Nature vs. Chemical: Differences, Positives, and Non-Sense

Is Natural better? As of late many consumers have chosen to go the natural skincare route. I am personally an advocate for natural, only because I feel our skin already knows what it is doing and adding things that change its behavior is not always the best idea. I am also for the discovery of the better. I'm sure when I've reached an advanced age where my skin looks something more like leather than a subject in a Rembrandt painting, I'll kindly change my mind about the more man-made chemical skincare.
What works for some may not work for you, so keep this all in mind. It is also good to remember all things in this world are created by natural chemical processes, and anything you are to put on your skin creates a chemistry all on its own. So where does natural end and chemical begin in the world of skincare? As I've pointed out, chemistry is taking place at all levels of the skin, at all times of day, and no matter what you put on it will result in a chemical process and reaction of some kind. But to break this down into very simple terms the definition of Natural skincare is: "Is the care of the skin (the largest organ of the body) using naturally-derived ingredients (such as herbs, roots, essential oils and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers (everything from natural soap to oils to pure water). The classic definition of natural skin care is based on using botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, and manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients." That definition brought to you by the folks at Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_skin_care).
Now that you know what the definition of natural is, did you know that nearly none of this is actually regulated by the US Government? Please pay attention to your labels to make sure you are getting true natural ingredients (if that is what you'd like to put on your skin.) A lot of "natural" and "organic" is all in the marketing, not in the actual product. The FDA does however, regulate certain ingredients in skincare, natural and chemical alike for the minimal safety of the American public. Some of the ingredients outlawed by the FDA are the following; Bithionol, Chlorofluorocarbon propellants, and Methylene Chloride. For a full list of banned chemicals in cosmetics please visit WWW.FDA.GOV. These chemicals have been banned due to the carcinogenicity found in animals and humans after periods of study. Good thing for us, these are no longer on the market for cosmetic use. As for the chemicals everyone is concerned about currently, Phthalates, Mineral oil, Parabens, and Diethanolamine, etc.... these chemicals and compounds are under current study. Some studies have shown a link to cancer, skin irritation, and many other conditions, but are not definitive as of yet. Therefore making them still "safe" to be put into cosmetic and skincare products. If you have any worries about these chemicals and preservatives, then don't use them. I am not a chemist or a scientist of any sort, nor do I claim to be. However, my Husband being a brilliant chemist/biologist and hearing his very professional discussions of chemicals and elements has made me very interested in ingredients and the effects it will have on my skin and health. Plus, I have had a bit of training in college and in my professional life with chemical definitions and skincare. (It's only natural I should try to bring you some knowledge.)
Aside from Natural products, there is the obvious man-made or chemical nature products. That would be one of the only other choices available, beside Organic (a whole other being in the world of skincare and different regulations), mixed nature chemical/natural products (that use natural ingredients with chemical preservatives, and Cosmeceuticals (not a real word, except in the cosmetic world. Definition: a product known to have "drug-like effects" on the skin. These are becoming bigger in the market with the development of "Doctor" brands.) Again, if you would like more information on any of the above mentioned, please visit the following websites, WWW.SmartSkincare.Com, WWW.Sephora.Com, and WWW.Greenlivingideas.Com. or of course speak to your Dermatologist or local Chemist.
Chemically enhanced skincare is under the care of many chemist and many marketing people. The argument could go on and on about, is it marketing or is the products they sale actually effective and safe? If it didn't work in some way, shape, or form then companies like Estee' Lauder, L'Oreal of Paris, and Elizabeth Arden would have been out of business a long time ago. So in theory their chemically enhanced skincare must work on some level. Hope they're thinking of our safety. Also, most companies these days are worried about the consumer lash back of putting the "no-no chemicals and preservatives" in their products, so they are choosing to play it safe for future launches. I've used many brands that have had these so-called "bad" chemicals in them and have ended up fine. Weather I'll see cancer in my future, only time will tell. So far, so good and I guess I'll take my chances if I come across a product I like that is not primarily natural. On a positive note; I feel I can mix and match my skincare, by knowing more about the ingredients that go into each product I use to create what is right for me. I suggest you do the same.
The battle between Natural and Chemical was not solved in this brief blog, but I do hope I shed some light on the issue. Maybe I even made the decision a little easier for you. Please listen to your skin and what it's telling you. Not all expensive products are better, and not all natural products work, not all that is chemical is hazardous. Use what you are comfortable with, and be "in the know" about the process your skin has to go through to be healthy. I'm not saying take a Biology or Anatomy/Physiology class for every time you need to change skincare, but do know what is on your skin. Some of the natural brands that I have personally tried and loved are REN, Juice Beauty, NUDE Skincare, Skyn Iceland, Ole Henriksen, Boscia, and Crabtree & Evelyn. Other non-natural products that I have tried and love are Kinerase, Dr. Perricone, and Murad. Try them out and see how you like them. You be the judge of great skincare.
That is all for now. Take care of what you have!