Natural Skincare Ingredients that Really Work

Nature has always known best.  Here at Franchine Young, we believe the most results-focused skincare should rely on pure, simple, organic skincare products and ingredients. 

For thousands of years civilisations have turned to herbs to heal or to prevent conditions and ailments. Moreover, women for generations have passed down the advice, “if you can’t eat it, don’t use it on your skin”. 

Our skin is a highly effective absorption organ, therefore what we apply topically moves through our internal system. It is therefore an effective indicator of our wellbeing, and it can be particularly sensitive when our bodies undergo change such as puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. 

We believe these changes call for an especially sensitive, uncomplicated approach to caring for skin. We believe in drawing on the potency of nature to deliver gentle but effective daily skincare.

Our Wonder Balm is the result of intensive research and understanding into the power of plants. It is a delicious, effective, soothing cleanser and/or moisturiser hand-poured in Ireland with love. 

There is no question that here at Franchine Young we are intent on making completely natural skincare products only. So here we would like to share with you more information about the properties and benefits of Wonder Balm’s ingredients.

Argan Oil

Produced from kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco, Argan Oil is revered as ‘liquid gold’. Its generous levels of vitamin A and E, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular choice to naturally treat inflammatory skin conditions including psoriasis and rosacea. The omega fatty acids also help to repair cell membranes and promote healthy skin, whilst  naturally-occuring triterpenoids can help treat mild acne. 

What Franchine says:

Given everyone’s skin has its own unique formulation, finding an oil that lies somewhere midway on the spectrum means it is ideal for all skin types. It’s not too heavy, it’s not too light, and its combination of vitamins and fatty acids give it great moisturising properties.  It’s particularly useful for soothing razor bumps after shaving and I believe it helps reduce the number of ingrown hairs. 

Beeswax

An excellent skin-conditioning agent, bees’ wax helps to promote softer and smoother-feeling skin. It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and its vitamin A levels help in cell turn-over.

What Franchine says: 

Beeswax helps  naturally heal many types of injuries thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. I find it an excellent ingredient in helping retain the skin’s moisture. 

Borage Seed Oil 

This oil contains a high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), making it an ideal ingredient for caring for dry and/or irritated skin conditions.

What Franchine says: 

I have always referred to this as Starflower, and it has been one of my preferred go-to ingredients for helping to relieve premenstrual tension and stress. On an emotional level I find it to be a very calming, nourishing fragrance, whilst on a practical level it is ideal to help combat redness of the skin.

Clary Sage Oil 

Believed to have hormonal balancing properties, this oil is ideal for use during menopause, PMT and mood swings. Its clean, invigorating scent and cooling property helps soothe and calm skin. 

What Franchine says: 

Deeply breathe in the scent of this oil and I notice a feeling of calmness, relaxation but also an uplifting element. Women in labour adore its musty, herby scent and believe it naturally encourages birth. This oil has long been on my radar thanks to its traditional use to help treat hot flashes. 

Cocoa Butter

With its wonderful smooth texture, Cocoa Butter is readily absorbable, and helps to nourish and moisturise dry and damaged skin. 

What Franchine says: 

I think this is a brilliant topical agent for helping to minimise stretch marks, dermatitis and rashes. It’s also quite a handy tan enhancer! 

Frankincense Oil 

The complex aroma of this oil can elevate many aspects of our life. Its earthy, uplifting aroma is perfect for grounding and spiritual connectedness; there is little surprise Frankincense Oil is used during prayer or meditation. 

What Franchine says: 

An ancient oil of great religious and cultural significance. Its luxurious richness helps to maintain radiant skin and calm emotions. I call on this for centering and balance.

Geranium Oil

Ancient Egyptians used Geranium Oil to beautify skin. Since then it is used to promote the appearance of healthy, clear skin. It also helps calm nerves and lessen feelings of stress.

