Many people simplify healthy living to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise. But what about the impact of the products we use on our bodies each day? It’s easy to forget that our skin is the largest organ in our body and will absorb anything that’s put on it. That’s important because the average woman uses 10 different skincare products each day and many of the ingredients are not safe for long term use.
That’s why you should opt instead for all natural and organic skincare products. They provide the same benefits you enjoy from the popular skincare brands you enjoy without any harmful chemicals. On top of this, natural and organic skincare products are found to deliver more benefits since the nutrients they deliver are better absorbed and they have also been proven to be richer in antioxidants. What’s not to love?
But before delving into the core benefits of organic skincare products, let’s first address concerns about whether organic skincare products are actually as effective as conventional ones.
Are Organic Skincare Products As Effective As Conventional Skincare Products?
Some people believe that organic skincare products are simply not “powerful” enough. Somehow we have been taught to believe that only harsh chemicals can achieve results, but this simply isn’t true. Take retinol for example. Retinol is a synthetic chemical compound commonly found in skin care products which dermatologists and brands have hyped as an important ingredient for reducing wrinkles. But we don’t need retinol to reduce fine lines and repair skin.
Over the past 10 years scientists have made breakthroughs and learned how to harness the power of nature. There are now several natural forms of ‘retinol’ such as bakuchiol, derived from bakuchi plant seeds which has been proven to reduce wrinkles and repair skin without any harsh side effects commonly associated with retinol. While the bakuchi plant has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries, it’s only been studied in modern labs as a natural replacement for retinol over the last five years.
Other discoveries have made their way into the organic and natural or ‘clean’ skincare industry over past few years. We’ve not only seen French giants like L’Oreal invest heavily into organic and natural skincare but also launch or acquire new brands. Other brands that have been around for years have invested more into research in order to improve the effectiveness of their products and results are starting to show. Burt’s Bees sponsored a study on the efficacy of natural products on sensitive skin to prove that natural (and organic) products are just as effective. While the media and marketing efforts still haven’t helped to raise awareness for effectiveness of natural and organic products, the proof in the pudding is all in the research findings. In other words, natural and organic skincare products are indeed as effective as conventional products, in some cases they are even MORE effective (such as more antioxidants) but without the harsh chemicals.
So What Are the Benefits of Organic Skincare Products?
1. No Harmful Chemicals
The average woman will come into contact with more than 500 chemicals daily thanks to all the synthetically made products which often contain over 20 ingredients. Yikes! Organic skincare products however typically contain less ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals because they only use all natural, clean and organic ingredients. While some people have argued that there are naturally occurring toxins found in certain plants, these are easily removed in the extraction process so there is nothing to worry about.
On the other hand, conventional skin care brands knowingly manufacture synthetic ingredients in laboratories and add all kinds of artificial colors, fragrances, silicones, phthalates, and PEGs in order to give their products the look and feel of a quality product. True, many of synthetic products are good at hydrating and making your skin look younger however this comes at a significant cost because they are loaded with harmful chemicals.
They tend to include compounds such as volatile acids, petroleum, and coal tar. And since our bodies don’t recognize synthetic ingredients these are treated as toxins and so expelled from our bodies. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at removing these toxins and so they can build up in various organs over time. Another problem is that some chemicals are not recognized as harmful by our bodies and so not expelled. This is why parabens are so dangerous.
Parabens seal the skin completely causing irritation and blocking oxygen from reaching cells. They have been described by Elle Magazine as skincare’s ‘biggest bad guy’ because they have been found to cause breast cancer and are present in almost 99% of non-organic skincare products! Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as avoiding products labeled without parabens because even ‘paraben-free’ labeled products could still contain them. That’s why buying organic is the best way to avoid them.
2. Higher Levels Of Antioxidants
Numerous studies have shown that the levels of antioxidants found in organic plants are superior to that of conventionally grown plants. And after decades of research, the top organic brands have managed to find ways to carefully extract essential oils and nutrients so that they preserve and deliver antioxidants into your skin.
