ethical practices , such as protecting local wildlife or planting more trees . So there are a lot of boxes to tick before a brand can earn their stamp of approval . “ Organic skin care is tied to the general understanding of products containing ingredients from a natural origin that are specifically unadulterated or non-manipulated to be as pure as nature intended ,” continues Dr Jurist . “ For some , this concept ranges from the utilisation of bare or raw ingredients that are free of chemical pesticides , fertilisers and growth stimulants , to the methods of how these ingredient sources are obtained or harvested .”
Natural and organic skin care is more than just a passing trend . The market has grown consistently for the past seven years , with sales in the UK reaching £ 75.9million in 2017 , with new brands launching all the time . Nataliya Robinson , acclaimed facialist , acupuncturist and founder of Quantum Botanika skin care , believes that plant-based formulas are easier for the skin to process and , therefore , ensure better results : “ Unlike chemical and synthetic ingredients , skin care that is based on botanical ingredients is completely metabolised by the skin . Synthetic ingredients , which have been produced for the last 70 years , are not recognised by our body and skin , and therefore the body does not know what to do with them . For example , if you eat pure butter your body metabolises it , but if you use margarine your body shuts down and accumulates the toxins . Synthetic ingredients can accumulate on the skin , disturbing its metabolic rate , which leads to skin imbalances and sensitivity which can lead to dermatitis , reactive skin , sensitive skin , rosacea and acne .”
In the past , natural and organic formulas were often seen as the weaker , less advanced alternative to science-driven cosmeceuticals . Now , products made from plants are pushing innovation further than ever before and offering solutions for skins who can ’ t tolerate chemical-laden products . Many of the most valuable skin care ingredients used today are found in nature : nourishing Sweet Almond Oil , anti-aging Rosehip Oil , soothing Aloe Vera , and exfoliating enzymes extracted from fermented fruits , to name but a few . Most botanical extracts are also rich in minerals , omega fatty acids and vitamins , all of which play an essential role in maintaining healthy skin , but don ’ t assume a product won ’ t cause irritation because it contains natural ingredients . “ The most important thing when creating any ‘ skinfriendly ’ skin care is to truly understand what is good and what is bad for the skin ,” reveals Nataliya . “ In ( my brand ) Quantum Botanika , we did not add any perfume , as I strongly believe that this leads to skin problems , and we avoided any botanical ingredients that make the skin photo-sensitive , such as St John ’ s Wort . This was done because even botanically derived ingredients can be aggressive and damaging to the skin . It ’ s not only about being 100 % natural , it ’ s about the knowledge of how exactly the natural ingredients work on the skin .”
So what ’ s to be done ? Should you completely ditch chemical-based formulas for ones whose ingredients list reads more like a vegan ’ s shopping list ? Not exactly . Ultimately , the choice is yours . There are certainly some pros and cons to using both types of skin care , but there is also room for both in your routine should you wish to mix things up . Avoiding synthetic dyes , artificial fragrances , parabens , metals and phthalates is always a good idea and for many people , so is staying clear of mineral oil , silicones and harsh chemicals . If a brand is being open and honest about their ingredients , formulation and packaging , whether that means botanical-only formulas , chemicals or a mixture of both , the conscious consumer in us all will be happy . If you know your skin responds well to Glycolic Acid or Retinol , stick with it . If you ’ d prefer to use something natural instead , opt for fruit enzymes or a plant-derived Vitamin A . The natural beauty movement is going nowhere , so get ready to make some space in your bathroom cabinet .
ISSUE # 08 | 2018 | SkinHealthMagazine . com 19