Go Botanical - Toxin-Free Skin Care
By Julia Thompson
updated 12 months ago
There are many reasons behind the growing popularity of natural and organic skin care products today. As with organic foods, people are becoming more aware of and concerned about the toxins and artificial ingredients we introduce into our bodies on a daily basis, and the same is true of products we use on our skin. Materials absorbed into the skin and bloodstream can accumulate in various organs and lead to chronic health difficulties, so it would benefit us all to begin reading product labels a little more closely in order to make informed decisions about our health and well-being.
Of course, just because a product is called "natural" or based on natural sources such as essential oils doesn't mean they are automatically safe, so some degree of self-education is a good idea. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants that require some expertise in order to use them safely and effectively. Luckily, with the growing amount of information available, and companies integrating these natural materials into their product lines, it is becoming relatively easy to gain an understanding of the benefits and risks associated with a variety of natural skincare offerings.
A nice feature of products containing essential oils is the therapeutic or healing properties of the different oils. With natural scents that can have an impact on mood, incorporating aromatherapy into your skincare regimen may bring you an enhanced sense of well-being that goes beyond skin level. Scents such as lavender and rose are enjoyed for their calming properties as well as a range of skin treatments.
If you decide to deepen your knowledge of essential oils, you can make your own blends, or use different oils for different purposes by mixing them with unscented lotions or aloe vera gel, as well as add them to your bath or shower, scent a room using a diffuser or spritzer. The versatility of oils is an enjoyable element to experiment with to enhance the beauty of both yourself and your home. Once again, it is important to note that most essential oils, if used in their undiluted form, are too concentrated to use directly on the skin, so be sure to do your homework when incorporating these into your routine.
A new/old twist on facial care...
Like any other line of skin care, companies offering natural or botanical products divide them into categories for oily or dry skin types, as well as those designed specifically for anti-aging and suncare protection. Chamomile, avocado oil, aloe vera and calendula are common ingredients in products for dry and sensitive skin. For oily skin, citrus fruits and rosemary may be used for their shine eliminating and clarifying properties, and deliver a burst of energy with their refreshing scents at the same time.
Organic skincare is also available in the full range of products you likely already incorporate into your daily cleansing routine. Scrubs, cleansers, toners and moisturizers, as well as bath products, mists and miscellaneous additional treatments exist to provide complete solutions, whatever your skincare needs. Natural products may be rich with added vitamins for extra benefits to your skin, and are frequently free of soap and alcohol in order to avoid harmful drying effects. Because the companies and individuals who have developed these product lines have done so in the interest of greater health, their philosophies often incorporate a dedication to cruelty-free and environmentally friendly products as part of their overall mission. The reasons to make botanical cosmetics and body care products a part of your lifestyle are not just skin deep!
Adopting a wider philosophy on caring for your skin, and your world...
If the underlying philosophies are of interest to you, you will enjoy browsing the information available online on each company's websites, and gain access to helpful product information at the same time. Numerous independent brands from around the world are accessible due to online shopping, and big business is getting involved by incorporating natural products into more well-known skincare lines as well. Whatever your reason for becoming interested in organic products, whether chemical sensitivities or a desire to protect the earth, your options are rapidly expanding.
To find out more about toxic chemicals and your body, you may visit organizations such as Greenpeace online, where independent research has been conducted on numerous consumer products and detailed information is available on their findings, including safety ratings on popular skincare lines. Another online organization called Environmental Working Group offers a lot of research findings and summaries on the personal care products industry, bringing to light how little we know about the commonly used ingredients in products we use everyday. With so many environmental factors affecting our health, it is worth a little investigation into preventative measures we can take to reduce our chances of harmful chemical contamination.
Making skin care part of the larger picture of health...
An overall strategy of pursuing good health will do wonders for your body, both inside and out. A diet rich in essential nutrients, plenty of water to drink and weekly exercise will show in your face's healthy glow. The body works as a complete system, and improving circulation will have beneficial results on the whole. Similarly, feeling good will play an important role in looking your best, so make it a lifestyle choice to pursue healthy options in what you put in your body, as well as the skincare products you apply to the surface.
Another essential component of daily care is to remain diligent in your use of sun protection. One of the single largest contributing factors to premature aging of the skin is overexposure to the elements, so prevention really is a key to maintaining your skin's youthfulness. Sunscreen should be used daily, and there are numerous natural sun care products to choose from in today's market. Being aware of what you are exposing your skin to on a daily basis will ensure a long-term strategy to avoiding problems later on.
Some people appreciate the ancient wisdom embodied in the botanical recipes and treatments that utilize nature's bounty in helping us look and feel our best. There are many reasons to go natural when it comes to taking care of your skin, although no one course of action will work for everyone. Remember, skincare is a matter of personal preference, skin sensitivity, and lifestyle choices. In some cases botanicals are not appropriate for sensitive skin, or may cause allergies, whereas for others chemical damage is the greater danger. Do some research to discover the approach to personal care that will work best for you and enjoy the benefits of the world of choices available.
About the Author
Julia Thompson is a successful author who enjoys providing helpful tips to consumers when shopping for products and information on natural skin care tips, skin care products, and proactive skin care.
