For many years the skin care we used was packed with chemical additives, preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and more. Since that time, we have learned a lot about the skincare that we use – and the harm that those chemicals can do.
Everything that you use on your skin should have a benefit to it.
Here are some of the benefits of switching to natural products like those from Rock Creek Soaps.
Photo by Aurélia Dubois on Unsplash
Gentler
Most chemicals will do some type of damage to the surface that they go on, and our bodies aren’t designed to be touched or process harsh chemicals. Even the synthetic versions of some things will cause a reaction for many who have sensitive skin.
Natural ingredients tend to be gentler on the skin and don’t have a drying effect. To avoid things that might cause this, look for:
- Triclosan
- Propylene glycol
- Sulfates
- Synthetic dyes
- Petrochemicals
Although this isn’t the full list, they are the top contenders for skin issues.
Health
Over the last few years, there have been many news reports of the chemicals in some well-known brands causing cancer and other illnesses in people who had been using them. The lab tests that we have nowadays were available then, and there was no track record of the products causing issues – because the products were so new.
Unless you can understand the ingredients list, it is hard to know what you are putting on your skin and which ones might have a harmful impact.
Keep in mind that when we coat our skin with these chemicals, we absorb them.
Nutrients
If there is one thing that nature provides us with, it is nutrients in many different forms. The easiest way to notice the difference is when you pitch a natural ingredient against the synthetic version. When looking at their breakdown, the natural product will still offer more than the synthetic option – even when one is built to mimic the other.
When you look at natural ingredients, you will be able to recognize them, and in most cases, you will have consumed them in your life – at least seen them growing in a field!
Apple juices, lemon juices, lavender, jasmine, argan oil, and coconut oil. Jojoba and more are often found as the leading ingredient in many natural products.
Each of the items on a natural product label is going to be beneficial to the body in some way.
Animal friendly
With so many marketing terms in use, it can be difficult to separate what is and is not harmful to animals. Just because a company doesn’t test on animals doesn’t mean that their products don’t have animal products in them. And equally, just because a product doesn’t have animal products in it doesn’t mean they don’t test on animals. Cruelty-free can mean many different things, so it is important to check.
Most natural skincare companies are against animal testing, and they will choose to only sell their products in places where animal testing isn’t forced.
Often the owners, workers, the board, and more demand that they are ethical and animal friendly at all times. This is a great thing; if you have a vegan lifestyle or are conscious that you don’t want to use products that have harmed living things, then natural products are a great idea.
Safer
Natural skincare products are far safer than manufactured skincare products. This is due to the fact that the substances in natural goods are far safer than those in manufactured items. When using chemical ingredients and layering different lotions, creams, acids, and more on the skin – you can’t be sure what that impact will be.
With natural products, there are very, very few contraindications that the user should be aware of.
So if you have an in-depth skincare routine that is packed with different products, it might be time to have a look at the list of ingredients and see if there is anything on there that you shouldn’t be using.
Environment
We have talked about the impact of some products on animals, but the environment can also suffer from the usage of chemicals. Synthetic ingredients and harsh chemicals make their way into the sea, and when we dispose of plastic bottles, those can leak into the ground.
There are many issues associated with the manufacturing process of many types of products. Many natural products skip using labor or pollution-intensive methods to create their products. This means they are ultimately more gentle on the environment and have a smaller or no carbon footprint.
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing more cruelty-free options; check out some here: Beauty products I’ve been loving.
Danielle says
I am going to have to try this!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Jeannie says
I love this! My skin doesn’t take most chemicals well. I have very little options on shelves. I love natural skin products.
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