Organic Cosmetics - Reasons to Switch

Let's take a look at cosmetics and beauty products. Specifically, the differences between organic cosmetics and regular make up. I believe there are many reasons for us to take a serious look at the use of all natural and organic cosmetics as a method for achieving a greener planet.

We spend millions of dollars every year in the U.S. alone, on various cosmetic and skin care products. How many of us truly understand the impact these products have on our planet? How many of us even have a clue what is in all of those tubes, bottles, and compacts? An even better question, what about the impact those ingredients have on our bodies? If you think about it, everything you apply to your skin is absorbed. That means that all of those nasty chemicals that you find in most cosmetics, are being absorbed into your bloodstream, and everything we take in affects us.

Many of the cosmetics on shelves in stores today are full of petroleum based products, various parabens, and a whole barrage of other foreign ingredients you have to have a chemical degree to pronounce. Many of these ingredients have been outlawed in Canada because they have been linked to cancers and other diseases. This means it is time to wake up ladies. If Canada thinks this stuff is harmful enough to force manufacturers to remove it from their products, then we should be taking this into serious consideration.

There are many simple changes that we can make in the cosmetic products that we buy that would make it a more eco-friendly purchase. For example, buying products that offer refills results in less waste in our landfills. Another environmental choice would be to purchase products in recyclable containers. These small changes in our buying habits will have an impact on the amount of waste we produce, but I am not so sure that alone is sufficient.

I believe that the change we need to make is to purchase organic cosmetics instead. True, they can be a little more costly than traditional make-up, but well worth it when you consider the overall reduction in the impact the product has on our planet. Certified organic cosmetics automatically have a lower footprint simply because of the difference in the way it is made. Organic cosmetics are generally plant based, and those plants are usually grown organically as well. This means they are grown without the use of pesticides, insecticides, or herbicides. There are no toxic chemicals added during processing, and the packaging is most often made from recycled material as well.

I hope this has shed a little bit of light on the benefits of choosing organic cosmetic products, and has been useful in helping you to make a more eco-friendly decision. If we each make small changes, together we can make a large impact.

Winter Skin Care Tips for Beautiful Skin

Once the weather has turned crisp and people start bundling up from the cold, most skin care regimes go out of the window. Skin takes a beating during the winter months and becomes tight, dry, dull and lacklustre from neglect and adverse weather conditions. Some people even develop skin conditions such as flaking, cracking and eczema. The secret to beautiful skin during the summer months is to keep up skincare regimes all year round and that includes during the frigid winter months.

One skincare routine that most people stop during winter is the religious application of sunscreen. Despite the lack of sunshine, skin can still be damaged during winter by harmful UV rays and glare from snow, causing wrinkles and aging especially in the fine skin around the eyes. Sunscreen should still be applied on a daily basis - use a broad spectrum sunscreen and apply it to all exposed areas, including the hands and face at least half an hour before going outside.

Skin also needs intensive moisturization during winter. Skin loses its natural oils because of the harsh weather conditions and indoor heating which saps the skin of its natural hydration, making it more fragile and prone to damage. The body and face should be moisturized on a daily basis, especially those areas that are covered up by winter woollies, as this will stop the skin from drying out and will maintain the natural oils.

Sometimes the facial moisturizer that worked well in the summer months will need to be changed in the harsher winter months. An oil based moisturizer should be considered as the oil will create a protective layer and will retain more moisture. However, care should be taken in choosing the type of oil because some clog the pores and cause even more skin problems.

Non-clogging oils such as avocado, mineral, sandalwood or primrose should be used and Shea oil should be avoided. Look for products containing humectants - these are substances such as glycerine, sorbitol and alpha-hydroxy acids which draw moisture into the skin and keep it hydrated. Apply a specialized eye area cream nightly to keep the eye contour area looking plumped up and fresh.

Hot showers and baths can also damage the skin by stripping it of its natural acid mantel, which leads to dry skin. Taking cooler baths and shorter showers will help to maintain the skin's natural defences and lipid barriers and will help to prevent that winter crocodile skin. Oatmeal or baking soda in the bath can help relieve itchiness. Indoor heating dries out the air, so a humidifier might be useful in preventing the skin from drying out.

The skin on the hands and feet is also affected by winter cold because the cold and dry weather strips away what little moisture the hands hold. Hands and fingers can become dry, cracked and itchy so gloves should always be worn when outside. Don't use wet gloves or socks as these also cause cracking. Moisturize the hands and feet every night before going to sleep with an intensive moisturizing butter that contains petroleum jelly or glycerine.

Skin should be nourished and nurtured year round and not just in summer. Taking care during the winter months ensures that skin looks radiant and beautiful when summer eventually comes. Use these winter skin care tips starting today!