Antioxidants are essential to healthy skin because they help fight oxidative stress that cause issues such as low collagen production. This is particularly important for anyone with mature skin since collagen is essential to maintaining firm and elastic skin. Antioxidants also reduce inflammation and damage caused by sun exposure, and have been found to have anti-carcinogenic properties.
Vitamin C is one of the most researched antioxidants found in skin care products since it boosts collagen production and repairs damaged skin. The sad reality is that while many skin care products contain vitamin C, they use an artificial derivative which doesn’t provide the same level of antioxidants compared to organically derived, natural vitamin C. Some research even suggests that synthetic vitamin C might even increase levels of oxidation.
3. Clean, Green, and Better for the Environment
Organic beauty products such as Organic Eye Cream are better for the environment because they are made from plants which were grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. This helps ensure the soil remains healthy and nutrient rich. Meanwhile conventionally grown plants strip the soil of nutrients thereby creating a vicious cycle of requiring more artificial fertilizer with each yield. To make matters worse, the fertilizers and pesticides used in conventional farming often seep into local community water sources and the majority of these communities don’t have the resources to remove these impurities from their water.
On top of this, think about the end user (you!). Every time we take a shower these chemicals wash away in the shower and end up in water systems, eventually the soil. And many of the chemicals that are found in these products are not biodegradable. Amarjit Sahota, President of Organic Monitor, noted that commonly found skincare product chemicals can even impact our oceans. For instance, chemicals like BHA and BHT have been found to poison marine life.
Can organic skincare products help with specific skin concerns like acne, wrinkles, or hyperpigmentation?
Organic skincare products can effectively address various skin concerns, including acne, wrinkles, and more, due to their rich, natural, and chemical-free ingredients. Here’s a closer look at how organic skincare can help with these specific concerns:
Acne: Organic skincare products containing ingredients like tea tree oil, witch hazel, or aloe vera soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and control excess oil production that contributes to acne. These natural ingredients possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them suitable for acne-prone skin. Additionally, organic products tend to be gentler on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation that may exacerbate acne.
Wrinkles: Organic skincare products with ingredients such as rosehip oil, pomegranate seed oil, and green tea extract help combat wrinkles and other signs of aging. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that promote collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and protect against environmental damage. Incorporating organic serums, moisturizers, and facial oils containing these potent ingredients can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Hyperpigmentation: Organic ingredients like licorice root extract, vitamin C from natural sources like kakadu plum, and niacinamide help address hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production and promoting an even skin tone. Products containing these ingredients can brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and improve overall complexion.
Sensitive skin and eczema: Organic skincare products are generally gentler on the skin, making them suitable for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Ingredients such as calendula, chamomile, and oat extracts help soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s barrier function, providing relief from eczema symptoms and improving overall skin health.
Rosacea: Organic skincare products containing anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea extract, colloidal oatmeal, or aloe vera help soothe and calm red, inflamed skin associated with rosacea. These products can reduce the appearance of redness, alleviate discomfort, and support the skin’s natural healing process.
How do I know if an organic skincare product is truly organic?
To determine if a skincare product is genuinely organic, look for certification labels from reputable organizations such as the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), ECOCERT, or COSMOS. These certifications ensure that the product meets strict standards for organic ingredients and environmentally friendly production practices. Additionally, read the ingredient list to verify that it contains predominantly organic, natural, and chemical-free components.
What are the most reputable organic skincare brands, and where can I buy their products?
Some reputable organic skincare brands include:
- Tata Harper: Offers a range of high-quality, luxurious organic skincare products.
- Burt’s Bees: Known for their affordable and natural skincare products.
- Juice Beauty: Offers a wide range of organic skincare and makeup products.
- Dr. Hauschka: This brand offers organic and biodynamic skincare products with a holistic approach.
Where Can You Buy?
You can search organic skincare right here on the Organic Shortlist!
From Organic Moisturizer to Organic Eye Cream to Organic Makeup Remover, we’ve shortlisted the best natural and organic products that are affordable and readily available. Start searching and enjoy the benefits of organic skincare today!
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