For most women and a growing number of men, part of the daily skincare routine involves a regimen of applying creams, moisturizers, tonics, lotions, and the like. Why do we put ourselves through this? Primarily, to combat the signs of aging, maintain youthful looks and healthy, beautiful skin! It is a safe bet, however, that most people don’t put much thought into what is in the products they consume. Many people tend to buy what they are marketed to on TV, through online ads or via friends, without giving much thought to anything beyond the suggested recommendation.
So, what can we do as consumers to choose better products for ourselves? How can we combat environmental pollutants, the effects of solar radiation, and the drying effects of air? How can we be sure that what we are using is the best choice for our skin, so we’re healthy inside and out? Here are 5 tips to assist in the process of evaluating new products for ourselves and our loved ones:
1 - Read the label! Just because it says “vegan” does not mean it is. This is a tactic many companies use to attract people to their products. Vegan does not necessarily mean it is chemical free or that it does not have synthetic ingredients in it that harmful to our skin and organs that will be subjected to the toxicity of those ingredients. Vegan simply means it does not have animal products in it.
2 - Look for products that have plant-based, good for you (and the environment) ingredients that smooth away existing signs of aging such as laugh lines, crows feet, dryness and dullness. Stay away from synthetic and chemical laden products. What you put on your skin is easily absorbed by the body. Don't put toxins on your body.
3 - Use products that help eliminate free radicals and speed cell renewal after sun exposure. Your goal is to undo sun damage to rejuvenate and renew your skin as quickly as possible. There are a number of plant-based products that help in this process. Organic, cold-pressed, extra-virgin sesame seed oil is one of our favorites.
4 - Find products with vitamins and nutrients that protect the skin from premature aging caused by the sun, pollution, and other environmental factors. The right vitamins and nutrients can provide consistent nourishment to the skin to help keep it smooth and firm, and appearing youthful. Research products for these vital ingredients.
5 - Use products that are paraben-free. Parabens are synthetic chemical preservatives/ingredients that are widely used in personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair styling products, make-up, facial masks, skin and baby lotions, topical creams, and deodorants, to name a few. In addition, parabens are found in many foods and pharmaceutical products. We stay away from them for good reason. Researchers are beginning to find parabens in benign and malignant human breast tumors. While some studies have challenged their toxicity in many products and question their long term effect on humans, using products that are paraben-free can eliminate the risk of exposure to this harmful chemical.
Be sure to read labels and do some research before buying products that will serve you on a daily basis. We want your skin to be vibrantly glowing and healthy, so stay away from chemical laden and synthetic ingredient skincare products. Your skin will thank you and your friends will most certainly compliment you!
Cheers to Living Young Ever After!
