Purchasing organic cosmetics is not simply
walking the aisles in search of a specific brand; you are also
buying into a philosophy. In the natural marketplace, applying a
topical product to enhance your beauty is not the concept.
Instead, beauty is approached from a deeper approach where your
appearance is improved not only by the makeup you employ, but
the health of your skin (http://skincare.lovetoknow.com)
and body. Ideally, when maintaining a healthy balance in your
body, you will naturally improve your beauty and essentially
create a beauty enhancement without the use of true cosmetics.
Therefore, a minimalist approach to applying cosmetics can be
employed by only using makeup on areas that actually need it.
Organic cosmetics are made of holistic raw
materials that do not cause harm to humans, animals or the
environment. These natural substances contain compounds
identical to those found in our own bodies. Thus, they are more
easily recognized, reducing the negative reactions and producing
a more enhanced cosmetic result. Unfortunately, synthetic
ingredients are cheaper than organic materials and have become
the standard in the cosmetics marketplace.
Our skin is not an impermeable shield, but
instead absorbs most of the products we rub on it. Given this,
the insurgence of natural and healthy cosmetics can help improve
the ultimate health of our whole body. If you do start to add
more organic cosmetics to your beauty routine, whether store
bought or homemade, keep in mind that they dont last as long,
so be sure to watch expiration dates. Absorbing rotten organic
ingredients is certainly not going to be a healthy addition to
your lifestyle!
Ingredients to Avoid
In general, it is important to always check
the ingredients in your cosmetics whether you desire fewer
chemicals or have allergy concerns. Some manufactures, in
response to the demand for more organic products, like to appear
more natural then they really are by adding a few natural
ingredients mixed into a chemical filled product. Of course,
these ingredients are heavily advertised on the front, so
checking the actual ingredients is the only sure way to know
what you are actually placing on your skin.
Some of the most hazardous ingredients have
been the chemical colorants. No doubt most have heard the store
of the red dye that led to the elimination of red M&Ms, but that
story was really the tip of the iceberg in colorant history.
Many of the ones still used in the market today are known to
cause allergies in certain individuals and some are even
potential carcinogens.
Typical Ingredients to Check For
FC&C Color Pigments artificial colors
that are known to cause sensitivity in some people.
Fragrances unless you are buying perfume,
fragrance is not a necessary ingredient in your cosmetics and
can cause reactions in some individuals. Many synthetic
fragrances are filled with a variety of chemicals with unknown
toxicity.
Imidazonlidinyl Urea & DMOM Hydantoin
common preservatives that release formaldehyde a chemical
linked to skin irritations, allergies and migraines.
Mineral Oil a petroleum-derived oil that
creates sensitivity in some and inhibits all skins ability to
breathe.
Propylene Glycol an active ingredient in
antifreeze - in high concentrations it causes kidney, liver
and cell membrane damage.
While these products are non-organic
ingredients that are potentially hazardous, keep in mind that
even some natural ingredients can cause problems. A great
example is talc, a common cosmetic ingredient that is naturally
found within the earth. Unfortunately, it has been linked to
breathing problems and should ideally be avoided. Another
concern is allergies. If you are sensitive to natural products
such as pollen or foods, these same allergic reactions could
occur with cosmetic products that contain these ingredients.
