Your skin is your body’s largest organ and its first line of defense against toxins and pathogens that don’t belong in your body. One of the best ways to support this outermost barrier is to upgrade your skincare regimen to naturally-derived products that promote a balanced pH and skin microbiome, protecting against acne and reducing susceptibility to environmental allergens.  

Why is it essential to hydrate and soften your skin naturally? Many unknowingly use lotions with harmful toxins that absorb through the skin and enter the bloodstream. Those toxins include parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and more, as we discussed in our articles on face scrubs, deodorants, and foundations.  

These substances, known as endocrine disruptors, have the potential to trigger allergies and lead to inflammation. They are even linked to an increased risk of cancer. Thus, it is imperative to prioritize natural skincare alternatives to protect your overall well-being. [1][2][3][4] 

6 TIPS FOR NATURALLY SOFT SKIN 

1 – EAT YOUR HEALTHY FATS  

Contrary to popular belief, fat doesn’t make you fat. Instead, it gives your body essential building blocks to keep it running smoothly! Make sure you’re eating a variety of healthy fats with every meal. Some nourishing foods for your skin include avocado, coconut oil, wild fish, nuts, and sunflower seeds. You can promote vibrant skin health by incorporating these sources of healthy fats into your diet. 

2 – ENJOY DARK CHOCOLATE  

Feel free to indulge in the good stuff! Not the over-processed junk with milk and chemicals. This yummy tip makes it onto many of our lists. Dark chocolate boasts numerous benefits and serves as an anti-inflammatory superfood. Reducing inflammation helps combat dryness and itchiness in the skin, promoting a healthier complexion. So, savor the richness of dark chocolate while reaping its skin-friendly advantages! 

3 – WORK UP A SWEAT  

A great way to care for your skin is to get your sweat on. Engaging in physical exercise or enjoying a calming infrared sauna session can provide significant benefits for your skin. Sweating contributes to surface moisture, aiding in hydration. Additionally, it assists your body in eliminating inflammatory toxins like ammonia and urea. Sweating out urea can even have a moisturizing effect. So, embrace the opportunity to sweat it out and unlock its advantages for your skin. 

4 – MAKE YOUR OWN LOTION  

Creating your own lotion is a simple task that gives you complete control over the ingredients in your skincare products. Some of us at The Wellness Way add essential oils to our favorite carrier oils, like avocado or coconut. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try crafting more complex creations like this body butter recipe or this face cream.  

5 – AVOID SUGAR AND OTHER PROCESSED FOODS  

Processed sugar is a very inflammatory food, as are many other processed foods. Eating a clean diet of whole foods can effectively reduce inflammation and provide the necessary antioxidants to promote optimal skin health. By prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods, you can support your skin’s well-being and minimize the inflammatory effects of consuming processed sugars and other unhealthy food choices. 

6 – INVEST IN NATURAL PRODUCTS  

The European Union has banned over 1300 chemical ingredients in cosmetics, but the U.S. has only banned 30 as of 2018. Furthermore, the EU recently expanded its list with an additional 23 substances in 2021. This major disparity means the American consumer must be very cautious. While it may be relatively easy to avoid well-known chemicals, keeping track of 1300 ingredients is a daunting task. Unfortunately, many harmful substances hide under the broad terms of “fragrance” and “parfum.” For that reason, it’s recommended to seek out reputable companies and invest in quality natural skincare and cosmetics. Or better yet, make your own! We provide some suggestions below. 

OILS AND LOTIONS WE LOVE FOR SOFT SKIN 

• Cacao butter – This butter is smooth, melts at room temperature, and makes you smell like a chocolate bar! To learn more about the health benefits of cacao, check out this quick tip from Dr. Patrick Flynn! 
• Coconut oil – Coconut oil is excellent for soothing chapped skin, leaving it soft and supple once again. It’s also safe for both dogs and cats, making it an ideal choice if you have a furry friend who loves to lick! Coconut oil is also antibacterial and antifungal, and it increases collagen turnover in wounds. [5] 
• Aloe vera – Aloe mixed with silver gel works beautifully on sunburns and helps restore health and hydration to the skin. Get a plant and break off a leaf or purchase aloe gel from a store. Aloe is equally effective in addressing dry, cracked skin concerns. Beyond its hydrating properties, aloe is linked to various other benefits, including documented anticancer therapies. Embrace the natural power of aloe to alleviate sunburn discomfort, nourish your skin, and explore its potential therapeutic properties. [6] 
• Avocado or argan oil – For those with coconut allergies, try avocado or argon oil. However, you’ll want to keep your pet from licking these oils, as they may harm animals. Avocado oil has shown promise in aiding wound healing and promoting collagen synthesis. [5] Argan oil can enhance skin elasticity when applied daily. It also provides a softening, relaxing effect. [5] 
• Jojoba oil – Jojoba oil absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy or oily. This oil, too, is packed with benefits, such as being antifungal, helping with acne, and anti-inflammatory. [7] 
• Red raspberry seed oil – Like jojoba oil, red raspberry seed oil isn’t overly greasy. The raspberry seed oil also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties for a well-rounded skincare experience. [8] 

You can use these oils on their own or look for lotions with simple ingredients and include these oils. As an added check, EWG – the company that compiles the dirty dozen and clean fifteen food lists – has an app for scanning ingredient lists, telling you whether the product is “clean” or truly clean and free of harmful ingredients. 

If you’re feeling ambitious, consider blending a few of these oils or incorporating vitamin E and essential oils to enhance the fragrance. Mix, match, and experiment to see which ones you and those around you like best! 

Use Our Tips for Naturally Soft Skin 

Your skin is a reflection of your overall well-being. It’s essential to nurture your body from the inside out! Use our tips for naturally soft skin and invest in healthy skincare because you truly deserve it! To explore further ways to care for your body, sign up for our newsletter. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page, enter your email address, and you’ll get regular updates, informative articles, and valuable insights. Start your journey to vibrant health today! 

Want to learn more about infrared saunas and the benefits of sweating? Check out this quick tip with Dr. Patrick Flynn:

References:

1. Minireview: Parabens Exposure and Breast Cancer: PubMed 
2. Human Exposure to Bisphenols, Parabens, and Benzophenones, and Its Relationship with the Inflammatory Response: A Systematic Review: PubMed 
3. Medication–Associated Phthalate Exposure and Childhood Cancer Incidence: Journal of the National Cancer Institute 
4. Personal Care Product Tips: Breast Cancer Prevention Partners 
5. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils: MDPI 
6. Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents: NIH 
7. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity: NIH 
8. Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Seed Oil: A Review: NIH