Not a day goes by without us using some form of synthetically created solution for our daily life’s varied problems and needs, and our skin is subject to many of those.
According to a study, we use an average of 160 chemicals on our skin on any given day. This ranges from a simple handwash to hair products, lotion and makeup, each carefully crafted to enrich our lives with quick fixes, vibrant colours and intoxicating scents.
But is it safe to subject our skin, our body’s largest organ, to so much external and possibly harmful elements?
Here are 4 reasons why we should consider the alternative natural skincare products, to reach similar results, more gently and naturally, with sustainable and long term positive effects.
1. Rich in Nutrients
One of the best ways to highlight the differences between synthetic and natural skincare products is to focus on their ingredients. The ingredient profiles of natural and synthetic products are vastly different.
When you look at the ingredient label on a synthetic product, you’ll see words such as Triclosan, Glyceryl Stearate, Dye #4, and Petrolatum. These ingredients are made in labs, and, while capable of performing their function, can be detrimental to the body.
Natural products, on the other hand, are filled with familiar-sounding ingredients such as jojoba oil, argan oil, apple juice, lemon juice, and so on and so forth. These ingredients are not only not harmful to the body, but they’re actually beneficial. This is due to the fact that they contain vitamins and compounds such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Resveratrol, alpha-hydroxy acid, and more, all of which help the body to function at optimal levels.
2. Gentle on Skin
Chemicals in many synthetic products work against the skin, rather than working with what is already there — as natural products do. This can lead to breakouts, irritations, redness, and allergic reactions. Natural skincare products are gentler and more nourishing to your skin. The rich ingredients are fully capable of delivering the essential nutrients to make the skin blush with a healthy glow, without the harsh and toxin laden synthetic additives.
3. Avoid Toxic Overload
Every day the average woman applies up to 200 chemicals on her skin through cosmetics, perfume, skin care products and hair care products. We are exposed to a vast array of toxins and chemicals every day that build up in our bodies and contribute to our toxic load. Added fragrances are often used to cover up the unpleasant chemical smells, hence making for even more unnecessary chemicals getting absorbed into the skin. Whilst the body has an effective detoxification system, we can easily overload it if we don’t become mindful about reducing our chemical and toxin exposure.
4. Good for the environment
Chemically based products can have a negative impact on our environment. Besides the over mining risks brought about while sourcing some of the material, during manufacture, majority of the chemicals will end up in the air and water and let’s not forget what we wash down the drain during our own personal use. These harmful ingredients will end up in the soil and waterways and can harm microorganisms and sea life.
The skin serves as a protective barrier to our body, but even with this barrier chemicals can still leak into the bloodstream. Harmful chemicals can affect the immune system, nervous system and reproductive system. Some ingredients to avoid include sulfates, parabens, BHA, and synthetic dyes and scents. While it is very difficult in today’s world to avoid all harmful chemicals, it is important to resolve to improve our lifestyle and transition to a more natural way of living, including what we eat or apply on our skin.
