Is Organic Natural Skincare Your Choice?

• You should always choose makeup with sunscreen, especially when considering facial skin care
• Many ingredients in organic makeup are good for your skin
• Many organic makeup products double as something else

Having beautiful, healthy skin is important, after all, our skin is one of the first things people notice about us. In previous decades, people would slather on almost any product that promised to make them look younger, healthier, less wrinkled, or more attractive. Today, more people are becoming concerned about the chemicals these products contain, as well as how some are tested. All of this is shaping up, forming a trend towards natural-based skincare products, but is this the right choice for you? The information below can help you decide.

Understanding Important Terms

When you start thinking about natural skincare, you’ll first need to understand the different terms associated with cosmetics. Because of this trend, many skincare companies have added new lines of makeup intended to attract consumers. They are not all created equal, however.

According to the FDA, most of the terms used for cosmetics do not have any official meaning. The FDA has attempted to enforce certain definitions for these terms but most of its efforts have been ruled against by the courts. For example, the term hypoallergenic only means that the products are considered less likely to cause allergies. Natural is intended to mean that the products come from ingredients made from plant or animal products and are not created synthetically. Another popular term is alcohol-free, which only means that certain types of alcohol, primarily ethyl (or grain), are not included. Other alcohols, such as cetyl, can be included in the list of ingredients.

Even the term cruelty-free can be misleading. Almost everything included in these products, according to the FDA, has been tested on animals at some point, even if the cosmetics company in question was not responsible for the testing.

The Benefits of Natural Skincare

Many people choose natural skincare options because they believe these are better for their skin. Unfortunately, as the FDA points out, this has not been scientifically proven. One example illustrated at the government operated site, Teen Consumer, is that many vitamins are being added to cosmetics now. While vitamins taken in through food or as oral supplements can help skin look better and are important for overall health, the skin may not be able to absorb them when applied in cosmetics. Therefore, they may have no benefits whatsoever.

The same site explains that not all natural products are allergy-free either. That means if you want to make the switch because you have sensitive skin, you may not have any better luck. Lanolin, for example, is completely natural but is a common allergen.

Other Ideas for Natural Skincare

A self-taught chemist and creator of a natural healthcare line explains in a Discovery Health article that many of the best examples of natural skincare won’t be found on the shelves of drug or retail stores. Instead, look in your own kitchen. Lemon juice is good for age spots while oatmeal blended with powdered milk can be used in the shower to exfoliate your skin.

If you do choose natural skincare products, always be sure to read the label carefully. Don’t just assume a product labeled “natural” is going to be the right choice for your skincare needs.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.