When looking for your next beard-care product, make sure it’s a natural one. You could benefit your hair by doing so. According to Vice, removing as many synthetic and chemical based products as possible can have impacts. Ranging from better quality hair through to reduced levels of hormone-impacting chemicals in the body and on the skin. This is a clear long-term benefit that needs to be seized upon. However, it can sometimes be easier said than done to get more natural products into your regimen. But there are certain things to look out for to make it easier.
Moving Away From Minerals
An easy way to start is to look for products that use oils other than those derived from mineral sources. Mineral oil has a good history due to the water-retention impact it has on skin. An important 2012 study published by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science established this, noting the fact that oil locks in hydration. However, while there are upsides to mineral oils, there are downsides too – and new science suggests you should stay away. Mineral oils are often tied to Sodium Laurel Sulfate. A by-product of the crude oil refining processes, and this can have a long-term detrimental impact on your skin. Using natural oils in your products can help you to mitigate this impact. But even then you need to look at where your oil comes from.
Natural Oils And The Air
There are plenty of natural oils out there, but they have different qualities and impacts. As an example, palm oil has a great impact on skin and hair, making it a positive choice for skincare. What impact does it have on the planet, however? Palm oil is linked to the destruction of rainforests, and with it the increase of pollution in our atmosphere. As Glamour Mag UK point out, pollution can cause degraded hair quality and even hair loss. It pays in the long-term to look for sustainable alternatives that still treat your beard and skin properly.
The Options
There are plenty of options to look out for. In the EU, where standards on sourcing materials for cosmetics are generally progressive, business authorities have compiled a list of effective oils. These include coconut and babassu, and are earmarked as sustainable alternatives. Coconut is lauded for it’s wide-ranging benefits in cosmetics already. It will soften and condition hair while also moisturizing and improving the condition of your skin. Babassu is less well-known, but also useful, and it’s great for sensitive skin. It provides an effective cooling and soothing sensation on touch to the skin. This makes it a good alternative to harsher products for men who need something a little more calming.
What this means is that you can have soft hair and skin while making a positive impact on the environment. This is good news anyway – but it will have a long-term benefit on your beard and skin, too. The world around you is important to the health of your skin and hair. Making the right choice when it comes to products will help to make that a healthy connection.
