As you may know, your skin is the largest organ of your body, and it often takes the most abuse. That’s why it’s always replenishing itself. What you may not realize is that since the skin is so porous, it’s also a gateway of toxins to all the other organs in the body. It can absorb what is directly applied to it through creams, sprays and powders. We may apply these to make us appear more beautiful and youthful, but if we are not careful many of these chemicals can be potential hormone disruptors.
The most obvious rule when using products is to only use natural ingredients. But even if you trust that the ingredients in your skin care regimen are natural, they may have been sprayed with chemicals and pesticides in the process. Environmental toxins absorb into the skin without you even realizing it.
Many products contain hormones produced outside the body that may act like or affect hormones inside the body. They include synthetic, patentable hormones that negatively affect the endocrine system.
Certified Organic products are the best way to guarantee the quality of these products. Organic skin care products work with the body’s ability to heal itself and don’t just cover up issues. You still have to be vigilant though. Products labeled “organic” or “natural” can be full of petrochemicals, and claims such as “hypoallergenic” or “natural” are often vague and misleading.
The Food and Drug Administration does not review most products or ingredients before they go on the market. The cosmetics industry is mostly “self-regulating”. As an example, a simple fragrance in a product can contain any number of the industry’s over 3,000 stock chemicals.
When you buy skin care products, treat it the same as you would when buying food for a healthy diet. Look for unprocessed, whole ingredients, minus the harsh chemicals or anything you wouldn’t eat.
Look for these ingredients when buying your natural cosmetic products.
- Coconut Oil – coconut oil’s skin benefits include strengthening epidermal tissue, removing dead skin cells, sunblock, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties. Coconut oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – This is an inexpensive natural skin care product that kills bacteria, (skin problems caused by gut issues).
- Raw Honey – one of the best natural sources of nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and skin-boosting acids. Reduces breakouts, provides moisturizing, contains antiseptic qualities, encourages wound healing, helps heal burns, fights rashes, and helps to reduce scars.
- Sea Salt – contains minerals and nutrients like magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium. Helps balance, protect and restore the skin.
- Avocado – avocados have vitamins A, D and E that are able to penetrate the skin. It helps soothe sunburned skin, boosts collagen production and treats age spots.
- Lemon Essential Oil – has antibacterial properties used to diminish acne breakouts, age spots and wrinkles.
- Aloe Vera heals sunburns, fights inflammation, redness and itching.
- Almond Oil – has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties and is a great ingredient for essential oils to naturally treat skin rashes, acne or dryness.
- Shea Butter -has excellent moisturizing options for dry skin and is inexpensive yet effective at reducing flaking, redness or peeling.
- Castor Oil- a natural way to clean impurities from skin, especially the facial area.
Others ways to improve your skin include taking probiotics, Omega -3 supplements, drinking plenty of fluids, getting a good night’s rest and eating healthy with lots of leafy greens and avoiding gluten, sugar and dairy.
