It's no secret that in recent years, people have become increasingly conscious of what they put on their skin. Gone are the days when we were willing to slather any old chemical concoction on our faces in the name of beauty. Nowadays, we're more interested in natural, traditional methods of taking care of our skin.

As Ernest Hemingway once wrote, "Changes happen two ways. Gradually, then suddenly." And that's certainly true of the shift towards more natural skincare. It's been happening gradually for some time now, as people have become more aware of the potential risks associated with certain chemicals found in many skincare products.

But it's really started to snowball in recent years, as more and more people have discovered the benefits of natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, tallow and even good old-fashioned honey. These ingredients have been used for centuries in various cultures around the world, and now they're making a comeback in the world of skincare.

''In a survey conducted by YouGov in the UK, 60% of respondents said they prefer skincare products made with natural ingredients''

The survey was conducted in 2018 and included over 1,000 respondents in the UK. It found that 60% of respondents said they preferred to use skincare products made with natural ingredients. In addition, 56% said they actively sought out natural skincare products when shopping, and 47% said they were willing to pay more for products that contained natural ingredients.

The survey also found that consumers had specific concerns about certain synthetic ingredients in skincare products, with 38% expressing concern about parabens and 25% expressing concern about phthalates. This suggests that consumers are not only seeking out natural ingredients, but also actively trying to avoid certain synthetic ingredients that they perceive as potentially harmful.

The YouGov survey is just one example of the growing consumer preference for natural ingredients in skincare products. As consumers become more aware of the potential risks associated with certain synthetic ingredients, they are seeking out natural alternatives that are perceived to be safer and more environmentally friendly. This trend is expected to continue, as more and more companies respond to consumer demand for natural and organic skincare products.

Of course, it's not just about the ingredients themselves. It's also about the philosophy behind natural skincare. People are looking for products that are gentle and nourishing, rather than harsh and potentially damaging. They want to take care of their skin in a way that's sustainable and healthy, both for themselves and for the environment.

And the beauty industry is taking notice. More and more companies are offering natural skincare options, and even mainstream brands are starting to remove some of the more questionable ingredients from their products. It's a trend that's only going to continue, as more and more people realise that taking care of your skin doesn't have to come at the expense of your health or the planet.

It's a change that's been a long time coming, but it's happening now, and it's happening fast. So let's embrace it, and let's take care of our skin the way nature intended.