Understanding The Organic Difference In Skin Care

The Stigma (And The Truth) About Going Green

Unfortunately, many people are scared to take the plunge and try something a little different when it comes to their skincare routine because of the stigma surrounding the green approach. The reality of the situation, as noted by experts on Total Beauty, a site devoted to promoting expert advice on skincare products and services, is that going green is not just about the environment taking care of sensitive or unique skin is also a major factor.

By cutting out the additives from your beauty process, you can protect skin that would otherwise react negatively to harsh chemicals and synthetics. Even if eco-activism isn't at the top of your list of priorities, making this kind of lifestyle change can create an outflow of positive changes in your skin's health that not only keeps you looking your best, but promotes a healthier dermatological outlook.

Revealing The Real Issue

So what makes regular skincare products potential hazards to your skin? According to the organic consumers association, an organization focused on upholding the integrity of the organic industry, the major issue lies in the lack of government regulation. Essentially, anything that you put on your nails, skin, and hair could contain a variety of harmful ingredients that can cause lasting damage. Until the government clamps down on regulation, specifically the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), skincare products will remain a veritable wild west in regards to what goes into the container and onto your body.

Harmful Ingredients

The ingredients found in modern skin care products today are a veritable list of toxic chemicals including mercury, nitrosamines, cyclomethicone, isopropyl, dioxane, and ammonium laureth sulfate (About). What is truly disconcerting is that these chemicals not only affect your skin, but can also make their way into the internal workings of your body, like your bloodstream, and cause lasting damage. When faced with this proposition, it is easy to see that a change is most definitely in order for the good of your long-term health.

A Different Path

Many experts recommend replacing products containing irritants with new ones that contain natural versions of the chemicals. Ingredients including green tea extract, aloe, and citric acid extract provide a natural analog to several inorganic chemicals (Mayo Clinic.) By replacing harmful additives you can rest easy knowing that your skin's protection comes from healthy sources. Because everyone's skin is different, finding the right product might require a little testing and sampling. Nevertheless, the lasting difference in your skin and the benefits to bodily health is well worth the time and effort.

Potential Pitfalls

Unfortunately, the organic industry may lead many into a false sense of security. Certain ingredients - like emollients, emulsifiers, surfactants, humectants, and preservatives - still pop up in various products despite images of leaves, and branches on the package. While these names might seem confusing, it is definitely a priority to learn more about them so that you can make a smart decision. Thankfully, you don't need a chemistry degree to get the bottom of this issue. The key point is that when these names pop up on the ingredient list, make sure that they are organic or pure variants. An "organic" skincare product that uses synthetic chemicals defeats the purpose of making the switch to natural selections.

Protecting Yourself

Now that you are on your way to becoming an expert on the subject, moving forward requires a keen eye and the ability to make smart decisions. When shopping around for organic or natural skincare products flip the bottle over and check out the ingredients. In addition, rely on recommendations made by board certified physicians to provide expert information based on research and experience. Dr. Zena Gabrial, a well-respected board certified physician, often recommends natural remedies such as coffee containing creams, antioxidant washes, and other natural products to her followers (Ulmer Dermatology.) Go ahead, take your newfound knowledge and put it to good use. Purchase products that have all natural, non-synthetic ingredients and change the way you care for your skin and your body. 

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Sonya Anderson writes a fitness blog and shares with the world her thoughts on health and fitness. Follower her on Twitter!

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.