One thing you do need to be careful about is the verbiage you see on products, like skincare.
Is it really natural?
Skincare is scientifically formulated to be safe and effective. While slathering avocado on your face may be completely safe, it isn’t effective despite avocado having a lot of really great stuff in it! In order to get all that great stuff out of that avocado and use it effectively, you need to apply it at concentrations well above what you could obtain directly from a fresh avocado, and to be fair, your skin can’t absorb avocado mash into it. Despite many skincare products not being labelled as “natural” they essentially contain ingredients that are either derived in some way from plants or fruits or are lab synthesized versions of it (which in many cases are more effective and safer than the natural versions).
Many companies throw the word “natural” on the labels of their skincare products, and it is usually misleading. The use of words like “natural” and “clean” aren’t well-regulated within the skincare industry, so companies can use them pretty shamelessly without meeting a standard.
Organic is on Trend
Organic is a very well-regulated term that companies have to earn. Generally, it means that there are no pesticides or things of that nature used on any of the ingredients in their product, or on anything that they use to derive their product. For example, if a product has honey or something derived from honey, the honey they use would have to be certified organic for the product to be considered organic. Government regulatory bodies approve and certify organics, but there are different levels, so some are “more organic” than others.
On the other, organic doesn’t always mean better. Organic does not mean something is farmed or harvested sustainably or in a cruelty-free way. Do your own research before determining where to spend your hard-earned dollars.
Pump the breaks!
Rather than relying on product labels that claim to be all-natural, clean or organic – read the ingredients lists. Many people with sensitive skin really cannot and should not be using products that have a lot of plant-based ingredients. What do we mean? Some essential oils and other plant extracts can be irritating for those with sensitive or acne prone skin. Citrus fruit additives can be drying and abrasive for many, not to mention exfoliating products that use things like crushed walnut shell.
Many lab-created or synthesized ingredients begin with plant-derived materials, but through science all of the irritating or harmful aspects are removed, allowing the really good stuff to remain, which is what we want!
Rather than getting carried away on the natural, organic, skincare train, investigate your products. Look for ones that complement your skin type and address your needs the best. Look for important stamps of approval from government bodies. Consider focusing on products that are vegan, cruelty-free, or created using sustainable practices. Great skincare can be good for you and eco-conscious too!
This story was made possible by our Community Partners Program. Thank you Didsbury Dental for helping to expand local news coverage in Alberta. Learn more.
