By Eva Costa, Staff Writer
It is finally March, and it is that time of the year to celebrate International Women’s Month! But beyond celebrating women, March is also the time to celebrate nature. And there is no better way of celebrating both women and nature than to talk about natural beauty products!
Although nature has always been the source of components to create beauty products, with the advances of technology, women started using chemical beauty products. Recently, though, there has been a movement among some women focusing on natural skin care, meds, and makeup.
This phenomenon also happens because most women end up feeling comfortable after they experience the soft effects of the products. Moreover, the results of their use give them a sense of confidence when they see their good-looking faces and bodies in the mirror.
This is why, in celebration of women and nature, it is interesting to share the many ways women in college can use natural and healthy products in March.
Dalyn James, a freshman student majoring in Criminology and Psychology, believes that using natural products for beauty rather than industrialized ones can be less harsh on the skin.
“As a natural product, I use the liquid vitamin E skin oil, which I feel that it heals my face,” James affirms. “So, like if I have bad breakouts or my skin is extra dry, if I put this vitamin as a face mask and leave it overnight, in the morning my face looks like nothing bad happened with it.” She gave it as an example of self-natural care.
Furthermore, Isabelle Grey, a sophomore student majoring in Elementary Education, also agrees that using natural products for skin is a better option because most industrialized ones have harsh chemicals for your face.
“I’ve seen a lot of people who have poisoned chemicals in their faces without noticing them, so I rather use natural products because they look healthier for me,” Grey affirms.
“I don’t know any 100% natural product, but anything with the plant Aloe Vera like a skin care mask is probably a better option to use, even if it’s just the plant” Grey continues “my grandma used to grow aloe vera plant in her backyard and when I used one time as a skin care I felt that my skin looked soft and brighter” she concludes.
To specify more about those techniques, Caroline Magill, a staff at the Interdisciplinary Studies Intern at Saint Leo University greenhouse, explains about natural plant ingredients that can support healthier beauty.
“From what I have learned in my Saint Leo Medicinal Botany and Honors Plants & Potions courses, there are several plants that have a long history of supporting healthy skin. Aloe vera helps soothe and hydrate the skin. Rose, especially rosewater, contains natural antioxidants and vitamins that support brightness and smooth texture. Coconut oil provides emollient fatty acids that help soften dry skin, and witch hazel is a gentle, plant-based astringent. These botanicals have been used for generations in beauty and skincare,” affirms Caroline Magill.
Magill also thinks this is healthier because those natural ingredients contain compounds that work with the skin instead of overwhelming it.
“The garden is an incredible hands-on resource, and many students don’t realize how much it can teach them about wellness, sustainability, and the benefits of natural botanicals. I encourage everyone to stop by before the end of the semester for a tour and see how the Saint Leo Garden can help you become a healthier student.” Magill concludes.
So, to contribute to the month of March, where women take more care of themselves, Saint Leo University girls are more than welcome to stop at the greenhouse department to learn more about how natural products can benefit their skin.
