While people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of a healthier lifestyle, nutrition is at the forefront. However, many still don't realize how important the quality of the products we apply to our skin is.
The skin is our largest organ, and it "remembers" how we've treated it over time. What's less well known is that this largest organ absorbs up to 60-70% of what we put into it . Studies have shown that most of what we put on our skin actually enters our bloodstream. These chemicals, whose names we can't even pronounce, appear in our blood, and their toxins flow through our bodies.
Another study showed that most children and adults have nearly 100 substances, chemicals, and toxic compounds from household detergents, cosmetics, and toiletries in their bodies. Many of them can even cause serious illnesses or permanently damage our immune systems.
The figures presented are not meant to scare you, but rather to make you ask yourself what you are actually using, what you really need and what the composition of the cosmetics you use is.
Here are the reasons why natural cosmetics are always the better choice:
1. It contains no harmful substances!
Synthetically derived substances are taboo in natural cosmetics . This also applies to all preservatives contained in conventional cosmetics for antibacterial effects. However, these can pose a significant risk to people suffering from respiratory problems, allergic reactions, or other serious illnesses. Paraffins and silicones are not used in the production of natural cosmetics because they are known to clog pores, slow skin cell regeneration, and lead to dehydration. Furthermore, they contain no nutrients. Mineral oils, such as those derived from industrial waste, can be contaminated and are therefore unhealthy simply because they are certainly not entirely natural.
Baths and scrubs in natural cosmetics do not contain microplastic nanoparticles, but only natural particles. They prevent damage to the skin and provide space for bacterial growth.
2. Animal and nature conservation
The concept of natural cosmetics is a return to nature and the past, when modern laboratories and chemicals did not exist, and people used only nature's gifts to preserve beauty. The ingredients of organic cosmetics are ecologically produced, without artificial substances that are harmful to plants and the environment. Furthermore, natural cosmetics usually come in environmentally friendly packaging. The use of natural cosmetics has another special benefit: the protection of animals, as natural cosmetics manufacturers do not conduct animal testing. The pollution of water and underwater fauna caused by the use of regular skincare products such as scrubs is also not sufficiently addressed and needs to be brought to the attention of consumers.
One of the many research studies confirms that the total number of microplastics in a common cosmetic product can be very high. For example, it is estimated that between 4,600 and 94,500 microbeads can be released with each application of a skin scrub. Although cosmetic microplastics are by no means the most important source, they still account for up to 4.1% of the microplastics that enter the marine environment worldwide each year—between 10,900 and 38,300 tons.
Plastic microbeads are therefore a very significant source of pollution. But they can be avoided thanks to natural alternatives such as brown sugar, sea salt, etc. Many countries, starting with the USA, have banned the production and use of products containing microplastics. The law on certified natural cosmetics is very strict, and such ingredients are prohibited. If you are vegan, you need to pay special attention to the ingredients in your favorite cosmetics, as some ingredients are of animal origin. A good example is emu oil, which is obtained by drying the skin of emu birds, as it is rich in natural fats.
3. Natural cosmetics care
Natural cosmetics are nothing new on the market; in fact, they represent humanity's oldest skincare concept. The ancient Egyptians and Romans used olive and almond oil, honey, and chamomile for hair and facial care. These are just a few of the most common herbs and oils used in skin care. Natural cosmetics also do not contain harsh detergents or sulfates. Sulfates create a lather that binds and removes impurities, but also removes natural skin oils. Regular use of sulfates can dry and irritate the skin.
4. Natural fragrances
Perfumes contain a structure that can irritate the skin. Natural cosmetics do not contain synthetic fragrances, but rather essential oils, which are more tolerable for human skin. Natural cosmetics are particularly beneficial for people with asthma or other respiratory problems. Such care products do not contain synthetic fragrances that irritate mucous membranes. Fragrances in natural cosmetics are derived from the oil and flower extracts of certain plants, so they do not have any negative effects as chemical compounds.
