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.