Towards the end of summer, those of us blessed with sensitive skin seem to be in a constant state of redness. All that sun and heat combine to create a perfect storm of oily/sweaty skin, breakouts, and sun damage which don’t seem to clear up until the cool fall weather kicks in.
For sensitive skin (Pitta skin, if we’re going to get all Ayurvedic about it), there are two skincare ingredients that can’t be beat: aloe vera and rose. These two are great for use year round, but are particularly beneficial during the hot summer months, when sensitive skin can get particularly inflamed. Here’s why these two cooling, calming ingredients can’t be beat:
ALOE
Aloe vera has been used since ancient times for it’s healing properties, and though it has many benefits, skincare is where it really shines. Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, aloe is used to soothe inflamed skin, counter the signs of aging, heal sun damage, and to treat chronic conditions such as eczema, rosacea, acne, and psoriasis. It’s loaded with antioxidants and skin-feeding nutrients, and features two phyto-hormones (Auxin and Gibberelins) that heal wounds, soothe inflammation, and promote cell turnover. It’s pretty much the perfect skincare ingredient!
ROSE
Rose is another ancient skincare ingredient that is basically a magical beauty potion. Perfect for all skin types, rose petals distilled into rosewater are anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antibacterial and antioxidant. It balances skin’s pH and oil production, unclogs pores, reduces redness, heals inflammatory skin conditions (like dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea), and promotes cell regeneration. Women (and men, I’m sure) as far back as ancient Egypt and India have touted it’s ability to keep skin youthful, glowing, and beautiful. As if all of that wasn’t enough, the scent of rose is soothing to the nervous system, and promotes feelings of calm, joy, and openness.
These two ingredients are such a perfect match that combining them in your skincare routine really amplifies their soothing and beautifying effects. So you can imagine how pumped I was to discover Green Leaf Naturals, an entirely organic, all-natural skincare line that harnesses the beautifying, soothing power of these two all-star ingredients.
The Amazing Aloe Vera Facial Cleanser is lightweight, hydrating, and super purifying for those clogged pores. With organic aloe, rooibos and white tea extracts, lavender and calendula, this creamy cleanser soothes and calms inflamed skin, and hydrates dry skin without being too heavy for combination or oily skin.
I follow the cleanser with the Amazing Aloe Vera Facial Toner, which is super balancing and anti-inflammatory. Filled with organic aloe vera, witch hazel, and green tea, the toner cleanses deep into pores, refreshes, hydrates, and soothes inflamed skin. I’ve been using it every morning, and have noticed less redness and breakouts, and clearer, cleaner skin!
The Organic Rosewater Spray has quickly become my favorite part of my skincare routine, and I use it several times a day to soothe my skin, rehydrate, balance oil, and boost glow. My favorite use for the Rosewater Spray is as part of my skin-glazing routine (which you totally need to start, if you haven’t already), which gives me the glowiest, most hydrated skin I’ve ever experienced. I even spray it on throughout the day as a little skin pick-me-up!
For deeper hydration and skin healing, I love the Amazing Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream. This skincare powerhouse is loaded with a who’s who of hydrating oils (sunflower, coconut, jojoba, avocado, macadamia, evening primrose, and flaxseed, just to name a few) alongside soothing chamomile, lavender, calendula, and gotu kola. Of course, aloe vera is the star of the show, rounding out the list of anti-aging, anti-inflammatory skincare ingredients that regenerate skin cells, heal, soothe and hydrate without any heaviness. This moisturizer is perfect year round, but I especially love it as my summertime night cream for it’s cooling effects that balance my summer skin.
For the men in your life, Green Leaf Naturals also has some great unscented men’s skincare products that soothe irritation and redness (especially after shaving), combat the signs of aging, and leave skin hydrated and healthy. The Aloe Vera After Shave & Body Gel harnesses the power of pure aloe to cool and perfect skin naturally, and is ideal for a multitude of uses — a cooling post-shower hydrator for body, an aftershave gel, or a super lightweight daytime moisturizer. For more substantial hydration, soothing and anti-aging benefits, the Amazing Aloe Vera Moisturizing Cream for Men is ideal. My husband uses it as a night cream and has noticed less redness, breakouts, and oil production — and his skin looks great!
To learn more about holistic skincare for inflammation-prone skin, check out our Pitta Ayurvedic Skin Type Guide!
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