1. Lavender

• Skin solution. For centuries, many have turned to lavender as a natural disinfectant for wounds and to relieve burns, insect bites and muscle pain. Its ability to relieve depression, insomnia, headaches, PMS and fatigue makes it an essential ingredient for all athletes.
• Top team pick. Sundari Neem and Copper Repairing Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin is the perfect post-game lotion that contains lavender extract for relief from muscle aches and pains.

2. Peppermint

• Skin solution. The many benefits of peppermint will please athletes of all kinds. According to HowStuffWorks, peppermint provides a cooling and relaxing effect when applied to the skin. Many muscle rubs contain peppermint oil to reduce pain, burning, muscle cramps and inflammation. In addition, peppermint is a natural antiseptic and an effective treatment for insect bites.
• Top team pick. June Jacobs Peppermint Hand and Foot Therapy is the perfect peppermint moisturizer for any athlete who’d like to smooth and rejuvenate the hard working hands and feet.

3. Rosemary

• Skin solution. Many athletes rely on rosemary essential oil to relieve exhaustion and tension. In Skin and Allergy News, dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., explains that rosemary is also effective for conditioning the hair and giving it body and shine. As a skin remedy, rosemary is a natural antiseptic, astringent and antioxidant.
• Top team pick. The Art Of Shaving Shampoo – Rosemary offers the perfect pick-me up for your hair and scalp. It contains essential rosemary oils that promote hair growth and hydration.

4. Eucalyptus

• Skin solution. Although it’s known for having a sweet-smelling aroma, eucalyptus will benefit much more than your nose. As a natural antiseptic, eucalyptus is a great ingredient for athletes who work up a sweat at the gym or outside. It’s also an effective alternative treatment for oily skin, acne and muscle pain, according to HowStuffWorks.
• Top team pick. An active lifestyle can be especially hard on athletes’ feet — so don’t forget to give them some special attention. Barielle Foot Restoration Scrub contains eucalyptus oils that’ll soothe and refresh tired, achy feet.

5. Tea tree oil

• Skin solution. Many athletes face a frustrating battle with body acne. If you prefer a natural alternative for treating blemishes, consider products that contain tea tree oil. Some studies show that tea tree oil is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide in reducing acne, according to Mayo Clinic.
• Top team pick. Celazome O-PLEX Target features tea tree oil as an acne-fighting ingredient. Add this product to your athletic skin care arsenal to win the battle against body blemishes.

6. Green tea

• Skin solution. Green tea is a power player when it comes to protecting the skin. This incredible antioxidant has antiseptic properties and is safe to use on minor cuts, rashes and burns, according to iVillage UK.

  And if your active lifestyle leads you outside, add green tea to your regimen for sun protection. Research from the University of Alabama suggests that green tea may reduce the risk of skin cancer by inhibiting the growth of tumors, reports YourTotalHealth. Keep in mind that green tea isn’t a replacement for sunscreen and other forms of sun protection. Always protect your skin when you’re outdoors.

• Top team pick. Pack a punch in your water bottle by adding a few drops of Dr. Brandt Antioxidant Water Booster Original. This product boasts powerful antioxidants to preserve younger-looking skin, fight free radical damage and promote overall health.

7. Jojoba oil

• Skin solution. Jojoba oil naturally encourages skin hydration, has antibacterial benefits and gently exfoliates the skin. Look for jojoba oil in lotions, body scrubs and anti-aging products.

• Top team pick. Even athletes need to exfoliate. Slough off dead skin cells using Ole Henriksen Loofah Body Scrub to keep your skin healthy and radiant.

8. Aloe vera

• Skin solution. Aloe vera is one of the most widely used herbal remedies as it increases the healing capabilities of the skin. Even the most extreme athlete will find aloe vera is an effective ingredient for healing sunburn, rashes, frostbite, itchiness and wounds, according to Mayo Clinic.
• Top team pick. When your body takes a beating, turn to Ole Henriksen All Purpose Aloe Vera Gel to soothe scrapes, sunburn and other skin irritations.

9. Cayenne pepper

• Skin solution. Most people associate cayenne pepper with burning taste buds. But it’s also a spicy way to stimulate circulation and blood flow to the skin, according to HowStuffWorks.
• Top team pick. Re-energize your skin after a tough workout with Murad Activating Body Scrub, which contains cayenne pepper and carnitine to boost circulation, sugar and jojoba beads to exfoliate dead skin and gotu kola and horse chestnut tree extract to increase firmness and elasticity.

10. Vitamin E

• Skin solution. Vitamin E is a staple in natural skin care. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is essential for boosting immunity and preventing age spots, blemishes and fine lines and wrinkles, reports Better Nutrition.
• Top team pick. Every athlete needs a go-to body lotion. H2O Plus Natural Spring Moisture Boosting Body Balm features vitamin E to promote soft, nourished skin from head to toe.

Before you begin

Before you incorporate these all-natural ingredients and products into your skin care arsenal, be sure to do your homework about how to do so safely. Even natural elements have risks related to allergies, interactions with medications and improper use. Always turn to a skin care expert or dermatologist with questions or concerns.

See also:

Green Your Skin Care Routine

Exercise: Another Essential Part of Your Skincare Routine

6 Great Essential Oils for Your Skin

Attention Athletes: How to Prevent and Combat Top 3 Skin Concerns

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)