Essential Oils in Natural Skin Care Products

Author: Mark A Robbinsbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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Skin care is one of those industries where there is a great amount of debate as to whether to use all natural ingredients or chemical based ones fabricated in a laboratory. While there are pros and cons to using both kinds of ingredients, ultimately it is up to you to decide which type of ingredient works the best for your particular situation. The author examines some of the different products that contain either all natural ingredients or chemical based ones, and offers some insight to help consumers decide which is right for them.

The two largest niches of the skin care industry that often struggles with this debate are the anti aging community as well as the anti acne industry. These two niches are constantly changing, evolving and it seems as if there is a new treatment, brand or product coming out constantly, each claiming that it is the best. For consumers it is difficult to decide which products work the best from a result standpoint as well as balancing that decision with the overall health of your skin. Here are a few facts that can help you make your decision a bit easier.

When it comes to anti aging skin care, there has always been a bit of hesitation from consumers to use all natural ingredients. The assumption here is that the products are not potent or strong enough to offer consumers the results that they desire. Well nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that when it comes to anti aging skin care, there is no need to even consider a chemical based alternative. All natural ingredients have firmly established themselves as industry leaders, and more and more brands have begun using peptide based formulas to treat the signs of aging.

The acne industry however is a bit more difficult. Over 85% of all acne treatments use a chemical based ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide. These chemical based ingredients have been used for a long time and despite the glaring concerns about what its use does to your skin, consumers continue using these creams. These chemical ingredients do dry out acne breakouts rapidly, however they generate free radicals within your skin leading to premature aging, or even cancer. That is a huge risk to clear up some pimples, provided that there are other equally effective alternatives. Recently, a study from Oxford University, has proven that the all natural ingredient Resveratrol is equally effective as the chemical based ingredients and it is actually good for your skin. For this reason most industry experts have changed their thinking and are using all natural ingredient acne treatments.

Regardless of what type of skin care products that you use, take the time to understand what it is that you are putting on your skin. While it seems logical that no product will actually be harmful to your skin, but that is just not the case, at least in the long term. If you are deciding whether to use all natural vs. chemical based products, most of the latest research shows that all natural is the way to go. While this growing trend is not as wide spread in the treatment of acne as it is in the anti aging community, it is only a matter of time until it is. Without any doubt, going all natural is the most recommended approach, but ultimately the choice is yours, make sure you consider all aspects before you decide.

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pMark Robbins is a highly experienced product reviewer of all a target=_new href=http://www.acnecream.com rel=nofollownatural acne treatment/a options, as well as those that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. His unbiased approach to which acne creams work and which dont have made him a very popular writer in the industry. More of his opinions on natural acne treatments can be read at a target=_new href=http://www.acnecream.com/natural-acne-treatments-vs-chemical rel=nofollowhttp://www.acnecream.com/natural-acne-treatments-vs-chemical/a./pbr
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Author: Lauren Roniebr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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A person seeks information about a certain product before deciding if it is worth the money that you are paying or will the product provide an answer to the needs of your skin. The internet is indeed a rich source of knowledge if you want to know more about certain beauty products including their efficacy, benefits and of course the possible side effects that one may suffer from when using the product. By researching, you will be able to distinguish what product will work best for you as well as be healthy for your body.

Although chemicals in beauty products produce equally effective results with natural products, the ingredients in these chemical products have been linked to hypersensitivity reactions especially if you have sensitive skin. You will end up having red, inflamed skin and you are just worsening your skin problems.

These are some of the chemical ingredients in face creams that have been linked to allergic reactions:

*Benzoyl Peroxide – has been commonly used to treat acne problems and is well known to produce good results. Although, most people who suffer from acne are using anti-acne products that contain Benzoyl Peroxide, they might be unaware of the negative effects linked to its usage such as dryness, irritation, redness, mild peeling, rashes, excessive burning, and itching.

*Hydroquinone – creams that contain Hydroquinone are applied to target melasma and hyper-pigmentation of certain areas of the skin. Hydroquinone creams have also been used to lighten areas and bleaching to even out your skin tome. But it should not be used when your skin has been sunburned, wind burned, dry, irritated or chapped. Important side effects which have been observed with Hydroquinone use are swelling of the skin, tongue, lips, and throat, burning sensation, breathing difficulties, stinging

In order to avoid these possible side effects of chemicals in beauty products, the best option is to consider using natural skin care products. They are not as potent as the chemicals in skin creams but still they produce excellent results less the unsightly effects on your skin.