5. It provides protection
Simply using natural cosmetics protects you as a consumer. Women are highly exposed to synthetic ingredients because we're the ones who use more cosmetic products during the day. Deodorant belongs in every woman's bag, but by choosing natural cosmetics, you protect your breasts and glands from harmful aluminum.
Natural cosmetics are also free of synthetic dyes and preservatives. Parabens are endocrine disruptors that can mimic estrogen in the body. Studies show that parabens interfere with the mechanisms of normal breast cells and cause abnormal growth, which studies have shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. Parabens are prohibited in organic cosmetics. Natural cosmetics offer invaluable protection for pregnant women and mothers who share everything with their babies. Think about it.
6. The healing power of natural substances
Natural ingredients have been traditionally used for centuries and have been used in topical creams, lotions, and preparations in traditional medicines and healing traditions across many cultures. Over the past 20 years, clinical and laboratory studies have also recognized the benefits of natural skin care ingredients.
Accordingly, a number of these ingredients and compounds are now being developed, used, or considered not only for anti-aging effects, but also for use in dermatological conditions. For example, certain ingredients have been found to be useful in the treatment of psoriasis, i.e., atopic dermatitis, due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
And with the advancement of science, some studies have already shown that the probiotic bacterium Bacillus subtilis has a beneficial effect on inflamed areas, nourishing, hydrating, and "rejuvenating" the skin by eliminating "bad" bacteria and unclogging pores. Then there are ingredients like green tea , niacinamide, and pumpkin that are considered effective in combating acne and rosacea . Licorice, green tea, arbutin, soy, acai berries, turmeric, and rosehip are known for their anti-hyperpigmentation and antioxidant properties. Some studies on the intestinal microbiota have shown that the use of probiotic bacteria is excellent for fighting infections and restoring a healthy epidermis. The cosmetics of tomorrow promise revolutionary discoveries! Skincare of the future will no longer be formulated according to skin type, but rather according to the nature of the microbiota. In the cosmetics world, there is increasing talk of natural and organic cosmetics. However, the information on the two concepts and especially on their advantages and disadvantages is not satisfactory.
Disadvantages attributed to natural cosmetic products are the following:
- The shorter shelf life: Without the many preservatives, they are particularly healthy. However, you should always pay attention to the expiration date.
- Price: We often hear that natural cosmetics are very expensive. This isn't the case at all when you consider that you can make natural hair masks or deodorants at home with just a few ingredients.
- Like other cosmetics, natural cosmetics can cause allergic reactions and irritations. For example, a cream may be organic and made from almonds, but if it causes an allergic reaction or skin irritation, there's no point in using it.
- Fruit acids, which are often part of peels, can be aggressive to the skin and cause irritation if exposed to the sun immediately after use.
- Getting used to natural skincare after using conventional cosmetics can be a long process. It may take weeks or even months to see results, but your patience will definitely pay off.
And a few more tips at the end…
• If you don't notice any results or side effects from the products, change them. • Instead of being seduced by the packaging, research how many ingredients are in the products you want to buy. If you choose natural cosmetics, make sure the ingredients are really natural and what percentage of each ingredient is in the product. • If you want to use organic cosmetics, check that they have a valid certificate and, if important to you, that they have not been tested on animals. • The secret to beautiful skin lies in the effectiveness, safety and sustainability of the raw materials.
With all this in mind, don't forget to ask yourself how many cosmetic products on the shelves you really need? Ultimately, our recommendation is creams full of good bacteria, not preservatives that indiscriminately eliminate them! The simpler the ingredient list of the products you use, the better. But ultimately, the decision is yours...
Source:
https://www.longdom.org/open-access/toxicity-and-genotoxicity-of-beauty-products-on-human-skin-cells-in-vitro.pdf https://tn.boell.org/sites/default/files/2020-02/Etude%20Microplastique%20LR%2028%20Octobre%202019_Rachel.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4858398/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20626172/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31188689/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6502191/
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