Why Natural Skin Care Products Are Critical For Your Baby



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The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and as such requires special attention. The number and contents of skin care products applied to the skin daily have a large effect on its health and appearance. Many are lulled by the idea that using a specific product will result in younger and smoother looking skin. Unfortunately, ingredients in many skin products include chemicals like phthalates, parabens, alcohol and other harmful substances. These often dry the skin and can be detrimental to overall health in the long run.


What Are Natural / Organic Skin Care Products?

Some skin care products boast the label, “natural,” but the term can be misleading. Natural skin care products refer to those that are made of at least 70% naturally sourced ingredients. However, a natural label on a skin care product does not mean that all of the ingredients are safe for your skin. Examine the list of ingredients in natural skin care products. If it includes ethyl acetate, red #11 or a bunch of intelligible names, the product may not be as natural as advertised. [2]


Why Go Natural With Skin Care Products?

Women apply about 160 chemicals to their bodies on a daily basis compared to men who apply about 85 chemicals.[1] These statistics are staggering and have resulted in consumers looking for skin care products derived from more natural ingredients. Whether a person should use natural skin care products depends on if a particular product was developed without the addition of chemicals or the use of chemicals in the manufacturing process. Always read the label, and research how a product was manufactured.

Healthy Natural Skin Care Ingredients

There are certain ingredients that should be considered for a natural skin care routine.

Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has been used since ancient times to treat inflammation, breakouts and minor blemishes. Compared to acids used to combat acne, tree tea oil had fewer side effects. However, tree tea oil is used best in small amounts and is poisonous if ingested.

Raw honey
Another natural ingredient for natural skin care is raw honey. Raw honey is packed with enzymes, nutrients, skin-boosting acids and vitamins. Applying raw honey on the skin can add moisture and treat breakouts. Raw honey is not the same as the honey purchased at a local grocery store. The former is unpasteurized, unheated and unprocessed, so its nutritional value is 100%.

Avocado
Avocado may be great on toast, but it is also one of the best natural ingredients for skin care. This fruit is packed with vitamins A, D and E which can easily penetrate the skin. It has been found to soothe mild sunburn and reduce the appearance of age spots. Avocado also enhances collagen production.

Argan oil
Argan oil heals and protects the skin as it contains vitamin A, vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids and several antioxidants. This oil is not limited to the skin as it can also be used on the hair.

Shea butter
Shea butter is an ingredient found in many lotions and moisturizers. Be wary that chemical fillers do not dilute the amount of shea butter. Shea butter on its own is a natural skin care product used in Africa for centuries. It is perfect for moisturizing dry skin to avoid redness, flaking or peeling.   
     
Aloe vera
When it comes to natural skin care, add aloe vera as it is both versatile and effective. It is easy to grow, and the gel inside the leaves can be used to treat acne, dark spots, sagging skin, burns and cuts. [3]


Why Natural Ingredients Work Better For Baby Skin Care Products

They are good for your skin
Choosing natural skin care products can result in fewer breakouts, skin irritations and protection from incurring sun damage. Natural ingredients can reduce redness and inflammation.

They are environmentally friendly
Another benefit to using natural skin care ingredients is the fact that they are beneficial to the environment. Unfortunately, many of the chemicals utilized in cosmetic manufacturing harm the environment. This is due to mining and the specific manufacturing process. A lot of effort goes into making skin care products.

They are healthy for the body
It can be years before the effects of massaging chemicals into the skin are seen. However, studies show that certain chemicals found in some skin care products (i.e. parabens, sulfates) can alter mood, the immune system and the reproductive system. This is definitely a cause for concern. [4]

Using natural ingredients can provide a much-needed boost to the skin. However, knowledge is key. The use of natural ingredients is wise, but always pay attention to any chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process or as ingredients in skin care products.

Resources:
[1]   EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database; Exposures add up – Survey results.

[2]   US Food & Drug Administration; Small Businesses & Homemade Cosmetics: Fact Sheet.

[3]   US Food & Drug Administration; Small Businesses & Homemade Cosmetics: Cosmetics Labeling.

[4]   United States Department of Agriculture; National Organic Program.