Are "Natural" Ingredients Best For Your Skin?

Are natural ingredients better for your skin than synthetic ingredients? This is, and has been a very hot topic. Both natural and synthetic beauty products have improved over the years, yet this question is constantly asked. To some, the answer may be very obvious, but before you draw any conclusions, DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. It is very important for you to educate yourself on what ingredients and products you are ok with putting on your body.

What Does The Term "Natural" Mean?

Where do we stand on this controversial topic? We are pro all natural ingredients. There is a big “BUT” though. What does that mean? It means we are pro all natural ingredients BUT that doesn’t mean we feel ALL 'natural' ingredients or products are good for your skin.

Something to keep in mind is that when it comes to natural formulas, there is no such thing as “chemical-free." Water is a chemical, so is oxygen and so are essentials oils. So if you come across any product that claims to be “chemical free,” be weary, there is no such thing. There are certain “chemicals” that are good for your skin, as mentioned above. You do however, want to stay away from harmful chemicals.

Sadly a lot of cosmetic companies sell products with ingredients that aren't natural or, as mentioned previously, contain natural ingredients that are not good for skin. Some claim ingredients to be “natural,” when in fact it has been chemically processed into something different.

There are no regulations in the beauty industry controlling the use of the terms ‘natural’ and ‘organic.’ In fact, there are lots of companies using this terminology to describe their products whose ingredients do not stand up to scrutiny. Does this mean you can’t trust anything claiming to be “natural” or “organic?” Of course not, but you should familiarize yourself with every ingredient and look up what the ingredients are and if there are any negative side effects to using them.

Researching and educating yourself on a bunch of different ingredients may seem like a lot of work, but it is worth it! Your health is no small issue. There are so many skincare products on the market and so many claims being made that it can be quite difficult for the consumer to make sense of it all.

Natural ingredients and products can be highly effective when formulated properly. When choosing a product go with one that has ingredients that you are familiar with and are safe for skin. If you can’t understand an ingredient, then it is probably not something you want to use.

What Does The Term "Synthetic" Mean?

If you had two products, a natural and a synthetic one, and you see and feel the same results, which one would you choose? If you knew that in the long term, the chemical product might cause health problems and increase the probability of developing allergies and side effects? The truth is that we already know that “green” products are better for our bodies and for the planet.

Synthetic ingredients are made trying to imitate the properties of natural ingredients in a cheaper, massive produced way. The formulas are made using chemical copies of natural ingredients. As for how synthetic ingredients are made, they are generally formed in a laboratory and this process varies depending on the compound being made.

We are seeing a rise in skin allergies and atopic dermatitis. Ingredients such as SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), mineral oils and preservatives are suspected to be the leading cause to such problems. SLS is a detergent that strips away the skin’s natural protective oils, leaving it exposed and prone to reaction. It is also very alkaline, so it disrupts the skin’s pH balance and important acid mantle. It’s the main reason people get that feeling of tightness after washing their face.

Of course, there are specific situations that call for chemicals or more invasive treatments to effectively treat a specific skin issue. Your doctor is always the best person to indicate these products and treatments.

Benefits of Natural Ingredients

Most natural products have powerful antioxidants that assist in slowing down the aging process and contribute to a healthier, glowing skin. Natural skin care products are made from non-artificial ingredients like natural oils, plants, extracts, fruit acids, and even from minerals and mud from the Dead Sea.

A lot of natural ingredients are better for sensitive skin and they are safe for the environment. Take sunscreen as an example. There is growing evidence that two of the major ingredients used in sunscreens – oxybenzone and octinoxate – are toxic to coral reefs when washed off in the sea. So even though these sunscreens may easily apply to your skin and smell good, they sadly can harm the environment. Whereas if you were to choose a natural sunscreen, like ours, we make sure that all the ingredients are biodegradable and safe for the environment.

Natural plant and vegetable oils have a natural affinity (a natural liking) with the skin. This is particularly relevant for dry skins where essential fatty acids are depleted. The natural vegetable or plant oil will replenish the skin with those fatty acids, improving the condition of skin at a deeper level. Plus natural plant and vegetable oils incorporate antioxidants, which are of huge benefit to the skin.

We use natural ingredients that are safe and effective. Our ingredient lists are easy to understand, and we take it upon ourselves to write articles, or blogs, that explain the benefits of the natural ingredients we use. That's natural done right!

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