Since the European Natural Beauty Awards is all about showcasing the best natural cosmetics found within our diverse continent of Europe, we thought to create a brand-new blog series, Treasures of European Nature. The series plans to honour the knowledge and wisdom of natural beauty practices and broaden the horizons of the potency of natural ingredients found in Europe.
From the mild seashores of the Mediterranean to the deep forests in Eastern Europe and the Arctic climate of the North, countless potent herbs, crops and plants and other greenery have been discovered and used for centuries, if not longer.
By acknowledging and highlighting the benefits of these natural resources, we wish to empower you to understand more about the natural ingredients in your care and beauty products. Join us in exploring ingredients found in European nature – their origins, use and benefits in skincare. This blog series’s first part is all about the ‘modern Mediterranean classics’ – olive oil and aloe vera.
The Mediterranean basin is an area well-known for its rich nature. It has been specially nurtured by the warm climate and the minerals of the Mediterranean Sea, contributing to a lush natural flora and fauna. The mild climate makes for an excellent ground for iconic crops and herbs, such as olive trees, lavender, and aloe vera, to name a few. Nourished by the Mediterranean sea and the warm climate, these areas are filled with fantastic ingredients used in various cultures for thousands of years.
OLIVE OIL
Let’s start with a ‘modern classic’ number one. Olive oil has held an icon status in food, skincare, and medicine, with traditions going back thousands of years, including ancient Greek and Roman cultures. While it is today a trendy ingredient in the kitchen, the benefits of olive oil in skincare, haircare and body care remain undeniable.
Olive oil is believed to have originated in Persia and Mesopotamia, with the crop quickly spreading to other areas in the Mediterranean. As an adaptable crop, it thrives in sunny areas and dry soil, with most European production located in Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey.
Olive oil contains fatty acids, squalane and antioxidants like vitamins E, A and D, making it soothing and nourishing. These antioxidants protect against free radicals, helping the skin age healthily. The fatty acids and the squalane support the skin’s moisture barrier by preventing moisture loss in the skin. The main hydrating ability of olive oil comes from preventing loss of water and therefore retaining moisture in the skin.
Olive oil is an especially great asset in skincare for those with dry or normal skin, though it is a stable and safe oil for most skin types, even in combination with other ingredients and as such, a great staple to start with. Those who are wary of applying olive oil to the face can find great benefits utilising it on the body instead.
Olive oil and products containing it, as well as most care and beauty products actually, are best stored in a cool place away from light exposure.
ALOE VERA
Aloe vera is well known to be an excellent first-aid for sunburns and skin irritation. However, its benefits go beyond simply soothing since it is an excellent choice for various skin types and has excellent moisturising properties.
Aloe vera is widely distributed and grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates worldwide, such as in the Mediterranean. Aloe vera has thrived thanks to its thick, waxy leaves. The main function of the leaves is to keep moisture from evaporating into the air, but inside said leaves, you find a gel-like substance, the aloe vera gel itself. Aloe vera has been used for medicinal properties for thousands of years.
Aloe vera contains mostly water, the rest being mineral amino acids, enzymes and vitamins. However, some well-known and hyped ingredients like salicylic acid and vitamins A, C and E are naturally found in aloe vera, making the plant wonderful for healthy skin ageing properties and gentle exfoliation. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties make the plant a perfect help for skin burns, but with the high water content, it also makes for a wonderful moisturiser. As raw aloe vera is not always handy, the benefits of aloe vera can be consumed through many skincare products, such as masks, creams or gels.
Are you a devoted fan of these ‘modern classics’ in skincare – olive oil and aloe vera? Or perhaps you have other favourite ingredients you would like us to open next..? Join the conversation on our social media to discuss more >