A guide to organic skin care
Organic has recently become a buzzword in the world of skincare and more and more scientific research is proving its efficacy. It seems that compared to traditional skincare, organic skincare is better for both the body and the environment, but how? And why, when traditional skincare has also been proved to be effective, should one choose organic over man made?
The skin is the body`s largest organ and so absorbs an incredible amount of toxins. A large proportion of the chemicals put on the skin are absorbed by it and can stay in the body for many years, causing untold damage. The ingredients in organic skincare are not treated with any pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilisers and they are processed in a way which does not harm the environment. Unlike conventional farming, which contributes to water and soil pollution, organic farming enriches the environment because it does not deplete the soil. This means nutrients in the soil are passed into ingredients and from there into the skin. Organic skincare products also often come in packaging that benefits the environment, unlike conventional packaging which can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill.
Traditionally, skincare has been based on petroleum, a by-product of the oil industry. Organic products are based on natural, effective ingredients which work in harmony with the body. This not only leads to more beautiful skin on the outside, but a healthier body inside. The organic ingredients in these products are certified by a number of bodies who ensure that they are safe and truly organic. In the UK the main organisation is the Soil Association and in Europe the two main bodies are BDIH and ECOCERT. Products certified by one or more of these associations are organic and will not contain any harmful toxins, such as preservatives.
Preservatives are very controversial in the world of skincare. Whilst organic skincare does not have as long a shelf life as conventional products, this means that it does not contain potentially harmful preservatives such as parabens and phthalates, which are used in 90% of all conventional beauty products. Studies have found that when parabens are exposed to the skin for a length of time, such as when they are used in moisturisers, they are absorbed into the bloodstream. Traces of parabens have also been found in women with breast cancer. Organic skincare does not use these preservatives, instead it uses natural alternatives such as essential oils, plant alcohol and semi-synthetic preservatives, which have been approved by the Soil Association.
On top of these health benefits, organic skincare is beneficial for the appearance of the skin. It does not contain any artificial dyes or perfumes which can dry the skin and lead to premature aging and the appearance of wrinkles. Because it contains only natural ingredients it is less likely to cause irritation and so it is better suited to sensitive skin or those with conditions such as eczema or rosacea. It is also more suited for pregnant women because there is a lower risk of harmful chemicals being passed onto a growing baby.
The rise in `green` or organic chemistry has seen significant advances in organic skincare and many products are as, if not more, effective as their conventional counterparts, with the added benefit of better health and less potential for irritation. Many women, including those in maternity clothes UK, are switching to organic skincare for a healthier body and beautiful skin. |
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