evidence suggests that shea butter may help bring down swelling that bites and stings can cause.
That said, there isn’t any clinical research to support this.
It can help promote wound healing: In addition to reducing underlying inflammation, shea is also linked to the tissue remodeling that’s crucial for treating wounds. Its protective fatty acids may also help shield wounds from environmental irritants during the healing process.
It may help relieve arthritis pain: Arthritis is caused by underlying inflammation in the joints.
A 2016 animal study on shea oil concentrate suggests that it can help reduce inflammation while also protecting joints from further damage. Although this study focused on knee joints, these potential benefits could extend to other areas of the body.
It may help soothe muscle soreness: Muscles that have been overextended can be affected by inflammation and stiffness as your body repairs muscle tissue.
Shea butter may help sore muscles in the same way it may help joint pain — by reducing inflammation.
It may help relieve congestion: A 1979 study suggests that shea butter may help alleviate nasal congestion. When used in nasal drops, shea butter may reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. It could also help reduce mucosal damage, which often leads to nasal congestion. These effects could be beneficial when dealing with allergies, sinusitis, or the common cold.
BENTONITE
5. Researchers believe bentonite clay adsorbs materials by sticking to their molecules or ions. As the clay leaves the body, it takes the toxin or other molecules. When someone uses it on the skin, bentonite clay may have the power to adsorb oils and bacteria.
Removing toxins from the body: According to a 2020 review, bentonite’s success as a detoxifying agent may stem from its structure.
Treating oily skin and acne: Bentonite clay’s adsorbent power may help treat acne breakouts and oily skin. The clay may help remove sebum, or oil, from the skin’s surface, and it may have a calming effect on inflamed breakouts. A clay face mask may help remove impurities from the skin to reduce the risk of pimples and skin infections.
Detoxifying the skin.
Treating poison ivy: Many people are allergic to urushiol, the oil that poison ivy plants produce. When their skin comes into contact with poison ivy, they may develop the characteristic rash as an allergic reaction. A poison ivy rash can cause redness, irritation, and severe itching. Bentonite clay may be an effective treatment option after exposure to poison ivy.
Treating diaper rash: Healthcare professionals may suggest that people use barrier creams to help relieve symptoms of diaper rash.
A 2023 study suggests that calcium montmorillonite clay may enhance the antibacterial effect of barrier creams against Escherichia coli formation. The authors highlight that montmorillonite clay may occur in creams to treat diaper rash due to its adsorption properties.
Providing sun protection: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve bentonite as a sunscreen ingredient. However, a 2023 review suggests that clay-based sorbents have an ultraviolet (UV) protection level ranging from 250–400 nanometers (nm). The authors also highlight that creams with clay-based sorbents may increase a skin care product’s water resistance and adherence to the skin.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
6. Essential for Collagen Production: Collagen is the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues, with this protein also regularly used in cosmetic surgical treatments. The silica found in diatomaceous earth is important for the production and maintenance of collagen, which is also helpful in healing the lining of the gut, maintaining healthy skin, and improving hair strength among other benefits. According to research, silica induces a significant increase in collagen levels of between 13% and 19% compared to a control group.
7. Prevents Heavy Metal Toxicity: Diatomaceous earth has a number of benefits for humans, many of which are related to the removal of parasites and toxins. The accumulation of aluminium in the body is a particularly big concern that often results in aluminium toxicity, something which can lead to numerous diseases. The silica found in diatomaceous earth possesses heavy metal detox properties (16) that reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that can result from long-term aluminium poisoning.
8. Beneficial in Wound and Burn Healing
The silica and other minerals found in food grade diatomaceous earth have been found to stimulate the rapid re-growth of damaged skin tissue. Silica is present in all human tissues at all times, with most of the silica that our body needs coming from our diet. According to research, silica is integrally bound to connective tissues around the body and plays an important structural role in healing and growth.
9. Has Anti-inflammatory Benefits: Inflammation is a defence mechanism that occurs when the body attempts to heal problems. Even though this biological response is an important part of self-protection, it often gets out of control and causes disease. The magnesium content in diatomaceous earth helps to prevent the chronic inflammation that is responsible for so many diseases, with the rich mineral makeup also helping to prevent early ageing and obesity. According to research, a low magnesium status has been associated with numerous pathological conditions characterised by chronic inflammation.
10. Helps You to Look Younger: Silica and many of the other minerals found in diatomaceous earth are known to have an effect on skin elasticity and other factors known to affect beauty and subjective ageing. While the silica found in high-grade diatomaceous earth is retained by the body in all tissues, the highest levels of silica have been found in bone and other connective tissues related to physical appearance, including skin, nails, and hair.
Mechanisms are unclear but evidence exists of its involvement in collagen synthesis and/or its stabilization and in matrix mineralization.
