Q: I always notice the natural skincare products at the health food store but have yet to check them out. What are some tips you can offer when shopping for them?
Dr. Linda Miles, D.O.M., responds:
When you consume healthy, nutritious foods packed with vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients, you not only feel better, you may find that you start to look better too. The same goes for skin care. Feeding your skin formulas rich in vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients can not only leave your skin feeling soft and smooth but looking more vibrant and youthful.
Just as you are concerned with what you put in your mouth, you should be concerned with what you put on your skin. After all, your skin is the largest organ of your body and protects you from bacteria, viruses, injury, the environment, and the list goes on.
To know what to look for when searching for natural skincare products, here are some simple tips to get you started:
Learn about the natural skincare brand. Ask your friends if they know about the company or call the company and ask questions. How long has the company been in existence? What are the company’s ethics? What is their philosophy when it comes to their formulations? Do they list all the ingredients in the product on the ingredient list? Have they won independent awards?
Research natural ingredients. Which natural ingredients are beneficial for your specific skincare concerns? Does the product contain effective levels of the natural ingredients in order to benefit the skin?
Learn ingredient names. Because of International labeling standards, herbs are supposed to be listed by their botanical names. Just because the name is longer and appears foreign does not necessarily mean it is a harmful chemical. For example, Aloe barbadensis is actually aloe Vera and it is a very important skin nutrient that helps soothe and protect skin.
Avoid potentially harmful ingredients. Ingredients such as mineral oil and lanolin can clog pores, and sodium lauryl sulfates can cause irritation. Pay attention to ingredient lists and do your best to avoid harsh ingredients.
With these simple tips, you can start enjoying the nourishing and beautifying benefits of natural skincare products. Just as your body looks and feels great when consuming a nutritious, balanced diet, your skin can look and feel healthy, vibrant and more youthful when feeding it the right natural skincare products.