Best Natural Anti Ageing Products – Transforming Your Skincare Routine
As women enter their 40s, the skin undergoes significant changes, including a decline in collagen, elasticity, and moisture levels. During this transformative stage, choosing non-toxic, organic skincare becomes essential for maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Unlike conventional products laden with harsh chemicals and synthetic additives, organic skincare harnesses the power of nature to nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin without harmful side effects. Free from endocrine disruptors, parabens, and artificial fragrances, these products are gentle yet effective, reducing the risk of irritation and supporting the skin’s natural renewal process. By embracing non-toxic, organic skincare, women over 40 can achieve radiant, resilient skin while making a mindful choice for their health and well-being.
When searching for the best natural anti ageing products, it’s vital to consider ingredients that enhance your skin’s vitality and combat signs of ageing.
Why does it matter so much what you put on your skin?
What you put on your skin is crucial because your skin is not just a protective barrier; it’s also highly absorptive. Here’s why it matters:
1. Absorption of Chemicals
Many of the best natural anti ageing products contain powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and help maintain youthful skin.
Your skin can absorb up to 60% of what you apply, depending on the product’s formulation and your skin’s condition. Harmful chemicals in skincare can penetrate into your bloodstream and affect your overall health.
Incorporating best natural anti ageing products into your routine ensures your skin receives all the necessary nutrients it needs to remain supple and radiant.
2. Cumulative Exposure
Additionally, the use of best natural anti ageing products can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
We use multiple products daily—moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, etc. Over time, the accumulation of toxins from synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and other harmful ingredients can stress your body and potentially lead to chronic health issues.
Choosing the right best natural anti ageing products is essential in ensuring your skin remains youthful and vibrant.
3. Skin Health and Aging
When selecting best natural anti ageing products, look for those rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Harsh chemicals can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and accelerated aging. Clean, non-toxic products support your skin’s health, enhance repair processes, and help maintain elasticity and hydration.
Investing in the best natural anti ageing products can lead to healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
4. Hormonal Balance
Some of my favourite best natural anti ageing products include those with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for their hydrating and brightening properties.
Remember that the effectiveness of best natural anti ageing products may vary depending on individual skin types.
Some chemicals, like phthalates and parabens, are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can mimic hormones and interfere with your hormonal balance. This can lead to issues like infertility, hormonal disorders, or even cancer over time.
5. Environmental Impact
Beyond your personal health, toxic chemicals in skincare often end up in waterways and harm ecosystems. Choosing clean products helps minimize environmental damage.
6. Sensitive or Compromised Skin
For people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, harsh ingredients can exacerbate issues. Clean skincare is gentler and less likely to trigger reactions.
Investing in non-toxic, clean skincare ensures you’re nurturing your skin with ingredients that align with your body’s natural processes, promoting long-term health and beauty.
What is the dirty dozen?
The “Dirty Dozen” in skincare refers to a list of 12 harmful or potentially toxic ingredients commonly found in personal care products. These chemicals are best avoided as they can have adverse effects on health and the environment. Here’s the list and why they’re concerning:
1. Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Propylparaben)
- Purpose: Preservatives to prevent microbial growth.
- Why to Avoid: Endocrine disruptors linked to hormonal imbalances, breast cancer, and reproductive issues.
2. Phthalates (e.g., Dibutyl Phthalate – DBP)
- Purpose: Used to increase the flexibility of plastics; found in fragrances and nail polishes.
- Why to Avoid: Known endocrine disruptors linked to fertility issues and developmental problems.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
- Purpose: Foaming agents in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes.
- Why to Avoid: Can cause skin irritation and is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.
4. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents (e.g., DMDM Hydantoin)
- Purpose: Preservatives.
- Why to Avoid: A known carcinogen that can also trigger allergic skin reactions.
5. Synthetic Fragrances
- Purpose: Added to products for scent.
- Why to Avoid: Often a mix of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates, which can cause allergies, asthma, and endocrine disruption.
6. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
- Purpose: Thickeners and softeners in creams and lotions.
- Why to Avoid: Often contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both potential carcinogens.
7. Triclosan & Triclocarban
- Purpose: Antibacterial agents in soaps and toothpaste.
- Why to Avoid: Linked to hormone disruption, antibiotic resistance, and environmental harm.
8. Toluene
- Purpose: A solvent found in nail polish and hair dyes.
- Why to Avoid: Can affect the respiratory system and is linked to developmental issues in fetuses.
9. Siloxanes (e.g., Cyclomethicone, Cyclotetrasiloxane)
- Purpose: Used to smooth and soften skin.
- Why to Avoid: May interfere with hormone function and are harmful to the environment.
Using the best natural anti ageing products consistently is key to achieving lasting results.
10. Chemical Sunscreens (e.g., Oxybenzone, Octinoxate)
- Purpose: UV filters in sunscreens.
- Why to Avoid: Linked to hormone disruption and coral reef damage.
11. Retinyl Palmitate
- Purpose: A form of vitamin A used in anti-aging products.
- Why to Avoid: May increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and potentially accelerate skin cancer development when exposed to UV light.
12. Butylated Compounds (BHA, BHT)
- Purpose: Preservatives in moisturizers and cosmetics.
- Why to Avoid: Potential endocrine disruptors and may be carcinogenic.
How to Avoid Them
Use apps like Think Dirty or EWG’s Skin Deep to scan and check product safety.
Read labels carefully and research unfamiliar ingredients.
Opt for certified organic or clean beauty products.
My Skincare Transformation
I encourage everyone to explore the best natural anti ageing products available and find what works best for you.
Brands I love
I honestly never thought about what I put on my skin 3 years ago, I did care about my appearance but I didn’t understand what the dirty dozen was or how much impact it had on my overall health. As I navigated peri-menopause and noticed subtle changes in my skin, coupled with meeting my partner who is very much into clean living, my skincare routine transformed.
I started to read the labels on the back of products I had in my bathroom cabinet , all claiming to be “natural”, my favourite body moisturiser was palmers cocoa butter until I read what it actually had in it. Don’t be fooled by branding and products claiming to be natural or even organic, read the back, check the dirty dozen and always go for pure or raw organic brands.
I started to use pure organic Almond Oil for my body, yes, it is a bit oily and can transfer to clothes if not fully absorbed but it’s my health! One hack I use for this is after about 10 minutes of applying I rub myself down with a towel to take the excess off before I get dressed.
Another brand I absolutely love and came across is UpCircle, a fantastic product that is great for the planet AND your skin. I currently use their face moisturiser and after that apply their face oil with coffee which seals in the moisture and gives you an amazing glow!
Another routine I changed was my shower gel and shampoo which have all sorts of nasties in. After a bit of research on the Think Dirty app I now use Sanex Expert Therapy oil, fragrance free and Curl Smith for my hair care after deciding to embrace my naturally wavy hair.
Top tips on transforming your skincare routine today
- Go to your bathroom cabinet and start to take a close look at everything you put on your skin, read the labels and use the Think Dirty app.
- Start your own research on the toxic ingredients to really understand what these chemicals do and how they can impact on your health.
- I love the above products but there are a growing range now with many different brands, start exploring products that you are drawn too for you skin/hair type and make a list, ALWAYS check the ingredients to ensure they are who they claim to be.
- Start a monthly beauty budget and gradually introduce these new products into your skincare routine, try and get samples first or travel sizes so you can trial them as they can be expensive.
Conclusion: If my future self could have told me…
- Be more health conscious and understand the compound effect of what you put on your body and the long-term impact that has on your future health.
- Don’t buy into “brands” and advertising, question what they claim and always read the labels.
- Think about this beautiful planet and the impact your skincare routine has on it.
- Always no matter how tired you are or how late it is wash your makeup off before bed!
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day, this will have the biggest impact on your skin!
- Buy into brands that genuinely care about your wellbeing and the planet.
