Getting started with cosmetics – your path to beauty and self-care

The world of natural cosmetics is no longer focused solely on beauty care, but increasingly also on skin health. Especially in recent years, the focus has shifted to ingredients that not only beautify the skin, but also protect and strengthen it long-term. Anyone looking for an introduction to modern skin care should familiarize themselves with natural cosmetics, azelaic acid, bakuchiol, ceramides, and the skin barrier. These innovative ingredients and concepts play a central role in skin care, and for good reason: They promote healthy skin that not only looks beautiful but is also robust and resilient.

In this blog post, I'll give you an overview of the most important trends and ingredients you should incorporate into your skincare routine to strengthen your skin barrier and reap the benefits of natural cosmetics.

Natural cosmetics are becoming increasingly popular. They rely on natural, plant-based ingredients that protect the skin and provide it with essential nutrients. Unlike conventional cosmetic products, natural cosmetics do not contain synthetic preservatives, parabens, or petrochemical ingredients that can irritate the skin. Instead, natural cosmetics use natural oils, herbal extracts, and vitamins.

Advantages of natural cosmetics:

• Less skin irritation: The gentle formulations are particularly suitable for sensitive skin types.
• Sustainability: Natural cosmetics are often more environmentally friendly because they use plant-based and organic ingredients and are not tested on animals.
• Healthy skin: Many natural ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile or plant oils offer a high care effect and support long-term skin health.

Azelaic acid is a versatile ingredient that is particularly effective for skin imperfections, acne, and pigmentation disorders. It is a natural component of cereals and works on the skin in several ways:

• Anti-inflammatory: Azelaic acid soothes the skin and reduces redness and inflammation, making it particularly helpful for acne and rosacea-prone skin.
• Brightening: It gently works on pigment spots and dark discolorations without irritating the skin, thus contributing to an even complexion.
• Antioxidant: Azelaic acid protects against free radicals that can damage skin cells and accelerate the aging process.

To get started with azelaic acid skincare, you should first choose gentle concentrations and integrate the product into your routine without overtaxing your skin.

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient often described as a gentle alternative to retinol (vitamin A). Extracted from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, it has similar anti-aging effects to retinol, but without the typical irritation and side effects. Bakuchiol is therefore particularly suitable for sensitive skin and users who are intolerant to retinol.

The benefits of Bakuchiol:

• Promotes skin regeneration: Bakuchiol supports cell renewal and can visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• Anti-inflammatory: It helps relieve redness and irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin or acne.
• Gentle and safe: Unlike retinol, bakuchiol can be used during the day as it does not make the skin more sensitive to light.

To get started, you can use Bakuchiol products as a night care product to moisturize the skin and support regeneration overnight.

Ceramides are natural lipids (fats) that are an important component of the skin barrier. They ensure that the skin retains its moisture and prevents it from drying out. A weakened skin barrier can lead to a variety of problems, such as dry, sensitive skin or increased skin reactions. Ceramides help stabilize the skin's protective barrier and improve the skin's appearance.

Benefits of ceramides:

• Moisturizing: They prevent water loss and keep the skin supple and hydrated.
• Protection against environmental stress: Ceramides help protect the skin from harmful external influences such as pollution and UV radiation.
• Soothing skin: Ceramides provide noticeable improvement and promote regeneration, especially for dry or irritated skin.

If you want to strengthen your skin barrier, you should regularly incorporate products containing ceramides into your routine, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. These are found in our moisturizing Naked Barrier Face Cream.

The skin barrier is the first line of defense against environmental influences, pathogens, and moisture loss. A strong skin barrier protects against skin irritation and ensures healthy, resilient skin. To strengthen the skin barrier, you should develop a skincare routine that supports it.

Here are some tips on how to strengthen your skin barrier:

• Gentle cleansing: Avoid harsh cleansers that dry out the skin. Choose mild, moisturizing cleansers.
• Moisturizing: Hydrate your skin regularly with moisturizing products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or plant oils.
• Avoid irritating ingredients: Avoid products containing alcohol, fragrances, or other irritants that can damage the skin barrier.
• Sun protection: UV radiation can significantly damage the skin barrier. Use sunscreen with sufficient SPF daily to protect your skin.

Getting started in the world of cosmetics doesn't have to be complicated. With the right products and ingredients like natural cosmetics, azelaic acid, bakuchiol, and ceramides, you can not only care for your skin beautifully, but also strengthen it and promote its long-term health. Make sure you choose products that suit your skin type and support your skin's barrier.

The combination of targeted skin care and strengthening the skin's natural functions leads to a beautiful, healthy complexion that's protected from external influences. Start small and gradually build a routine that's good for your skin—you'll see results quickly!