Natural Skincare

Brooke Lark

What do you put on your skin everyday?

If you are a regular user of moisturiser, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, perfume, deodorant and make-up (and let's face it, most of us are), then you could be exposing yourself to a potentially hazardous cocktail of chemicals. The majority of chemicals which go into our 'beauty' products are scarily similar to harsh industrial chemicals. Although individual chemicals can be tested for toxicity, no-one really knows what the effect is of mixing these chemicals together on a regular basis as so many of us do each morning as we shower, do our hair and apply make-up. Although many beauty products claim to be anti-ageing they could actually be doing the exact opposite! Some contain carcinogenic ingredients and substances which could ultimately contribute to wrinkles and bad skin.

Below is a list of the products which you really don't want to see in your beauty products. Also below you will find a list of natural skincare companies, which are fortunately increasing in number as more and more people become conscious of the chemical cocktails found in many conventional products.

What should you avoid when you are shopping for products?

• EDTA, Disodium EDTA and Sorbic acid - these preservatives can accelerate the formation of free radicals which can damage cells and trigger premature ageing.
• DEHP - this is a phthalate - a dangerous group of chemicals found in many perfumes, body sprays and hair mousses. They can be carcinogenic.
• Parabens, e.g. butyl paraben, methyl paraben - preservatives which are widely used in many toiletries. Parabens can damage the DNA of skin cells potentially causing premature ageing. Parabens are also known to have mild oestrogen-mimicking properties, and research implicates parabens as a causative factor in male fertility problems and breast tumours in women.
• Isoproply Alcohol SD-40 -  a solvent found in skincare products which can disrupt the skin's protective barrier, and can lead to irregular pigmentation and age spots.
• Artificial colours, e.g. Blue 1 (E133), Green 3 (E142), D&C Red 33 (E127) and FD&C colour pigments - these colourings are carcinogenic, and contain heavy metals which add to the body's toxic load.
• Formaldehyde - a preservative used in nail hardeners, nail polish, and many cosmetics which is banned in Sweden and Japan. Formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions and can lower immunity. The following may contain formaldehyde, may release formaldehyde or may break down into formaldehyde:  2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, Dazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium 15.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) - a detergent and emulsifier, which may cause drying of the skin due to degreasing effects, and can be irritating.  The drying action interferes with the skin's barrier function, making it easier for other chemicals to enter.  When combined with nitrates, SLS can be carcinogenic.
• Fragrance - many of the chemicals which make synthetic fragrances are known to be carcinogenic and toxic.
• Paraffin - used in cold creams, wax hair removers, eyebrow pencils and many other products.  It's often derived from petroleum or coal.
• Cosmetic grade lanolin - lanolin on its own is safe but cosmetic grade Lanolin can be contaminated with carcinogenic pesticides such as DDT, dieldrin and lindane.
• Cosmetic grade talc - cosmetic talc found in baby powders, face powders, body powders and some contraceptives are carcinogenic.

What Is The alternative? 
There is now a fantastic range of natural and organic products on the market. Here is a selection of some of the best. A number of these companies have great anti-ageing skincare products such as Aveda and Dr Hauschka.

• Arbonne - www.arbonne.com
• Antipodes - www.antipodesnature.com
• Aveda -  www.aveda.com
• Dr Hauschka -  www.drhauschka.co.uk
• Green People -   www.greenpeople.co.uk
• Jurlique -  www.jurlique.com
• Living Nature - www.livingnature.com
• PHB Ethical Beauty - www.phbethicalbeauty.co.uk
• Ren - www.ren.ltd.uk
• RMS Beauty - www.rmsbeauty.com
• Skin & Tonic - Buy from Love Lula
• Trilogy Natural Skincare - www.trilogyproducts.com
• Welled - www.weleda.co.uk
  

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What are you favourite natural products ?

​Emma xx