Intending to upgrade your cosmetics and personal care products to natural, healthier versions? Now is the perfect time to begin refreshing your body and facial care regimen by choosing “clean” alternatives–clean is the new industry buzzword for chemical-free natural and organic products containing carefully-sourced natural ingredients.

When we eliminate products with toxic chemical ingredients that tax the immune system, related skin problems such as rashes, breakouts, sensitivity and dryness will often disappear. Gentler harmonious skin care allows your skin to repair itself and thrive as the organ of respiration and elimination that it is created to be.

Red Flags
Though it’s great to see a growing marketplace of affordable natural products, it takes more than the words natural or organic on eye-catching green labels to prove that the content
is authentic. Some brands contain few natural ingredients and a large percentage of chemical fillers. Your safest path is choosing products from well-established companies who exceed industry standards.

To select the ones that are legitimately natural, look for complete ingredients listings. Some so-called natural and organic products use misleading headings like “active ingredients” and “key ingredients” to avoid listing harsh chemical components and preservatives. You’ll find this on package labels and website product descriptions.

On the other hand, don’t be turned away by long, unfamiliar ingredient names—though they may sound like petroleum derivates, they may simply be Latin names for beneficial herbs and botanicals. When in doubt, look them up at wikipedia.org. or see the glossary provided at avalonorganics.com for comprehensive definitions.

Where to Start
You can do your product makeover gradually, replacing items as they run out. Anything that stays on your skin long-term, especially those creams and lotions that we rub in, like sunscreens, body oils, moisturizers, eye creams, skin repair serums and deodorant, should be the first to be replaced. If you wear makeup, add foundation, blush, eye shadow and lipstick to your list for immediate healthy upgrade. Cosmetics pigmented with natural minerals are a healthier alternative to those with petroleum-derived FD&C colors. A helpful guide for assessing particular brands is cosmeticsdatabase.org, where products are given a hazard rating—best choices are rated 0-3.

Reliable Sources
Turn to major brand websites for in-depth information and price selection. You can shop on-line or scout out your choices for local shopping at natural food stores, where you can try testers and have questions answered by staff.
These resources have some excellent products:

Aubrey Organics (aubrey-organics.com) – certified organic 100% natural hair, skin/ body care.
Lavera Naturkosmetik (lavera.com).- certified natural cosmetics, family body care, sunscreens.
Kiss My Face (kissmyfacewebstore.com) - .natural & organic body/beauty care, cosmetics.

Adjusting Expectations
It’s helpful to know beforehand that chemical-free formulations may not be uniform in color and texture. Lotions may separate and need a good shake before using. And naturally preserved creams and liquids usually have a shelf life of 1 year or less.

When you start using natural skin care, you may experience some breakouts or flaking. This is healthy detoxification that should soon disappear.

Despite the slight learning curve, going natural is definitely worth it. Using truly pure products can make a delightful difference for your skin—and help widen the path to a cleaner, healthier planet.

Are you ready to make the switch to natural skin care?  Enjoy a relaxing spa facial with Barbara Carr and experience the difference natural/organic products can make. Find details at www.naturesface.com