I love to browse the cosmetic sections in department stores. Just for a few moments I allow myself to be seduced by the promises of everlasting youth and firm dewy skin the products promote. I know for a fact that not one of them, not even the ones that sell for over $100.00 are going to make an ounce of difference to my skin long term.
Yes, they will look very pretty on my bathroom shelf! But if younger, healthy skin is my aim, I’d do better to head to the health food store. Here’s 5 reasons why…
Most commercially produced products are based on mineral oil; a by-product of petroleum. Mineral oil, also called paraffin oil, is a fairly harmless substance in itself. However it has a molecular structure that is too large to penetrate the pores of the skin. So it might prevent skin from drying out, as it blocks the escape of moisture, but that’s all it will ever do.
Mineral oil used in skin-care is usually ‘cosmetic’ grade, however there has been instances where hydrocarbons have been found in some cosmetics made with this oil. Fat samples have been taken from women that have shown contamination with hydrocarbons, most likely from the use of cosmetics. These things build up over time in fat cells, and could be part of the reason why some women find it hard to lose weight.
Why buy cosmetics made from mineral oil when they provide absolutely no benefit to your skin?
Commercial skin-care contains chemicals. We are always re-assured that the chemicals in our cosmetics are ‘safe’. That’s there are ‘only small amounts’ in each product, which are ‘insignificant’, and will not cause us harm. Who tells us this? Why those with a vested interest in selling commercial cosmetics of course!
The problem is, these chemicals are cumulative, and while some of them may be just irritating to the skin, other are are definitely dangerous. Lead, cadmium, manganese, and aluminum are examples of some metals found in make-up. These can be absorbed by the pores of the skin, and, in the case of lipstick, swallowed. If you use a skin whitening product, expect a heavy dose of mercury.
These metals are dangerous, because they occupy cell receptors in the body that are used by vital mineral, such as calcium and magnesium; effectively driving out these minerals. Heavy metal poisoning, together with lack of vital minerals, will weaken the immune system, leaving us at the mercy of diseases such as cancer. It’s just not worth the risk. We can’t do anything about toxins in the atmosphere, but we do have control over what we put on our skin.
Your money is going on the marketing and packaging. It’s not so much the fancy ingredients you’re paying for. In the case of expensive, brand-name, cosmetics, you’re paying for the TV and magazine ads as well. Add to that, the fancy jars and glossy cardboard packaging, and that’s a fair percentage of your hard earned dollars spent, even before you open the box.
Natural skin-care simply works better. Because it’s based on natural oils like coconut, or jojoba, any healing ingredients can penetrate further into the skin layers, where they can do the most good. I find coconut based products absorb particularly well, as do those based on jojoba oil. Olive oil tend to sit more on the skin’s surface, although it does contain anti-oxidants, and is good for sunburn. Make sure any oil blends you buy aren’t mixed with inferior carrier oils, such as vegetable oil.
Last but certainly not least, natural skin creams are not tested on animals. Even if they were, it would do no harm. A wise person once said, ‘If you can’t eat it, you shouldn’t put it on your face.’
Buy your natural cosmetics online or at the health store, and always check the labels. Not everything labelled ‘natural’, actually is. Be particularly aware of the preservatives used, and stay away from ‘Parabens‘, if you can. They are cheap preservatives that are found in almost everything! Happy hunting!