5 Natural Ingredients to Improve the Health of your Hair, Skin and Nails - Inside Out Beauty

Our Inside Out Beauty campaign is in full swing, looking at how you can revolutionise your body’s health and create an all-natural glow with natural produce. As part of this campaign, today we’re taking a look at how foods and herbal remedies can have an effect on the health of your skin and nails, without having to resort to chemical-filled cosmetics.

Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil gets to work on the pores of your scalp, unclogging them and helping to cleanse and de-grease. You can leave the oil on overnight as a hair mask and then shampoo off in the morning with a cleansing product. It also helps to stimulate the follicles when combined with scalp massage, encouraging growth and thickness.

Rosemary oil can also be used to benefit your skin. Mix it with a base oil or cream before applying to a cleansed face and its antiseptic properties will get to work on issues like dermatitis and acne.

If you’re pregnant, it is advised to steer clear from certain essential oils including rosemary due to its potent effects. There are safer alternatives however including eucalyptus, which works wonders on blemishes.

Nuts

Nuts contain essential fatty acids that contribute to increasing elasticity in the skin, as well as having other benefits for your complexion. Brazil nuts, for example, contain high levels of zinc and selenium which are both brilliant for reducing redness and working against acne.

For hair, nuts contain high levels of protein to help strengthen your mane – since protein is the main component of hair. Go for almonds, cashews or more brazil nuts.

Coconut Oil

A beauty multi-tasker, coconut oil can help to improve the health of your skin, nails and hair.

Virgin coconut oil is unrefined and still contains all of its naturally nourishing and revitalising properties. This means it is still full of its natural antioxidants by the time you open your jar. With high levels of medium-chain fatty acids and antibacterial and antifungal properties, it’s a great all-natural product to keep on hand.

For hair, try smoothing on coconut oil as an alternative to conditioner, or use once in a while as an overnight hair mask. Try using a 50p sized amount to start with and increase if your hair is especially long or thick.

For skin, incorporate coconut oil into your beauty routine as a brilliant source of hydration. Use a small amount to either cleanse your skin without stripping it of much needed moisture, as a non-harsh make-up remover, or as a moisturiser on freshly washed skin.

For nails, coconut oil can help to attack fungal nail infections, or if your nails are otherwise healthy, help to moisturise the skin on your hands, soften cuticles and strengthen the nails themselves.

Aloe Vera

Another natural beauty staple that’s brilliant for your skin and nails. Aloe vera is famous for being a skin soother, usually in the case of burns, but it is also extremely hydrating, purifying and anti-bacterial.

For skin, you can mix it with brown sugar for a quick and easy exfoliator, or combine it with a small amount of coconut oil for a super moisturising cleanser that will effectively remove make up and get to work on blemishes at the same time.

For nails, aloe vera will also work well as a moisturiser for the skin around your cuticles, as well as working against fungal nail infections. Its hydrating properties will nourish the nails themselves and encourage shine.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Our final natural ingredient for natural beauty is apple cider vinegar, and it’s another multi-tasker. The main substance in vinegar is acetic acid. This anti-bacterial component helps to make apple cider vinegar a good choice if you suffer from blemishes, or if you have noticed a greasy scalp. For nails, it will help to banish any sign of a fungal infection.

On hair, apple cider vinegar helps to strip excess product build up from your hair if used as a rinse. Shampoo your hair as normal and then massage diluted apple cider vinegar onto your scalp and let it pour through the lengths of your hair. Then rinse off with water. This will keep hair smooth, soft and shiny.

For skin, apple cider vinegar can naturally restore your optimum pH balance between oily and dry – so if you’re suffering from dry patches or blemish breakouts, it’s a great option. Dilute the vinegar with equal parts water and vinegar. Dip a cotton pad in the thoroughly combined mixture, and gently dab on to problem areas.

For nails, make up a foot bath of equal parts vinegar and water. Soak your feet for as long as possible, no more than 3 times a day. The apple cider vinegar will ensure that the pH of your toenails will turn more acidic, meaning that fungus will not be able to survive (but it is still mild enough, especially once diluted, not to harm your surrounding skin).

As with all natural products that you want to use on your skin, nails or hair – do a small patch test first. Everyone’s skin is unique, and you may need to alter dilutions if you have especially sensitive skin.

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