What Franchine says:

If you can’t consume it, why use it on your skin? This is true in the case of Geranium Oil; in the Victorian era people would use it as table decorations for formal settings. Guests would consume a fresh sprig if they so desired. Nowadays it is in desserts, jellies and cakes. No wonder, given its refreshing and happy scent. I might not cook with it all that frequently, but I do find it has the ability to lighten an atmosphere and really make a place cheery. 

Lavender Oil

Lavender contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and is helpful to care for skin affected by bug bites or even minor burns. Its iconic, relaxing and soothing scent makes it a much-loved aromatherapy that helps to promote a good night’s sleep.  

What Franchine says: 

I know people who swear by lavender oil for everything from treating sleeping problems, to helping prevent nits in their children’s hair! For me, this was a logical selection as a deeply soothing, iconic scent.  Given so many illnesses are stress-related, lavender oil holds a special place in both preventative and treatment healthcare. I call on it to help assist tight muscles, digestive problems, spasmodic coughs, menstrual cramps, tension headaches as well as sleeping troubles. 

Lemon Oil

Need clarity of thought and cooling of the mind? Look no further than refreshing, renewing, zesty Lemon Oil. Aromatherapists consider this to have cooling and drying properties, making it ideal as a detoxifying oil. Also considered an asset in helping to support healthy circulatory and immune systems.

What Franchine says:

I like to use this oil when treating broken capillaries and spider veins. But its ability to help clear the mind, especially when there is so much going on, makes it invaluable in my mind. 

Mandarin Oil 

Sweet, floral, and an exquisite massage oil, mandarin essential oil is often used in conjunction with lavender and neroli to tackle stretch marks.

What Franchine says: 

The sweet, fresh scent is uplifting and can not only help soothe nervous tension, but also sadness. I even diffuse this scent throughout the home to calm little people! 

Myrrh Oil 

Used for centuries to calm redness and blemishes, myrrh oil also helps manage minor pain and inflammation, as well as promote healthy lung activity. Emotionally, this oil calms the mind and welcomes tranquility. 

What Franchine says:

The aroma of Myrrh Oil encourages stillness, so for this reason I love to use it to quell over-thinking and to help stabilise a distracted mind but to also help manage the mind during painful menstrual cycles. 

Rapeseed Oil

Also high in vitamin E as well as vitamin K, rapeseed oil is helpful in treating acne, blemishes and fine lines and really makes the skin glow. This blend comes from a cold-press process, which presses seeds with steel and does not pre-heat, thus maintaining the maximum flavour, aroma and nutritional value. 

What Franchine says: 

I was keen to look more closely at this after coming across an article about the use of cold-pressed, non genetically-modified (GM) Rapeseed Oil on women’s skin in France. The article reported that women were experiencing great benefits, which therefore prompted me to dive more deeply into learning about this somewhat of a secret gem. It just leaves skin so smooth and radiant!  It’s a terrific carrier oil given its thin consistency and mild odour. 

Rosemary Leaf Extract

Known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic and antioxidant properties, rosemary leaf extract is a natural means to help heal burns, reduce swelling and puffiness and encourages radiant-looking skin. 

What Franchine says:

This ancient herb is lauded for its medicinal properties. It was a natural selection for me given its antiseptic properties make for such an effective disinfectant, thus giving the balm a great cleansing quality. 

Shea Butter 

A wonderful base for complementary oils, Shea Butter is an excellent emollient that helps to heal dryness, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, sun damage and burns. It aids the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin against drying. 

What Franchine says: 

I use raw and unrefined Shea Butter so as to retain the maximum vitamins and nutrients. Over long-term use I believe Shea Butter has an ability to soften skin and help minimise the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 

Tree Basil Oil

A great herbal oil that works to relieve congestion, asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. It can also help reduce indigestion, constipation, flatulence and stomach cramps. 

What Franchine says:

What a brilliant all-rounder! I use it for everything from respiratory conditions, stress and muscle aches, to bladder infections, acne, ear aches, colds and flu. It also clears the mind and I believe provides mental strength. 

Organic skincare products are so important to us here at Franchine Young. We are sure you will love this one!