The largest organ in the human body is the skin. Signs of aging are usually most obvious in the skin’s texture and appearance. The outer layer of skin called the epidermis starts to thin, collagen and fat become decreased, the skin may become dryer, and small blood vessels may appear. Lines and wrinkles also become more pronounced.
There are many types of skincare products on the market, and the process of choosing the right product can be overwhelming and confusing. To make a confident decision, there are many things to keep in mind.
- Use skincare products which contain antioxidants Just like the body needs antioxidants, applying them to the skin can also benefit the skin's appearance. Vitamins A, C, E and flavanoids in moisturizers, serums, lotions, etc. help the skin retain moisture, and will help increase protection against exposure and elements, such as contaminants and the sun.
- Sunscreen is the skin’s best weapon for anti-aging. Look for a product which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Exfoliation can be helpful for anti-aging: Removing the dry, outer layer of skin exposes the more hydrated under layer. Be cautious to not irritate the skin by being overzealous with exfoliating.
Choosing a product is more complicated than making sure it contains antioxidants and an adequate SPF. You also have to be cautious about what it might contain that can harm you or your skin. According to the EWG.org: "Due to gaping loopholes in federal law, companies can put virtually any ingredient into personal care products. Even worse, the government does not require pre-market safety tests for any of them.”
Because we all use a lot of products over the course of the day, and due to the fact that toxins can accelarate degeneration or aging, it makes sense to avoid toxins whenever possible. Think about how many products one uses over the course of a day; shampoo, conditioner, soap, shaving cream, moisturizer, hair gel, make-up, toothpaste, suncreen, etc. If each of these products have ingredients that are harmful to our health, this adds up to a lot of exposure. In addition, because anything which is put onto the skin then becomes absorbed into the bloodstream, it’s essential to choose only the healthiest and most natural products. Ideally, whatever is applied to the skin should be safe enough to eat.
Guidelines for how to choose a Healthy Skin Care (or Body Care) Product
According to the EWG.org’s "Top 6 Ingredients To Avoid".
These six ingredients include:
- Fragrance"
- Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s, BHA’s, lactic acid, glycolic acid)
- Parabens (methylparaben, proplyparaben, etc)
- Triethanolomine
- Iodopropnyl butylcarbamate
- Triclosan (antimicrobial liquid soap)
- Read the label for ingredients: Take a look at the back of the package and read the list of ingredients. Make sure that none of the ingredients are from the "Six To Avoid" list.
- Be Cautious of Marketing Terms:Some companies will use words such as "natural" or "all natural" and even "dermatologist tested". These words are not regulated labeling terms, therefore anyone can use them. Also be cautious of "organic", this could mean that only one ingredient is organic.
- Look for Organic Products:Organic ingredients are those grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, which is healthier for the planet and our bodies. Botanicals which are grown by biodynamic farming methods are also important because they employ a holistic relationship between the soil, plants, and animals. The USDA National Organic Program has been certifying personal-care products since 2003, and an increasing number of organic skincare products now display the USDA organic seal. To tell if a product is biodynamic-certified, look for Demeter U.S.A.'s stamp of approval on the label.
- Choose Nontoxic Packaging:Glass packaging is always most ideal, for food and skincare products because there is no danger of toxins from plastic containers leaching into the item within.
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