I don’t often notice the latest skincare trends, but one caught my eye recently and made me reflect on what I’ve learned over the years about natural skincare. The obsession with Korean-inspired ‘glass skin’ – that impossibly smooth, pore-less, dewy look – is completely unrealistic for those of us with ‘real’ skin. We’re not models in our 20s with plump, undamaged skin. We’re real people, and a 12-step routine isn’t practical – or even necessary.
From my experience, what really improves skin health is hydration, gentle exfoliation, and safe sun protection. But no amount of layering serums will erase the natural changes that come with age. My skin at 49 doesn’t behave like it did at 32, and that’s completely normal.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The good news? Natural skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. At Organico, we believe in choosing products that are simple, kind to your skin, and truly effective. And because what we put on our skin can absorb ‘into’ our bodies, we choose ingredients that are genuinely safe.
Luckily, there are simple steps we can all take that care for our skin as we age – without breaking the bank or damaging the skin barrier. Today I want to explore some powerful yet simple principles: understanding ingredients, embracing natural oils (hello, bakuchiol!), gentle fruit acid exfoliation, and the importance of mineral sun protection.
Why natural skincare – and reading labels – matters
Mainstream skincare can be packed with ingredients that feel nice but offer little benefit – and some can even disrupt the skin. Think synthetic fragrances, parabens, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), and petroleum-based fillers. A few tips to help navigate labels:
• Check the top five ingredients – they make up most of the formula.
• Learn to recognise natural oils by their Latin names (e.g., Rosa Canina equals rosehip).
• Watch out for vague terms like ‘parfum’ – which can hide dozens of synthetic chemicals.
At Organico, we read the fine print so you don’t have to. Every product on our shelves is genuinely natural, effective, and safe.
The beauty of natural oils and serums
Let’s talk facial oils – the unsung heroes of skincare. Unlike many commercial moisturisers (which are mostly water and emulsifiers), oils deliver pure, concentrated nourishment. Think of them as food for your skin: rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins.
One of our favourites is Trilogy’s Rosapene Bakuchiol Oil – a customer favourite after our recent Trilogy event. It’s both a serum and oil in one, perfect for reducing fine lines without the irritation that can come with synthetic retinol. What’s in it?
• Bakuchiol – a plant-based retinol alternative that improves skin tone, smooths fine lines, and reduces blemishes – gentle enough for daily use.
• Rosapene™ – Trilogy’s antioxidant-rich blend of rosehip, tomato seed, and cranberry oils.
• Squalane – gives a silky, non-greasy finish and locks in hydration.
Just a few drops pressed into clean, damp skin is enough. It layers beautifully under moisturiser or makeup and works wonders overnight.
What are fruit acids?
When I first heard of fruit acid exfoliation, I thought, “That’s definitely not for me.” The term ‘chemical peel’ sounded far too extreme! But a friend convinced me to look again, saying that gritty exfoliators can damage the skin, and that these acid-based ones are often gentler.
She was right. PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are often described as the gentlest of all fruit acid exfoliants. They help to sweep away dead skin cells without scrubbing, unclog pores, and even attract moisture into the skin. Because their molecules are larger, they penetrate more slowly and don’t go as deep – making them ideal for sensitive skin or those new to exfoliation.
Since we started stocking the French brand Olae, I’ve been experimenting with their PHA exfoliant, and it’s completely changed the feel of my skin. I use it twice a week at night and I really notice the difference in the morning – my skin feels significantly smoother.
Why mineral suncare is essential
Even here in West Cork, with our sideways drizzle and soft days, sun protection is a must. UVA rays, which age the skin, are present year-round – even on cloudy days. If you’re investing in good skincare, skipping sunscreen undermines it all.
The problem is, many conventional sunscreens contain chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can irritate the skin and disrupt hormones.
That’s why we’re so happy to stock Suntribe — a Swedish brand making 100 per cent natural, reef-safe mineral sunscreens using non-nano zinc oxide to reflect UV rays. Their range is:
• Free from synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and microplastics
• Enriched with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax
• Gentle, effective, and environmentally safe
We’ve had so many requests for Suntribe recently – and we’re delighted to now have it on our shelves. They have factors 30 and 50, and some cool Zinc Sticks that you can trust for kids, for working outside and for watersports.
What really makes me smile is seeing women my age with healthy, vibrant skin – skin that looks cared for, not artificially altered. Fine lines included. I’m all for anything that makes us feel confident, but I’ve found peace in accepting that my skin looks exactly my age – and that’s not something I need to ‘fix’.
In the end, natural skincare isn’t about chasing perfection or following ten-step routines. It’s about building rituals that feel good, using ingredients you trust, and giving your skin what it truly needs.
Expert advice
Helen Tobin is our skincare advisor, and she also offers facials in our Treatment Rooms upstairs. Helen is an experienced Beauty Therapist and can help you find what’s best for your skin.
Coming Up
We’ve an exciting event coming up on Saturday, June 21 – a Morning Cookery Demo with Kara O’Donnell from East Cork Nutrition. Kara, a nutritional therapist and author of a brand-new cookbook, will be showing us how to create simple, nourishing summer salads and dressings. Ask in the shop for details or book online!