11. Can Be Used Topically as a Skin Exfoliant
Silica is one of the most important minerals on Earth and the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust at 28%. While most of the silica present in igneous and sedimentary rocks is not readily broken down, diatomaceous earth is a notable exception. Diatomaceous earth can be used both internally and topically, with its silica and mineral content acting as a great skin exfoliant and facial scrub (25). While food grade diatomaceous earth is generally believed to be completely safe to consume, when using it as a beauty product, some people advise against breathing in the fine particles.
12. Helps to Keep Your Skin Looking More Supple
The collagen in diatomaceous earth has been found to have a number of beneficial effects on factors of human skin physiology that are commonly related to ageing. Skin elasticity was vastly improved with collagen supplements, with skin moisture and trans-epidermal water loss also improved to some degree.
CASTOR OIL
14. Acne: The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it useful in reducing acne. Ricinoleic acid can inhibit growth in the bacteria that cause acne.
Texture: Castor oil is also rich in other fatty acids. These can enhance smoothness and softness when applied to facial skin.
Complexion: The fatty acids in castor oil can also promote the growth of healthy skin tissue, making it helpful in restoring uneven skin tones.
Sensitive skin: Castor oil has a low comedogenic score. This means it is unlikely to clog pores in the skin and reduces the risk of developing blackheads, making it appropriate for use on sensitive skin.
Anti-inflammatory: Both castor oil and ricinoleic acid have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. This makes them useful for treating irritated skin.
Antimicrobial: It may also protect the skin from bacterial infections by keeping out microbes that can cause disease.
Moisturizing: Castor oil contains triglycerides. These can help maintain moisture in the skin, making it a useful treatment for dry skin.
Hydration: Castor oil may have humectant properties, which means that it can draw moisture from the air into the skin, keeping the skin hydrated.
Cleansing: The triglycerides found in castor oil are also helpful in removing dirt from the skin.
SUNFLOWER SEED OIL
15. Non-comedogenic: Sunflower oil is a non-comedogenic carrier oil which is highly absorbent, and won’t clog pores. It’s non-irritating for most people, and can be used on all types of skin, including dry, normal, oily, and acne-prone.
Antioxidants: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help protect skin from free radicals and from adverse effects of the sun, such as premature aging and wrinkles. Using a skincare product formulated with sunflower oil is a good way to obtain vitamin E’s benefits for skin.
Skin-protecting barrier
Linoleic acid helps to maintain the skin’s natural barrier, supporting its ability to retain moisture. It also has an anti-inflammatory effectTrusted Source when used topically. This makes it beneficial for dry skin and for conditions, such as eczema.
A small study with 19 volunteers, which contrasted the benefits of topically applied sunflower oil to olive oil, found that sunflower oil was more effective at improving skin hydration and maintaining the integrity of the skin’s outer layer. The linoleic acid in sunflower oil makes it effective for protecting skin against bacteria and germs. A study done in 2008 on premature infants in Bangladesh found that topical application of sunflower oil significantly reduced infant mortality caused by hospital-acquired infections, such as sepsis.
Wound healing: A small animal study also found that topical use of sunflower oil was beneficial for healing wounds faster. This may be due to its oleic acid content, which can be beneficial for wound care. An animal study done in 2004 found that sesame oil and its component, sesamol, had chemopreventiveproperties in mice with skin cancer, but also indicated that more study is needed to ascertain their full potential.
JOJOBA
16. When applied topically, constituents of plant oils (triglycerides, phospholipids, FFAs, phenolic compounds and antioxidants) may act synergistically by several mechanisms: (i) promoting skin barrier homeostasis; (ii) antioxidative activities; (iii) anti-inflammatory properties; (iv) direct and indirect (upregulation of antimicrobial peptides) anti-microbial properties; (v) promoting wound healing; and (vi) anti-carcinogenic properties.
17. It’s moisturizing. Jojoba oil is a humectant ingredient. This means that it works to attract water to the top layer of the skin, helping to keep the skin hydrated. This may help prevent bacterial infections, acne, and dandruff from forming.
Jojoba oil contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties. While lab testsfound that jojoba oil doesn’t kill all bacterial or fungal species, it does kill certain bacteria and fungi that can cause salmonella, an E. coli infection, and candida.
Jojoba oil is an antioxidant: can help your skin fight oxidative stress caused by everyday exposure to pollutants and other toxins.
It’s noncomedogenic: Although jojoba oil is a botanical substance, its makeup is so similar to the oil (sebum) your body naturally produces that your skin can’t tell the difference. This makes it less likely to build up on your skin and clog your pores, leading to fewer breakouts and less severe acne.
It’s hypoallergenic: On a molecular level, jojoba oil is a wax. Although it can be absorbed into your skin, its waxy nature allows it to create a soothing seal on the surface.
