Let’s face it, there’s something about natural skincare products that we all can’t seem to wrap our heads around. What’s the big deal with natural skincare that makes it so different from your usual range of products? The world of beauty is constantly evolving and getting more diverse – and so is the complexity of the products that are now readily available in the market, made to fit our every skincare need.
To get a deeper insight into the natural skincare craze, we sat down with CEO and Founder of Antipodes New Zealand, Elizabeth Barbalich, as she explains how natural products have revolutionised the world of beauty and how it transforms your usual skincare routine.
Naturally, you’d be wondering what actually defines a natural skincare routine? For the most part, a natural skincare routine would mainly focus on the products that you’re using on your skin. For instance, products that contain ingredients such as honey, jojoba oil and avocado, are said to rid of the toxins of your skin while revitalising it back to good health.
What are the key trends in the natural beauty world this year?
The main trends in the natural beauty world are Skin Brightening and Anti-Pollution, Elizabeth tells us. The key ingredient used in Skin Brightening is called Vinanza Performance Plus (Grape and Kiwi), that are shown to block melanin production, which stops freckling and pigmentation. Anti-pollution, on the other hand, is said to create a barrier on the skin and stop pollution from damaging the skin and repair skin that’s been previously damaged.
This skin-brightening serum by Antipodes is made with superfruits and grapeseed extracts and has shown to help reduce melanin and pigmentation in the skin.
What are some of the misconceptions people tend to have about natural beauty?
The main misconception that many people have on natural skincare is: it doesn’t work, especially for those who have been using luxury skincare brands. Antipodes have their products tested in-vitro so it’s been tested on human skin cells, stimulates collagen. With us investing $2 million in in-vitro testing, this sets the brand apart from other natural skincare brands.
Cara Delevingne has been an avid fan of natural skincare products and it comes as no surprise that Antipodes is literally one of her go-to must-have items in her everyday routine. The Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream is known to be one of her favourites and it’s only because it does wonders to her skin. It’s rich but light, has avocado oil, manuka honey, jojoba, Vinanza grape – which are all natural skincare ingredients that have proven to show great scientific results on the skin.
What should I expect when making the switch to natural skincare?
Now as much as we swear by products that actually work to save our skin, results may vary and take longer than usual, for some cases. Over time, the skin adjusts to the product and eventually the effect plateaus, thus, making it easier to see the capabilities of the product and how it works well for your skin. This brings us to the next point – switching to a natural skincare routine.
So what’s there to expect when making the switch? Elizabeth says, “regardless of whatever skincare product you opt to try, there’ll always be a time where your skin may not react well to it, resulting in occasional breakouts. Thus, it’s important to slowly incorporate products to your former routine instead of switching it in one shot.”
One of the bestsellers from Antipodes’ range, the Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream is 100% natural and vegan, rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, and most importantly it’s been tested in-vitro – stimulating collagen production, with results showing as much as 82% more collagen produced before and after the product has been applied.
Will I experience any breakouts?
Sometimes, when people are switching over to natural beauty and when they’re actually detoxifying their skin with pure and natural ingredients, they might experience a bit of a breakout, that will settle down in 5 to 7 days. Elizabeth mentioned, “We don’t find that very often, to be honest, and people who use natural skincare within a month that their skin looks much healthier and more blemish-free, brighter skin. When you move to a natural product, you just have to take it step-by-step and introduce one product at a time and make it really simple to start with.”
A popular favourite, especially amongst men, is the Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser that helps balance the skin and contains Manuka Honey and Hibiscus Flower to help balance oily skin.
What should I do if I have sensitive skin?
When you have sensitive skin you have sensitive skin, you have to be careful of what product to use. Antipodes also features a sensitive skin range – Grace Gentle Cleanser and a Gentle Exfoliator, Rejoice Day Cream, which have been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. Just be sure to conduct a patch test before trying new products, especially with natural ingredients because some of the ingredients can be really powerful.
Have sensitive skin? Try using this hot favourite by Antipodes that’s suitable for sensitive skin. Released earlier this year, the Halo Skin-Brightening Facial Mud Mask contains grapeseed extract, peony flowers, and comes off really silky and light on the skin.
Besides using natural skincare products, what else should I take note of to get healthy, radiant skin?
Elizabeth also mentioned that some of the other key tips to note in maintaining good, radiant skin is a good diet and to go dairy free – and it’s probably even better if you go vegan! And of course, for some, we enjoy drinking our weekly dose of alcohol, but keeping your alcohol consumption at bay will do wonders for your skin.
How do you identify an authentic natural skincare product?
It may be a little too much info for you to digest but here’s one last important thing to note when looking out for a natural product – always look for certification on the products (vegetarian, vegan or organic). Many brands create their own logos stating that they are free from parabens etc, but that doesn’t mean that they are natural – it just means they are free from those ingredients. Hence, the key thing is to look for “organic” because organic is the highest level.
The new Antipodes range is now available at all Guardian stores islandwide.
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