Organic Skin Care

A Fresh Look at an Age-Old Science

The use of organic skin care is a rapidly growing trend in today's society. As consumers become more aware of what we are putting "into" our bodies, it's only natural that the awareness of what we use "on" them will follow suit.

The average woman applies hundreds of chemicals to her skin everyday, and most of us are blissfully unaware of the long term dangers of doing so. Many products contain known carcinogens, neurotoxins and hormone disruptors - that's scary stuff when you take into account that the skin is our largest and most permeable organ!

You may have heard of the popular organic skin care ingredients referenced below, but are you familiar with their benefits? Read on for the 101 on how to get the same cosmetic qualities from a natural ingredient, that you do from it's synthetic counterpart.

Exfoliants

Dead skin cells that naturally collect on the skin's surface will cause it to look dull and lifeless after a while. A good organic scrub or exfoliant will work miracles on your tired dermis, giving it a fresh and radiant appearance.

Non-organic exfoliants rely on chemical ingredients to slough away dead skin. You could look to something as simple as your day old coffee grinds for a similar result but if you are not a “do-it-yourselfer” type, try one of these luxurious products recommended below, or click here to shop all organic Exfoliators for Face and body.

Moisturizers

Shea Butter is one of Mother Nature's richest moisturizers, renowned for its skin softening benefits and moisture retaining ability. It is rich in vitamins A and E, and is extremely therapeutic. Shea Butter heals cracked, and damaged skin as well as bruising and soreness, and is also a natural UV protectant!

Other organic moisturizers include Avocado, Hemp and Jojoba Oils which also offer natural anti-aging properties.

Antioxidants

When our body's cells utilize oxygen, they produce by-products known as “free radicals”. Anitoxidants are capable of preventing or slowing the damage caused by these free radicals.

Antioxidants can be consumed in your diet as supplements and applied topically to the skin. Look for ingredients like Vitamin C, Grape Seed Oil, Lemon Oil, Vitamin A, and Green Tea (the most powerful of them all), in your beauty products to help slow the natural aging of your skin.

Anti-Aging

Who among us hasn't explored our options in anti-aging miracle treatments? The trick to timeless skin is as simple as limiting exposure to the sun, eating antioxidant rich foods and drinking plenty of water. All those basics aside, you may access the fountain of youth with ingredients like:

Citric Acid – one of the alpha-hydroxy acids known to reduce wrinkles and brighten skin.
Avocado Oil – contains the benefits of Vitamins A, C, D and E, proteins, beta-carotene, lecithin, fatty acids and potassium (sometimes referred to as the “youth mineral”). It reduces scarring and age spots, and increases collagen in the skin.
Jojoba Oil – creates a protective film over the skin that helps seal in moisture. Its properties are particularly suited to mature skin.

Problem Skin

It is a common notion that harsh chemical astringents are necessary to clear acne or oily skin. Not so! The gentle astringent properties of Bergamont, Lavender and Geranium Oils will work like a charm on blemished skin.

Pink Grapefruit Oil has detoxifying properties and is great for oily skin and acne, and Vitamin A promotes new cell growth while regulating oil secretion.

Tea Tree Oil is a powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic that will speed the healing of acne sores and reduce swelling, all while managing secretion of oil from the skin.

Soothing & Hydrating

Aloe, Chamomile and Green Tea are respected for their soothing properties. Try Aloe Vera to sooth and hydrate a sunburn, and Chamomile to sooth skin irritations like eczema and rashes.