Finding the right skin-care product is uber-complicated. First, you find a dozen unidentifiable ingredients that may or may not be good for you on the label. Then, you try to determine whether the product will address your unique needs without causing other issues. (Cue the patch test!) Then, you attempt to decide if it’s worth the price.
One way to simplify? Focus on looking for simple, natural ingredients that are already known to solve whatever issue your complexion faces.
To help, we turned to beauty brainiac Tina Hedges, founder of super chic LOLI Beauty. Hedges harnesses the power of organic, plant-based ingredients by allowing customers to select a simple, effective base (like blue cornflower water or matcha coconut paste) and then add mix-ins (like lavender or aloe vera) to amplify and transform the base into cleansers, masks, and more. (Bonus: Hedges also prioritizes ethical labor practices and earth-friendly packaging.)
We asked her to share some of her favorite ingredients that effectively solve the most common skin problems. Keep reading to find out which botanicals belong in your beauty routine.
5 Natural Skin-Care Solutions
1. For Acne: White Willow Bark
To treat pesky pimples, look for products that use white willow bark. “It’s a wonderful topical treatment,” says Hedges. It’s important to note that you probably won’t see the ingredient listed on most products. Instead, look for natural beauty brands that use salicylic acid, which is an FDA-approved over-the-counter acne treatment that’s derived from the bark. Hedges recommends mixing the ingredient with aloe vera gel or calendula for a skin-soothing solution.
Related: 5 Things You Need To Know Before Your Next Facial
2. For Sun Damage: Carrot Seed Oil
Even if you’ve been applying your daily SPF (you have, haven’t you?), there’s a good chance your skin has some sun damage. To help combat the aging effects of the sun, opt for products that use carrot seed oil. “It’s an effective antioxidant, which means it works to undo the damage caused when your skin is overexposed to the sun,” says Hedges. (Note: You should probably apply it at night and/or avoid direct sun exposure when using it, since it’s high in vitamin A. More on that issue, here.) Turmeric and frankincense do wonders in this department, too.
3. For Dry Skin: Date Nut Seed Oil
“Date nut seed oil has been used for centuries to help with dark spots, wrinkles, parched skin, and irritations,” explains Hedges. “It is easily absorbed into the hair and skin, helping them retain water.” Similarly, rosehip seed, sesame, or avocado oil will do the trick, too, she says.
4. For Rashes or Redness: Sea Buckthorn
Instead of reaching for drugstore creams, try using sea buckthorn seed oil. “It comes from an edible berry that grows 10,000 feet above sea level in the Himalayas and is considered a powerful skin treatment,” says Hedges. Not only is this natural oil known for calming itchy and red skin, but it can also moisturize, soothe burns, and even help with eczema. “It’s a really effective anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredient.”
Related: 9 DIY Beauty Products You Can Make At Home
5. For Almost Everything Else: Plum Oil
While argan oil gets all the street-cred as the do-it-all ingredient, Hedges says plum oil deserves some fame, too. “It’s eight times more powerful than argan and six times more powerful than marula,” she says. “It will leave your skin nourished, rejuvenated, and glowing, and give your hair a silky smooth finish.”
(Photos: LOLI Beauty)
