Organic Versus Natural Skincare
There is a definite shift towards harnessing the healing power of nature, and the production and consumption of organic and ‘natural’ skincare products is increasing. The question is: how natural is ‘natural’ and what exactly is the difference between natural and organic? If a product is truly organic it will be certified by an organic certification agency. The trouble is that it’s hard to produce 100% organic beauty products because preservatives are vital constituents, and natural preservatives are hard to find. Natural products are made from plants and minerals that occur in nature and have not been produced in a laboratory. Organic products are also made from natural ingredients; they are grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Seaweed, for example, can be classified as a natural product, but is not organic because it’s not grown in controlled conditions. Truly organic products do not contain any genetically modified ingredients nor petrochemicals (synthetic ingredients derived from natural petroleum or oil), nor do they undergo any animal testing (unless required by law) and are only subjected to minimal processing.
Some cosmetic companies add natural ingredients in the form of fruit acids, vitamins, borage and hemp to skincare products. Some products use ingredients that mimic the skin’s natural functions, like hyaluronic acid, a moisturizer that occurs naturally in the skin. So what is best? Some experts believe that 60% of everything you put on your skin is absorbed by it. Your skin is a highly effective delivery system, so it makes sense that organic beauty products made without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals or drugs -ensure the highest level of nourishment to the skin. But remember that you can still have an allergic reaction to a ‘natural’ product. Natural ingredients can trigger skin reactions in the same way that synthetic ingredients can. If you have sensitive skin, look for products that have full ingredient listings to enable you to identify potential aggressors.
Seaweed has detoxifying proper ties -it stimulates circulation and encourages the elimination of wastes and water.
A SKIN FOR ALL SEASONS
Winter can be torture to your skin, so it’s no surprise that many recurrent skin problems are at their worst at this time of year. Dryness can diminish the epidermis’ ability to provide protection, leading to seasonal eczema, hypersensitivity and rough skin. With a little care, however, you can keep your skin looking its best come rain or shine. During dry weather, the key is more moisture, more often. If you use an oil-free moisturizer, consider upgrading to one that contains small amounts of essential oils for a moisture boost, or switch from your summer moisturizer to a richer cream.
Depending on the humidity levels, you may also want to apply a weekly hydrating mask to help restore suppleness to the skin. Putting a humidifier in your home and office will also help prevent dehydration, which is especially important if you are constantly exposed to air-conditioners and heaters.
INGREDIENT WATCH Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or fruit acids, are derived from natural ingredients such as milk, olives, apples and grapes. They help speed up the exfoliation process by dissolving the glue that bonds the cells. When choosing an AHA, it’s important to consider the form and concentration. Lactic acid (made from fermented milk) and glycolic acid (made from sugar cane), for example, are particularly effective in treating dry skin and dry-skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as decreasing wrinkles. Regarding the concentration: the higher it is, the more effective is the product. However, AHAs should be used with caution. They can cause irritation and do increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. If you use AHAs, you need to use a daily sunscreen with SPF15 or higher.
Antioxidants are part of the body’s natural defence system, derived from vitamins A, ( and E. They protect the skin by attaching themselves to free radicals and neutralizing them. Since your skin is your first line of defence against the outside world it makes sense to arm it with the most potent antioxidants available. Other good antioxidants include grape seed extract, black and green tea extract and Iycopene (extracted from tomatoes, red guava, watermelon and the skin of red grapes). Polyphenols or catechins, which are found in green tea, exhibit powerful antioxidant properties. In fact, they are 20 times stronger than vitamin E.
Did you know ?
Vitamin C applided topically to the skin protects it against free radicals for two to three days. And, since it does not wash off, it delivers extra long-lasting benefits.
Fruit or vegetable pulp can make a wonderful skin treatment. It contains stimulating enzymes that can make the skin look firmer and fresher.
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) work in much the same way as AHAs. The best known of the BHAs is salicylic acid, which is made from willow bark. BHAs appear to be less irritating than AHAs.
Coenzyme 010 occurs naturally in every skin cell and helps convert food into energy. Without (0-Q10 known as the ‘fuel of youth’ -the body’s cells are unable to produce energy. Stress, UV radiation and aging cause a drop in the natural levels of this coenzyme, while increased levels boost cell activity, regeneration and elasticity.
Enzymes like papain (from papaya) and bromelian (from pineapple) are botanically derived and naturally exfoliate and brighten the skin. Enzyme activators are also being designed to suppress the ‘bad’ enzymes -collagenase and elastase -that damage collagen and elastin.
Flavonoids belong to a group of organic plant molecules produced by plants to protect themselves from attack by diseases and insects as well as damage from intense UV light. Green tea is rich in flavonoid antioxidants. They’re also found in onions, apples and citrus fruits. They mop up free radicals, fight off viruses, calm inflammation protect against allergies.
Retinoids is a drive term for vitamin A. Powerful retinoids like retinoic acid are found in prescription-only products like Retin-A and Roaccutane and are used to treat sun damage and acne. Gentler derivatives like retinyl palmitate and retinol can be found in cosmetic creams.
Herb teas are excellent for health and beauty. Green tea, especially, is a superb source of antioxidants.