Did you know that people on average apply five to ten different products on their skin each day? And more often than not, these products are full of harsh synthetic ingredients which might not only be unsuitable for your skin type but can also cause numerous health issues. That being said, those who want to avoid making their skin absorb hundreds of chemicals on daily basis opt for natural body care products.
However, even with natural products, there's still no guarantee that you're not exposing yourself to something harmful. Skincare companies know that a good package with great design and buzz-words like "herbal", "organic" and "anti-age" can sell us anything. But, it's essential to know that not every “organic” or “natural” is what it says. That being said, when buying natural body products, pay attention to the following things to ensure you're getting something that's effective and 100% safe for your health.
Make Sure "Natural" Is Truly Natural
The beauty industry is not a stranger to synthetic chemicals. Many people would firmly believe that natural body products are truly natural and that they can help their skin overnight. But, words like “natural” and "organic" are not regulated labelling terms. Adding a fresh fragrance, designing a box with flowers or an olive branch is not enough. Although people would still believe that the product is natural, the chemicals on the ingredients list will say otherwise.
On the other hand, some chemical ingredients are safe and necessary so the product can actually do something for your skin. It's essential that you know which chemicals are safe. I don’t expect you to start learning chemistry, but a little research never killed anybody. All I say is don’t let a good designed bottle or box trick you.
Bye-Bye Fragrance
Did you know that adding fragrance does nothing for the product? It is only added so you like that lotion or cream better and buy it again because it smells like heaven. Fragrance means added chemicals (toxic in most cases). There is no way a product could smell like cherry without the fragrance (and the company surely won’t use a ton of cherries to create the scent, and even if they did it won’t last nearly as long as the chemicals). Artificial fragrances (they contain phthalates) are known to trigger allergic reactions and other health issues. Stick to products that don’t contain “perfume” or “fragrance” in their ingredient list. Companies are not required to add all the chemicals that are used to create the fragrance (so they don’t); if they had to do this, the ingredient lists would be long and scary for reading.
Choose Recyclable Packaging
The world is so polluted, and we are nowhere near to stop using plastics. When getting your products, make sure the containers are reusable (such as glass). When it comes to plastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (it uses the recycling code #1), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), #2, are most frequently accepted by municipal curbside recycling programs. Both are considered safe. Polycarbonate (#7), may leach the endocrine disruptor bisphenol-A, or BPA. Polypropylene (#5), is food-safe plastic, is also a suitable option, though is not as easily recycled. Containers that have recycling code #3 and the letter "V" are not good options. These codes refer to polyvinyl chloride or PVC. Named "the poison plastic," PVC is a big environmental and health hazard (since the beginning when it's manufactured to its disposal).
Natural Active Ingredients
You will surely be able to recognize natural ingredients when you read them. You don’t need to know chemistry well, all you need to look for is transparency. Brands that care about their clients and have nothing to hide, will show a clear list of all the ingredients they used to make the product.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is
the big rescuer for your skin just as it is for your immune system (when you consume it through food or supplements). Vitamin C is excellent for dull and sagging skin; its coax collagen synthesis will smooth and firm the skin. This is a highly antioxidant ingredient and can stop free radical damage and brighten up age spots. If you have oily skin, you can control the oil production with Vitamin C (clear serum or products that contain it).
Aloe
Aloe is an amazing plant that helps with many skin problems. It is the best soother for skin burn, rashes, and insect stings. It will calm your skin through natural polysaccharide sugars, and provide the much-need hydration.
Seaweed
Maybe you believed that seaweed is just an ingredient in Asian cuisine, but it can be used externally in your skincare. It’s packed with antioxidant properties and will help you improve your skin’s elasticity and collagen production (which drops significantly after the age of twenty-five). It infuses your skin with the seaweed minerals like copper, which supports the skin to function like in its younger days. It provides a lovely vibrant and fresh complexion.
Matcha
Matcha is the green powder you use to add in your smoothies (known for its power to reduce cancer risk). It is a
natural skin care ingredient that originates from Asia and is considered to be better than green tea. If you have issues with skin inflammations and can’t find a way to calm your skin, matcha is the right ingredient for it.
Shea Butter
Dry skin is a persistent issue for many people. You will forget about it once you use Shea butter. It’s made from the shea nut, and Ghanaian women have used since forever. It has a dense texture and contains fatty acids that strengthen your skin’s natural barrier. Sure, it doesn’t smell like roses, but it is the
ideal thing for dry elbows, rough knees, and foot skin. By mixing it with a few drops of olive or grapeseed oil, you can create a natural makeup remover (melt it well, rub it on your face and the makeup is gone).
Organic body care is a form of self-love and love towards your skin. Always make sure you read the ingredients and buy products from known and certified brands.
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