Unlike other botanical essential oils, jojoba oil is typically nonirritating. Allergic reaction is rare.
It helps control sebum production
Jojoba oil regulates sebum production because it’s so similarTrusted Source to the sebum that your body produces naturally.
When you put jojoba oil on your skin, your skin is soothed and moisturized. This sends a signal to your hair and sweat follicles that your skin doesn’t need additional sebum for hydration. This keeps skin from looking oily and helps prevent acne caused by clogged pores.
It may help promote collagen synthesis
The antioxidants in jojoba oil may help your body produce collagen. Collagen is a protein that’s in your skin and joints as well as the parts of your body made of cartilage.
Collagen levels decrease as you get older. This is part of the reason your facial structure changes as you age. At least one studyTrusted Source links antioxidants applied to the skin to improved collagen synthesis.
It may help speed up wound healing
Jojoba oil is a promising ingredientTrusted Source in stimulating wound healing. Preliminary research showsTrusted Source that jojoba oil encourages your skin cells to bind together after they’ve been separated by a scratch or cut. This may also be the reason for its ability to treat acne and acne scarring. These wound-healing properties could be connected to jojoba oil’s concentration of natural vitamin E. It may help soothe eczema, psoriasis, and other drying skin conditions
Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Topical application may help relieve dryness, flaking, itching, and related symptoms. People who have inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema may find jojoba oil especially beneficial.
It may help soothe sunburns. Jojoba oil is a popular ingredient in some natural sunscreen products. One study suggests that vitamin E, when combined with other antioxidants, can help protect your skin from sun damage. Jojoba oil contains both.
Sun damage can dehydrate your skin and cause flaking. Jojoba oil restores vitamin E, adds moisture, and promotes healing to soothe these symptoms of sunburns.
It may help treat acne: At least one clinical trial indicates that jojoba oil can help keep acne at bay. Jojoba oil has soothing anti-inflammatory agents, healing properties, is moisturizing, and is a natural antimicrobial. These properties suggest that jojoba oil could help you avoid breakouts as well as promote healing for mild acne.
It may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Oxidative stress can be linkedto the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There’s no research that links jojoba to treating wrinkles and fine lines directly, but other plant products with antioxidant properties have been shown to improve the elasticity of skin. This means that the antioxidant power of jojoba oil may help slow the signs of aging when used on your skin.
It may help minimize the appearance of scars
Vitamin E has long been recommended by health professionals to help with scarring. Research on whether this works — and, if so, to what extent — is still ongoing. If you’d like to try vitamin E as a remedy to scarring, jojoba oil may prove to be beneficial in the healing process.
Jojoba oil’s natural wound-healing properties combined with its vitamin E content, could minimize the appearance of scars.
GLYCERIN
18. Glycerin is a humectant, a type of moisturizing agent that pulls water into the outer layer of your skin from deeper levels of your skin and the air. In skin care products, glycerin is commonly used with occlusives, another type of moisturizing agent, to trap the moisture it draws into the skin. According to a 2016 study, glycerin is “the most effective humectant” available: to increase hydration on the top layer of your skin, in comparison with numerous others, including: alpha hydroxy acids, like lactic acid and glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol and butylene glycol
sorbitol, urea.
BULBINE
19. The results of this study suggests that the leaf extracts increase tensile strength by increasing fibroplasia, differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, and increased collagen deposition and maturation. This study further validates the use of the Bulbine leaf gels for the treatment of skin wounds.
ALOE VERA
20. Aloe vera could reduce the healing time of burns by around 9 days compared with conventional medication. It also helped prevent redness, itching, and infections.
21. Using aloe vera on the face can help moisturize skin and help manage skin conditions, such as acne.
22. This plant-based remedy contains chemicals that reduce swelling in the skin, relieve redness and scaling, soothe itchy skin, and promote the growth of new skin cells. These properties make aloe vera useful for treating skin conditions such as:
Acne, Cold sores (herpes), Cuts and scrapes, Insect bites and stings
Minor burns and sunburn, Psoriasis
VIT E
23. Topical vitamin E can reduce UV-induced skin swelling, skin thickness, erythema, and edema — all signs of skin inflammation
24.Possible benefits of vitamin E oil include moisturizing the skin, treating conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, reducing the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and more.
25. Helps to Reduce Stress and Optimise Your Nervous System: The magnesium levels found in diatomaceous earth are capable of optimising our central nervous system and helping our cells to produce and use energy (36). Magnesium is crucial for a wide range of body functions, helping with stress management, anxiety, and cell repair. By increasing our magnesium levels with diatomaceous earth and other supplements, we can optimise our nervous system, moderate out anxiety levels, and feel less stressed throughout the day.
