Why Organic Skincare?
Ever wonder what this ‘organic fad’ is all about, especially when it comes to not just food but also beauty? I am often asked this question along with why I decided to focus exclusively on making organic products and here are my answers, and why it’s not just a fad but the best way to look after your body.
Skin and Health
Put simply, organic products are pure. They are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and no synthetic chemicals are used in the production process. Eating organic food means no potentially harmful pesticides are absorbed into the body. Since a large amount of cosmetic products applied to the skin goes directly into the bloodstream, using organic cosmetics ensures pesticides don’t make it into the body through the skin either. As the largest living organ on your body, your skin has multiple functions and is thus very important for your health. One of its main functions is to protect against harmful substances entering the body. However your skin is not fully protective and is constantly vulnerable to chemicals it comes into contact with.
According to a document entitled Annex II of the European Cosmetics Regulation there are over 1000 chemicals which the EU has banned for use in skincare products. A proportion of these chemicals were unlikely to have ever been considered to be used in skincare products, such as arsenic or lead, but this document alone highlights the damage that chemicals can cause your body, which your skin would be unable to protect you from. The rules and regulations on what companies can put in skincare products are so loose that by choosing organic skin care you are guaranteeing a safer product for your skin.
Safety
The centres for Disease Control and Prevention found that most people have an average of 200+ common synthetic chemicals in their body, with skin absorption being a key way for these chemicals to be absorbed. Synthetic chemicals are linked to serious health problems, breast cancer being one of these. The Breast Cancer Fund highlight on their website the issue of growing exposure to toxins and chemicals which are increasing the risk of cancer. Breast carcinogens are chemicals directly linked with the cause of breast cancer, and these can be found in a range of personal care products, such as the chemicals Tricloasn and Triclocarban. As well as severe problems that chemicals can cause, there are also common chemicals responsible for skin irritation, such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which are used in almost every high street skincare product as a foaming agent (I suggest you check your shampoo now). In addition to eye and scalp irritation, this chemical can strip skin of its natural oils when applied making the skin rough and open to irritation. By choosing to use chemicals on your skin, you are going to be constantly putting yourself at unnecessary risk to harm. Since it appears there is great confusion over which synthetic chemicals could be causing damage, choosing organic, naturally developed products over mainstream chemically endorsed beauty products will always be safer for you and your health.
The Environment
As mentioned, a number of studies have shown the potential harm of pesticides on health as a result of the chemicals being present in the body, and using organic products eliminates this danger. But this benefit extends to the environment too. Organic farming does not pose any risk of soil and underground water contamination like conventional farming which uses tons of artificial fertilizers and pesticides making organic farming more sustainable and safer for wildlife. Biodiversity increases with the lack of chemicals helping the preservation of natural habitats, such as those of bees and other insects.
Richer in Nutrients
And last but not least, organic ingredients are richer in nutrients and antioxidants thus providing maximum health and skin benefits. After all, they are as nature intended them – full of life, aroma, vibrancy and beneficial properties making for a much richer experience when using the end product. An indulgence that one shouldn’t feel guilty for!
Truly organic skincare products are guaranteed to be/have :
- No harmful chemicals
- No synthetic fragrances
- Use ingredients grown without pesticides or artificial fertilisers therefore also benefiting the environment
- Full of nutrients (from the high quality ingredients used)
- Gentle on your skin (making it perfect for people who suffer from sensitive skin)
- Naturally luxurious
I chose not only to switch to but also to create a gluten-free, vegan, all natural, organic, non-GMO skin care because in addition to a healthy diet I believe this is the best way to nourish my skin, fight the signs of ageing, and glow from inside and outside. I’d love to hear in the comments below what your choice is and why? If you are still on the fence, try it for yourself and I know you will become a believer too.
Skinfully yours,
Anna x
Founder
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