Why Organic Skin Products Matter More Now
By Dr. Deborah Leible, manager of The Spa at Shangri-La Springs
As people
concentrated on health during the pandemic, sales of organic food and drinks
surged by 25% for 17 weeks through the end of June, according to Nielsen data. That
is faster than the pace of growth in food overall.
But it is
not just what you put in your body that matters. We are also constantly exposed
to environmental factors that distress the integrity of the skin. Daily we are
exposed to UVA and UVB rays from the sun, free radicals associated with air
pollutants, and blue light from electronics, all of which break down collagen. In
addition, the skin is the largest organ and is sensitive to products you use on
it.
The choice
of using non-organic vs. organic skincare products is not only skin deep.
Non-organic products have synthetic or manufactured chemicals can cause harmful
results that can include skin irritation, organ toxicity and cancer.
Synthetic,
non-organic product ingredients may include:
- Formaldehyde is added to prevent
cosmetics from spoiling and prolong shelf life. Considered a tissue
preservative, formaldehyde can cause skin and eye irritation, neurological
effects, headaches and nausea. Long-term exposure is associated with shortness
of breath, bronchitis and cancer.
- Oxybenzone, commonly found in
sunscreen. A potential endocrine disruptor, it is considered an eco-toxin in
aquatic environments and has been linked to coral bleaching.
- Phthalates petroleum-based chemicals
commonly found in cosmetics as lubricants and in nail polish, hair spray,
fragranced lotions and shampoos. Phthalates are potential endocrine disruptors,
affecting fertility and reproductive development. Researchers have also linked
phthalates to breast cancer and asthma.
- Parabens, chemicals used as
preservatives to prevent bacteria and mold growth found in moisturizers, hair
products, shaving creams, facial cleansers, deodorants and cosmetics. Parabens mimic
estrogen properties, which can increase the potential for breast cancer.
- Propylene Glycol, a synthetic
alcohol in facial cleansers, bath soaps, moisturizers, conditioners, fragrances
and cosmetics, is a humectant that slows moisture loss. Considered GRAS,
“generally recognized as safe,” propylene glycol can cause allergies, rashes, and
eye and skin irritation.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) a
foaming agent, is found in body wash, soap, toothpaste, shampoo and household
cleaning products. Reactions may include topical irritation to the eyes and
skin.
Certified
organic skincare products have a minimum of 70% organic ingredients including
plants and other natural ingredients grown without synthetic fertilizers and
pesticides and free of genetically modified organisms. Organic skincare
products are nutrient-rich in vitamins and minerals that are extracted from
parts of a plant including seeds, pulps and peels. They may also be found wild
in nature, such as seaweed.
Absorption
of organic ingredients does not damage the integrity of the skin, nor weaken
the body systemically. Organic skincare is non-allergenic (unless someone may
have a specific natural ingredient allergy, such as a nut allergy) and works in
harmony with the body.
Benefits of
organic skincare products include detoxification, vitamin and mineral-rich
hydration, antioxidant repair, anti-inflammation and protection of the skin
from the environment.
Further,
organic products grown under stringent, federal organic farming practices
protect the soil and air from contamination, promoting the welfare of wildlife.
Organic
farming practices do not use synthetic pesticides and herbicides, so soil still
is nutrient rich and abundant in beneficial bacteria. Organic practices help combat
global warming, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the air by requiring
less energy than petroleum-based fertilizers, reducing air and water pollution.
At the Spa
at Shangri-La Springs, we incorporate the most natural practices into our
services with a focus on vitality. We hand-harvest cotton grown at our on-site
organic garden for use in our facials. We sell loofahs that are grown from the Luffa
aegyptica plant in our certified organic garden. They are wonderful for
skin cleansing! We recycle as much as possible, use LED lighting, no VOC paints
and wash our organic linens with biodegradable cleaning products.
Products we
use in our treatments as well as ones we offer for sale meet the highest
international standards for natural ingredients.
Eminence, which
is based in Hungary, practices sustainable farming at a certified organic farm.
Ingredients in the products, which include vegan and gluten free, are
hand-picked and hand-mixed and higher in vitamins, minerals, nutrients and
active compounds than traditional organic ingredients. Through their Forests
for the Future Program, a tree is planted for every product sold.
For seaweed
treatments, we use VOYA products, which are certified organic and
hand-harvested in Ireland within two hours to ensure maximum nutrient
retention. Inspired by a 300-year Irish tradition of seaweed bathing, products
are anti-aging, antioxidant, re-mineralizing, detoxifying and stimulating to
the skin’s circulation. Products improve sensitive and allergy prone skin and skin
conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis. Because seaweed has
iodine, products help balance metabolism and aid the thyroid. Even VOYA
skincare product boxes are made from seaweed and vegetable inks. Because they
are biodegradable, the boxes can be mulched into home gardens, adding to their
mineral content!
With the
focus these days is on health and wellbeing, do not overlook your skin. When
you use organic skincare, you have peace of mind knowing that your products are
safe and free of contamination and so is your body.
About
the Author
Dr.
Deborah Leible has a doctorate in
chiropractic and certified in acupuncture and is also a licensed massage therapist,
certified in holistic spa management and trained in a variety of spa services
including medical massage, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi massage, oncology massage, manual
lymphatic drainage and reflexology. For information, visit www.shangrilasprings.com/spa/.
This article was featured in the Living Well section of The News-Press
View our spa specials @ www.shangrilasprings.com/spa/specials.asp
To book an appointment, please call The Spa at (239) 676-7334.
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