A frank introduction to natural skincare.

Natural skincare. Everyone's talking about it, but what does it actually mean? Here's my frank introduction. Pull up a chair.

What is natural skincare?

It's skincare made from natural ingredients. Things you might find in your kitchen: coconut oil, coffee, sea salt. Things that aren't artificial or made in a lab. No harsh synthetics, no unnecessary fillers.

Why are more babes getting into it?

Because there are some questionable things lurking in conventional skincare. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it absorbs what you put on it. Think of your pores as tiny little mouths gobbling up your moisturiser and cleanser. So it matters what's in them.

But does it actually work?

Natural skincare is now like Tinder. There are a lot of options out there and sometimes you wonder if it will really amount to anything. But it's come a long way. It's no longer just for hippies with herb gardens (not that there's anything wrong with that). Natural skincare nourishes and repairs your skin from the outside in, so you get skin that glows from health.

So how do I make the switch?

Open your bathroom cabinet and go into Operation Cull. Check the labels. Here are some common things to watch out for:

• PEGs. Not the ones on your clothes line. A chemical compound commonly used in conventional skincare as a thickener and humectant.
• Parabens. Not as fun as para-gliding, #letsbefrank. A synthetic preservative used to extend shelf life that can irritate skin.
• Phthalates. Synthetic compounds used to soften formulas, known to be endocrine disruptors. Best avoided.
• SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate). A foaming agent that can strip your skin's natural oils and cause irritation.
• Mineral oil. Derived from petroleum. Can clog pores and cause congestion.

A tip: around 80% of a product is made up of the top ingredients on the label, so those are the ones to pay the most attention to.

What do you replace them with?

Natural stuff. Look for products made with naturally derived ingredients and safe synthetics. My Acid Heroes Kit is a good place to start for your body, and the Barrier Bodyguards Kit for barrier-loving, naturally derived body care from head to toe.

'Naturalist' is taking on a whole new meaning.

x frank