By: Wenona Napolitano
Each morning and evening, you probably follow a basic skin care routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing. But do you know what ingredients you are putting on your face? Choosing organic skin care products can give you more control over what your body absorbs.
Organic skin care products are those that have been made with organic ingredients, which have been grown and processed without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or chemicals.
Not all organic products are equal, though. Products that claim to be pure or natural or claim to be made with organic ingredients can still include synthetic chemicals, petrochemicals and ingredients grown and processed through conventional methods with the use of pesticides.
Why Use Organic Skin Care Products?
By using more natural, organic products, especially products that come in direct contact with our skin and are taken into our bodies, we reduce our exposure to toxic and synthetic chemicals a little bit. And every little bit counts. Scientists, doctors and researchers believe that the exposure to and buildup of these chemicals is a great cause for concern and may be contributing to the rising rates of cancer, birth defects and other diseases.
The average American adult uses ten personal care products a day. For many women, that number triples if you add up every individual product a woman uses in a day: soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hair gel, hair spray, foundation, powder, mascara, lipstick, eye shadow, blush, perfume, body spray, toothpaste and mouthwash.
Personal care and cosmetic products are not regulated by government programs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires no testing or certification of any beauty products, so companies have more freedom when choosing ingredients, and those ingredients aren't necessarily good for you.
You can reduce your exposure to some chemicals by cleansing, toning and moisturizing with organic skin care products. Plus, by purchasing organic products, you are voting with your pocketbook and letting companies know that you want to know more about what's going on your skin.
Finding Truly Organic Products
Look for products that have been certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). These products have been tested by USDA certification programs, and many have been tested by third-party groups, like the Organic Consumers Association and the Environmental Working Group. Be skeptical when you pick up an item that calls itself "green," "pure" or "natural." A company can use these words without having to prove that they are in fact "green," "pure" or "natural."
Some products labeled organic by the USDA are more organic than others. The USDA has set up different categories of organic products. A product that is made with 95% or more organic ingredients receives a USDA organic symbol, while a product made with more than 70% organic ingredients will say on the label that it is "made with organic ingredients."
Even if the product is certified organic by the USDA, always read the list of ingredients. A good rule of thumb is that, if you don't know what an ingredient is and you are committed to going organic, put the product back on the shelf. Products that claim to be organic may still contain ingredients that could cause a breakout, especially if you suffer from allergies. Always test a product on a small spot on your inner arm before you start slathering a cleanser or moisturizer on your face.
If you are having trouble finding products whose ingredients you completely understand or if you don't want to invest in a pricey organic skin care line, you can make your own organic skin care products by using what you have in your pantry. Not only will making your own treatments reduce your skin's contact with man-made ingredients, but you will also save money on treatments that you'd pay a pretty penny for at a spa. However, you will spend more time on your skin care routine since food products won't last as long as products that contain preservatives.
Put together a grocery list for your skin. Rose water, chamomile or witch hazel work as toners. Essential oils, such as primrose oil, can moisturize your skin. You can also make your own exfoliating scrubs with a salt base or create masks made from two at-home beauty standbys, yogurt and honey.
Ingredients to Avoid
The Green Guide has a "Dirty Dozen" list of ingredients that should be avoided in skincare products. These include antibacterial chemicals (like Triclosan), coal tar dyes, Diethanolamine (DEA), 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde, fragrance, lead, mercury, nanoparticles, parabens and petroleum distillates. You can download the Smart Shoppers Dirty Dozen Card at OrganicConsumers.org and carry it with you while shopping so you know what to avoid. Safecosmetics.org also tracks the latest news regarding chemicals in cosmetics and skin care products.
