How Good Are Organic Skin Care Products For You?

In today’s society of reducing our carbon footprint and eating fresher produce, it’s no surprise that organic skin care has taken off in a big way. Organic skin care products contain ingredients which have been grown and processed without synthetic fertilisers, chemicals or pesticides. But contrary to popular belief, not all organic products are created in the same way – the ‘certified organic’ label that you see on the various lotions and creams we buy means that the minimum standards have been met. Different countries have a varied organisations though, with differing rules, so this label could be the closest you get to any form of regulation.

The most important factor is that these products are free from irritants or chemicals which can cause your skin to break out. If you’re seeking organic products, you should aim for creams or moisturisers which are free from parabens, sodium laureth or synthetic chemicals, as these can upset the balance of your skin’s pH. Petroleum-derived ingredients and artificial colours or fragrances are also best avoided. These ingredients cause rashes or spots, which are particularly potent in those with skin allergies. If such an irritation occurs, you should stop using the product immediately.

So where are these ingredients found? Parabens are generally used as preservatives in cosmetics or toiletries but these can easily cause irritation to the skin. Synthetic colourings are used to make cosmetics more visually appealing, and will be labelled as FD&C or D&C on the listings. Likewise, artificial fragrances can cause the skin to discolour. Be sure to read the labels of your cosmetics so that you can avoid these from harming the balance of your skin, and check that the products have the ‘certified organic’ label on them – this way you can be sure that at least the standard requirements have been met.