Skin care these days seems to be nothing more than a cocktail of chemicals, which aside from being impossible to pronounce are also impossible to determine whether or not they're really good for you and what they’re really doing for your skin.

The popularity of ‘Going Green’ and the return of organic products in the mainstream have left more and more consumers wanting natural skin care, filled with products they can pronounce (and in a lot of cases, eat) in place of chemical names that translate to little more than gibberish to most.

Aside from being able to spit out the name of the ingredients in my skin care without sounding like a small child learning to read or like I’m fluent in Klingon or some other alien language, I like to know that all that Earthy goodness is, in fact, doing something wonderful for my skin. If you’re a fan of organic or natural skin care products, or just want something you can pronounce, here’s a list of some of the trendiest skin care ingredients and why you want them in your skin care lotions and potions.

 

• Aloe Vera – ( A succulant plant which thrives in the desert Southwest) Softens the skin and aids in the healing of wounds, like acne breakouts.
• Apple – (A tree fruit) Rich in antioxidants, apple helps to tone and brighten the skin.
•   Bilberry – (Low growing shrub that produces fruit. Also known as a European Blueberry) A natural alpha hydroxyl acid, which helps to exfoliate skin and eliminate acne break outs, Bilberry is antioxidant-rich and helps to cool the skin while toning.
• Calendula – ( A flower related to Marigolds, but looks more like a daisy) Controls acne while healing and restoring the balance of the skin.
• Daisy – (A flower native to Europe) Relaxes and soothes the skin while hydrating and moisturizing.
• Green Tea – (Tea leaves that are picked at their youngest stage of "ripeness") A super-powered antioxidant, Green Tea is known world wide for its ability to fight the signs of aging.
• Hibiscus – (A tropical flower) A natural astringent, hibiscus also helps to moisturize and is anti-inflammatory.
• Honey – (A sweet fluid produced by bees through pollination) Moisturizing, rejuvenating and nourishing, Honey also helps to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.
• Jasmine – (Flowering vine) Calms and soothes while moisturizing.
• Lavender – (Flowering plant in the mint family) Helps to regenerate and relax the skin and controls sebum (oil).
• Licorice – (Root of a plant native to Europe and Asia) Clarifies and brightens the skin as well as being anti-bacterial.

• Olive Oil – (Oil from olives)  Healing, moisturizing and packed with antioxidants.
• Papaya Enzyme – (Enzyme from a tropical fruit) Offers all-natural glycolic exfoliation (nature’s chemical peel) and is rich in antioxidants.
• Rosemary – (An herb) Heals the skin by being chock full of antioxidants and is also anti-bacterial.
• Shea Butter – (Natural fat extracted from Shea nuts) Conditions, softens and moisturizes dry (and mature) skin. It’s also detoxifying.
• St. John’s Wart – (A plant/herb) Full of various healing abilities, St. John’s calms and soothes.
• Sunflower – (A flower) Encourages collagen production and offers other anti-aging benefits.
• Walnut Powder – (Powder made from the shells of a nut) Exfoliates naturally.
• Watercress – (Aquatic or semi-aquatic plant) Firms the skin through intense hydration, decreases puffiness and is full of antioxidants.
• Wheat Germ Oil –(Oil extracted from wheat kernels) Helps to improve skin’s vitality and radiance by being full of vitamins (like Vitamin E), regenerating and repairing the skin as it works.
• Willow Leaf – (Leaf of a tree) Anti-inflammatory, Willow Leaf helps reduce and eliminate puffiness while detoxifying and riding the skin of impurities.
• Yeast Extract – (A microorganism) Antioxidant, moisturizing and nourishing.

 Some brands to try include --

• Burt's Bees Available at drug stores and natural food stores. I have not used their skin care, but I do love their lip balms and salves.
• Arbonne Available through independent Arbonne reps --  like Avon or Mary Kay. I must say, I used Arbonne when I had my permanent eyeliner done, and it made me break out. It is very popular and many people enjoy it, though.
• Aveeno Available at drug and big box stores
• Saffron Rouge Available at saffronrouge.com. I haven't used them, but I have a few friends who do and love them!
• GiGi Organics Available at Sally Beauty Supply. I use this line daily. I love it! I tell everyone about it!
• Purist Also available at Sally Beauty Supply. They have an exfoliating scrub that I just adore!
• Juice Beauty Available at Sephora.
• Boscia Also available at Sephora.
• Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Available at department stores and Sally Beauty.

As yummy as some of them sound, it’s good to know all those organic offerings really are working magic on your skin, which makes going green easy, and guilt free! So, go ahead! Indulge! And enjoy skin that is naturally beautiful.