Toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, sunscreen, makeup, shaving cream – as the day progresses we keep piling our skin with products with artificial ingredients without giving it a second thought. Our children use diaper cream, lotion, bath products, hair products etc. Surveys show that on an average, women use 12 products containing 168 ingredients every day; men use 6 products with 85 ingredients (EWG 2004), and children are exposed to an average of 61 ingredients daily (EWG 2007a). All these products have synthetic chemicals used in them to increase their shelf life and aesthetics.
We are seeing an increase in awareness about healthy eating but when it comes to our skincare we still act quite ignorant driving most of our purchase decisions by retail price. Our skin act as a sponge and absorbs everything we put on it where it becomes part of our blood stream and so we should not have to expose our skin to anything that we cannot eat. Every ingredient affects the health of your body and skin. Some side effects can be slow to observe but extremely dangerous over time. Natural skin care has its roots from ancient times. Nature has the best remedies. Our body understands the difference between a natural ingredient and the artificial ones. Once the artificial elements are absorbed by the skin, our defense systems kick in and hence irritation and sensitivity occurs. By choosing natural organic skin care lifestyle we are choosing elements that work best with our complex human body system effortlessly.
When it comes to skin care less is more. The fewer chemicals our body has to work with the better it is. Nature has equipped us with elements which are powerful yet not harmful. Most of these elements are quite accessible in our own pantry. Few examples are honey, milk, oats, egg, yogurt, oils, herbs, coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar, salt, flower, fruit and vegetables. These elements have properties such as, regeneration, anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidants, free radicals, vitamins, minerals, collagen and they help restore skin balance keeping it soft, supple and radiant. Organic skin care products are good for environment as well because organic farming eliminates use of chemicals, artificial fertilizers that have harmful effect on earth and ecosystem. Besides, beauty is more than skin deep. What we put in the body is as important as what we put on it. We can eat our way to healthy, glowing skin and shiny hair. Wholesome food can nourish our body inside out. It can arm us with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega 3 and hydrate from within.
We need to learn how to read labels and know what exactly is coming into your home thru your skin care products. Say no to manmade fragrances, parabens and ingredients we cannot pronounce. By being more aware about the impurities and harmfulness of chemicals we can have a new skin all over again.
We can do this together. I will research about ingredients found in todays skin care products, what food is good our skin & health, homemade skin care recipes, some yummy foods recipes, other fun stuffs and share it with you. Looking forward to be a part of your life.
