When I worked as the spa doctor in a world-renown spa, I asked estheticians about natural skincare products. They told me that natural skincare products are “okay,” but they don’t work. I was not happy with this answer, so I started digging into the research.
What I discovered, is that natural products do work, if they’re made correctly. We now have the science and technology for natural skincare formulations that are effective at keeping skin free of breakouts, discolorations, inflammation and premature aging.
You don’t have to choose between natural or effective… you can have both! All you have to do is find skincare products that follow these 3 keys —
3 keys for the science of natural beauty:
- Free of hormone disrupting chemicals and other toxins
- Contain key nutrients in their pure and active form
- pH balanced towards mild acidity to promote a healthy skin microbiome
- Free of toxins:
Many popular skincare products contain known hormone-disrupting chemicals. Fragrance, for example, contains a number of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs are a class of chemicals that, in studies, are associated with conditions such as thyroid problems, infertility, early puberty, obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer (such as prostate and breast).
We know our hormones change as we age and this contributes to accelerated fine lines and wrinkles in our 30’s, 40’s and beyond. So, why would we want to throw our hormones out of balance even further with exposure to EDCs?
There are many of concern such as phthalates in fragrance, formaldehyde-releasers, oxybenzone, DEA, and parabens. What you put on your body can penetrate your skin and end up in your bloodstream, so it’s time to take a closer look at ingredient labels.
- Contain key nutrients in their active, pure form
There is more research now on natural ingredients than ever before. We know that ingredients such as green tea extract, CoQ10, and vitamin C have great skin benefits. Many skincare companies are now using some natural ingredients, but if you look closely at the label (if you can even find it!), you’ll probably find many other synthetic ingredients in there. In the end, these are not truly natural, so in addition to these natural ingredients, you’re exposed to the same toxins I mentioned earlier.
In addition, it’s important to know where the raw materials come from and how much is actually in the product? Most skincare products contain such a small amount of the natural ingredients that they’re not actually going to be effective. Manufacturers may use a very weak version of isolated nutrients. This will prevent the products from doing what research shows natural ingredients can do. Unfortunately, this is one of the reasons we’re often hearing, “natural skincare products don’t work.”
We know that kale and other greens are good for our health, but if we’re eating canned greens or only a pinch of greens each day, it’s not the same! Similarly, with skincare ingredients, if you’re not obtaining the right amounts and strengths of the potent natural actives, you’re missing out!
- pH balanced towards mild acidity
Your skin’s exterior has a natural pH level of about 4 to 4.5, which helps your skin stay hydrated and healthy. When you use cleansers and other skincare products that have a higher pH (generally over 5.5), then it can dry out your skin and make it more prone to infections, outbreaks, and premature aging. If a cleanser suds or foams, it is likely too alkaline, so check the label or ask the manufacturer.
Even water has a pH of 7 which is too alkaline for the skin. Whenever water touches your skin, you want to rebalance the pH to a mildly acidic level using high-quality skincare.
Keeping your skin in its ideal pH zone by using mildly acidic skincare products helps protect your skin’s natural microbiome. The skin microbiome is the delicate balance of microorganism that live on the skin. In fact, there are close to 1 trillion bacteria that reside on your epidermis. Sound scary? It shouldn’t because, when balanced, these microorganisms help protect your skin from inflammation, acne, and premature aging. So, I encourage you to check your skincare pH to ensure it’s below 5.5 so your skin microbiome can flourish and help you achieve clear, glowing skin at any age.
Not all natural skincare products are made this way, so it important to look closely and ask questions. I was determined to create skincare products that embrace all three of these, and that is what led me to start my own company and The Spa Dr. skincare line. When your skin is clear and glowing, confidence follows, and that’s when the real natural beauty shines through.
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