Before you buy natural skincare products, take a moment to read this article. Most consumers think that a product advertised in this way contains all-natural ingredients. But, that may not be the case.
<
In most countries, cosmetic companies are allowed to use phrases like “natural”, “hypo-allergenic” and even “doctor recommended” without meeting any requirements. The terms are unregulated and used primarily for promotional purposes. Your only source of accurate information is the ingredients label and sometimes, even that isn’t that helpful. Warning labels are often a better indication of what’s really in that product.
If you are advised to discontinue use if redness, itching or a rash appears, then the product contains known allergens, irritants or both. If there is a warning to contact a poison control center, in the event of accidental ingestion, then, obviously, the product contains a known poison. If you’re like me, you want natural skincare products because you want something safer that is better for your skin’s health, but that’s not always what the companies are providing.
Even when there are no warning labels, there may be contaminants, of which the company is unaware. Testing for contamination of raw ingredients and individual batches is not a requirement. I know of only one company that actually performs that kind of testing, but I think that it is very important.
Unless the plants used in a product come from an organic farm, then there are likely to be residues of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals. If extracts from roots are included, there could be lead, mercury, cadmium and other naturally occurring elements that build up in the body’s tissues and organs. If added fragrances are included in the product, even ones like lavender oil and rosewater, they are likely to cause irritation and/or allergic reactions.
There are many natural skincare products on the market that contain organic sun-screening compounds. The daily use of sunscreen is a controversial issue, since it can lead to vitamin D deficiencies and there is no clear proof that it reduces our risk of skin cancer. But, the daily use of creams containing oxybenzone or benzophenone is likely to increase our risk of skin cancer.
Scientific studies have shown that these organic compounds damage DNA strands within the cells, but only when exposed to UV rays from the sun. Hmmm… isn’t that what they were supposed to be protecting us from. The DNA damage predisposes the cells to cancer, making them “probable” human carcinogens.
The bottom line is that all natural skincare products are not safe. Look for a company that has signed the “Compact for Safe Cosmetics”, a voluntary group created to help protect customers.
Buy only creams and lotions that are free of artificial preservatives, but make sure that the company includes natural vitamin E or the oils in the product will become rancid, very quickly. Look for other nutrients like co-enzyme Q10, protein and essential fatty acids. Natural skincare products like that can improve your appearance and delay the signs of aging. Who could ask for more!
Visit my website today to learn more about the natural substances that are excellent for keeping your skin young looking and healthy.
Rachel Hammond is a dedicated researcher of high quality natural skin care products. Take a moment to visit her site now and discover the very latest, natural and effective skin care products she recommends: http://www.best-health-and-beauty.com/
Recommended Reading
