Check ingredients in natural products, expert warns
Individuals have been reminded that what they put on their skin can be just as harmful as what they ingest.
Site director of Feelgoodstyle.com Becky Striepe claimed people often overlook the potential side effects of beauty products and tend to concentrate on the importance of eating well to remain healthy.
"While you're obviously not drinking that bottle of hand lotion, some of those chemicals do leach into our bodies through our skin and they can build up over time," the expert warned.
She explained how opting for organic cosmetics can help people to feel confident that they are using a safe product.
However, it was suggested that merely reaching for the nearest moisturiser or cleanser that claims to be made from herbal extracts is not a reliable way of finding a chemical-free product.
Ms Striepe noted that labelling can often be "very confusing", with words such as 'natural' not holding much weight.
As a result, the beauty specialist encouraged consumers to "read the ingredients list to see what you're getting".
For those who are new to organic products and do not feel confident they will be able to determine the best options, Ms Striepe gave some tips on what to avoid.
The expert recommended looking out for fragrances, as these are "pretty common in beauty products" and their presence can mean several things.
Ms Striepe remarked how an ingredient that gives the item an aroma "could be something totally innocuous or a toxic chemical".
The best option is to select shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers and other cosmetics that are scented with herbs and essential oil, it was suggested.
Meanwhile, those that list a fragrance or fragrance oil should be avoided.
Ms Striepe's comments follow green living editor at The Ecologist Ruth Styles' recent remarks that organic cosmetics are kinder on sensitive skin, as they are free from parabens, sulphates and white petrolatum.
Posted by Shannon Davies
More Natural Skin Care News
-
Finding a skincare routine that works
18 May, 2012 Skincare should be about creating and adhering to a routine that works for you. -
Christine Taylor embraces organic beauty products
17 May, 2012 Actress Christine Taylor has opened up about how she prefers to avoid chemicals and instead opt for organic beauty products and cosmetics. -
Scientists warn of 'harmful' sun cream chemicals
16 May, 2012 Scientists have warned of the use of potentially harmful chemical ingredients in sun creams. -
Tackling problem skin
15 May, 2012 Acne affects a large proportion of us and has the power to crush confidence and lower self-esteem. -
Eye area benefits from a rich moisturiser
11 May, 2012 The area around the eye is a notoriously problemsome part of the face and can be prone to puffiness, dark circles and bags, especially as the skin ages.
