In a society where the word ‘natural’ sells, you have no doubt seen store shelves lined with so-called natural products. Shampoos, lotions, and other topical crèmes are being marketed as natural. But how do you know if the product you are using truly is pure and natural?
If you desire truly natural products, you will need to seek them out. It begins with learning to read and understand labels. In the United States, correct labeling of cosmetics is enforced by the FDA. Manufacturers and sellers of cosmetics are required to list ingredients on the label of their products in the order of their concentration, commonly referred to as the FD&C Act. (This act does not apply to soaps, candles, air fresheners, or cleaning products, which do not have to list any ingredients!)
These labels will tell you what is in the products. It will not tell you which ingredients are truly natural. There is currently no law that requires any part of a product to actually be truly natural in order to be labeled as such. Do not feel duped. Millions of American consumers fall victim to this practice daily.
You want the healthiest and highest quality products you can find for both you and your family. So, what is it you should look for specifically?
First, avoid, AT ALL COSTS, products containing anything related to petroleum (petrochemicals). Petroleum distillates are common in the skin care industry and go by the names of propylene glycol, petrolatum, petroleum jelly, and mineral oil.
Ironically, petroleum by-products do the very thing they claim to combat. Over time, they actually dry out the skin by stripping away natural moisture. Petroleum products immediately clog our skins pores, not allowing our skin to breathe. (Think of this as wrapping your body in a layer of plastic wrap!) Many companies will use petroleum based products as ingredients because the cost is unbelievably cheap. Still worse, most of these products are marketed to mothers with infants (i.e.mineral oil-baby oil).
Another ingredient to avoid is “Sulfates”. These can be in the form of sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate. They are used in care products primarily for their lather and bubble producing properties. They have absolutely no benefit as an ingredient for your skin. Virtually all shampoos, liquid soaps, and body washes on the market today contain this ingredient in one form or another. When this ingredient is used for bubble baths, the FDA requires warning labels on the product. Don’t be fooled. There is no natural or naturally derived sulfate.
Artificial preservatives, which include Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl Urea, Parabens, Formaldehyde, Phenoxyethanol, DMDM Hydratoin, and Quaternium-15 show up on ingredient labels and are used primarily as chemical preservatives. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these ingredients have been shown to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions.
Now, take a second and gather your thoughts. This seems like alot of information to digest, doesn't it? Most companies do not want you discovering what these ingredients actually do. Ignorance is their ally. What can you do? Become informed and use truly natural products for your skin!
Not only does using natural products benefit your skin, they benefit the environment as well. Look for products labeled: cruelty free, no animal testing, vegan friendly, and recyclable.
You do not have to be a chemist to know how to spot suspect ingredients.
By reading labels carefully, you can become an educated consumer. As well as avoiding the above mentioned ingredients, do look for the following ingredients which are GOOD for your skin.
•Shea Butter- This natural plant lipid contains a high concentration of non-saponifiable fatty acids, which help our skin retain elasticity and moisture. It forms a breathable barrier on our skin, and is a gentle alternative to petroleum-based products.
•Jojoba- Pronounced ho-ho-ba, the composition of this ingredient is liquid wax esters, which parallel our skins own oils produced by our sebaceous glands, which makes this natural ingredient readily absorbed and utilized by our skin. Pure jojoba also contains a good amount of natural Tocopherols (Vitamin E).
•De-ionized Water- purified water using ultraviolet (UV) light to remove ions, and will remove not only the solids, but will destruct bacteria, mold spores, protozoa, viruses, and yeast! UV light is the safest way for total purification. Unlike other water purification systems, DI water does not have additives added to the water. The most efficient, effective, and environmentally-friendly process.
•Vegetable Glycerin- In a concentration that is beneficial to the skin. This product has gotten a ‘bad rap’ as being drying, but if the product made has the proper concentration it is very beneficial at keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized.
•Natural preservatives – this includes the following: potassium sorbate, vitamins E, C, and A, grapefruit seed extract, neem oil, and rosemary oil extract. Essential oils and other herbal extracts also are used as a preserving agent in products.
•Essential Oils- Aromatherapy using pure essential oils can be misleading; it does not work solely through the sense of smell. Each essential oil has an individual combination that will interact with the body’s chemistry, which affects certain organs or systems as a whole. Be aware of oils that are in the product, and what the benefits of using that oil are. The label should list the item as an essential oil, not a fragrance.
Why is it important to use skin care that is good for you? Skin is body’s largest organ and we are only given this protective layer once. It is up to us to keep it healthy and glowing. Beautiful skin is a reflection of following a natural approach to better health. Keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized not only keeps it looking and feeling younger, it is healthier for your mind and spirit, as well as your body.
A healthy body begins with a healthy mind. Educate yourself about the benefits of truly natural care products for you and your family. For additional information, visit www.daisybluenaturals.com. The skin you save may just be your own!
This is one passionate man! Michael captures the passion he has for natural skin care and uses it to train more than 1,000 independent skin care consultants around the country. As National Director of Words & Numbers for Daisy Blue Naturals, Michael has found his home away from home. When not in the field, he's on the field (soccer, baseball, football) as a proud parent of four healthy sons. You should see their skin!