Natural vs. Organic Products

There is a lot of confusion today about whether natural or organic ingredients in cosmetics are better for us than synthetic ones.

The truth is, both natural and synthetic ingredients can be good or bad for us, and both can work together in modern skin care formulas.

Just because an ingredient is organic or natural doesn't mean it is beneficial to your skin. In fact, many natural ingredients such as citrus, lavender oil, peppermint, or even rose, can be harmful to your skin and cause allergies, irritation, and skin sensitivities. This kind of irritation can break down the collagen in your skin, cause free-radical damage, and clog pores. The very opposite of what we want our skin care products to do!

But many people are allergic to synthetic ingredients in cosmetics too, especially the chemicals used in some sunblocks and the preservatives, such as parabens, used in many cosmetics. A few scientists are concerned that parabens, which mimic estrogen, may be associated with the rise in breast cancer in women, but so far there has been no proven link and the matter is still being investigated.

The best skin care cosmetics use a combination of natural and scientifically formulated ingredients that work better together than separately. The key here is the gentle formulation. By blending the best of the natural and the scientific worlds, these modern formulas bring you the maximum benefits and are safe and non-irritating. Without the addition of certain preservatives, for example, natural cosmetics have a very short shelf life and can quickly become contaminated.

If you are concerned about the ingredients in your cosmetics, it's important to ask where they come from and I can help you with that. The next time you come in, please bring in your skin cream and I'll help you understand the ingredients. And if you want to try any of my skin care product lines, I'll send you away with a sample or two.

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[P.S.   Two of my personal favorite product lines – and many of my clients agree – are Osmosis and CosMedix.

Osmosis contains ingredients that can improve the skin without weakening or inflaming it. The Osmosis Skin Transformation System includes more than 20 cleansers, serums, and moisturizers, as well as powder additives, and a variety of peels and masks.

The CosMedix line is used widely by dermatologists, physicians and aestheticians around the world. Using a combination of nature and science, the products are very concentrated but without the irritation sometimes associated with higher concentrations. CosMedix focuses on natural ingredients, such as plant proteins and lactic acid, formulated with a purification process which works safely and naturally with your skin. There are products for all skin types and conditions including normal, dry, oily, sensitive, acne, rosacea, and pigmentation.]

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