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pa target=_new href=http://www.best-skin-care-line.com rel=nofollowClick Here/a to Discover the Breakthrough Natural Anti Aging Creams that diminishes wrinkles, fine lines and recovers your skin smoothness, without using harsh chemicals./ppLearn the 3 a target=_new href=http://best-skin-care-line.com rel=nofollowanti aging secrets/a you must be aware of to have a healthy looking skin for years to come./pbr
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Author: Natalie Schunker
Source: ezinearticles.com

Today’s assault on our bodies

People react badly to the word chemical. We all know that allergies are on the increase and yet scientists are developing more and more chemicals. They are in airborne pesticides, in foods we eat and in just about everything we put on our skin. But it is not just man made chemicals that many of us are allergic to. Nature can be equally dangerous. We are becoming increasingly allergic to grasses, trees and flowers. We know this because some of us come out in rashes from lying in the grass and hay fever from flowers and trees is affecting more of us as is the natural poison in nuts and fish. Many of us are also allergic to some natural essences in perfume and creams.

But the complex world of perfumes has almost given up trying to explain itself – smells and bells, musical notes, molecules and lies. Mostly its the industry’s own fault for treating us all like idiots. Advertising is so full of rubbish it would be funny if it wasn’t so sad. Miraculous flowers that do not exist and confusion over terms such as wood essences and pink musk (true musk is now banned as it was extracted from the musk gland from deer). The role of chemists in cosmetics now seems to be reduced to change for changes sake. Their abilities in changing molecular structures is almost miraculous and a huge mystery to most of us. But do we as women want this? Why make up new scents when we have all the lovely traditional perfumes such as Lavender, Geranium, Patchouli, Lemon, Rose, Jasmine that our grandparents loved.

Which brings me to essential oils. These are pure plant, flower or tree extracts, uncontaminated with chemicals and ideally grown under organic conditions. In other words they are natural. Without these essential oils the medical, food and cosmetics industries would not exist. Many essential oils are the main ingredients in drugs prescribed by our orthodox western system of medicine. For example the latest swine flu antidote Tamiflu contains Star Anise, a herb mostly used in Chinese duck and pork dishes. But this time let’s talk about essential oils used mostly in the cosmetics industry. Here are some of my favourites.

Essential oils for our face

Chamomile is a herb grown in England, France, Hungary and Bulgaria. My favourite Chamomile is Chamomile Roman. It is used in pharmaceutics where it is beneficial for nerves, migraine, acne, inflammation, insomnia, menstrual problems, dermatitis eczema, and burns. In cosmetics it is good for normal skin for psoriasis, broken capillaries, combination skin which are both dry and oily in different parts of the body. I have found a night cream which contains chamomile and I like the smell and find it very relaxing.

Cypress oil comes from the leaves and twigs from a tree, grown in the Mediterranean. It is a revitalising astringent as well as good for broken capillaries. It is particularly effective on oily skin. Although this is effective in a facial cream or oil you could also put a few drops in warm water. I also use it in a foot cream combined with Rosemary and English peppermint. In just a few days I found a huge improvement to my dry and cracked feet. I find it very healing and it feels cool and fresh.

Geranium oil comes from the leaves, stalks and flowers of the Geranium plant and is grown in France, Egypt, China, Morocco and USSR. It is used in perfumes, cosmetics and the pharmaceutical industry’s. It is good for normal skin, combination skin (oily and dry), it is also good for broken capillaries. I use it in a hand and body cream I found which also contains gorgeous Patchouli.

Rose oil comes from a bush and is made from the flower petals. The best essential oils come from Bulgaria and Morocco. It is used mostly in the perfumery and cosmetics industry. It is good for normal skin and is often found in day creams. It is good for broken capillaries, combination skin as well as being revitalising. It is also one of the most expensive essential oils on the market.

Carrot oil is a root vegetable grown in various places including the UK. It is used in many moisturising and day and night creams. It has most of the qualities mentioned in the above as well as a rich Vitamin A content (also known as Ritalin in the cosmetics industry).

Lavender oil comes from the flowers of the Lavender bush and is grown in France yet English Lavender is becoming more and more popular. I love its perfume although younger people often associate it with Grandma but believe me when I say that Granny new best! It is used for normal skin, psoriasis, combination skin, its an organic sunscreen, good for burns, as an insect repellent, can be used on stings neat as well as relaxing and smells gorgeous. I found a day cream with Vitamin A and E with touch on lavender and my skin looks and feels younger and clearer.

All of the above oils can be used in face creams, but pure essential oils should never be used undiluted apart from Lavender.

Essential oils for the body

Clary Sage is a herb that comes from France, Spain and USSR and it is used in the pharmaceutical, perfumery and cosmetics industries. I use it in a aluminium free deodorant for its antibacterial qualities combined with Lemon, Tea Tree, Rosemary and Cypress. It works for me.

Rosemary is a herb that come from Spain, France and Japan. The oil comes from the flowers and the leaf. It is mostly used in the pharmaceutical and the veterinary worlds. Its uses are numerous from headaches to skin infections.

Patchouli is a plant and is grown in China, Indonesia and Japan. Its oil comes from the leaves and is mostly used in perfumes and cosmetics although it has lots of medical qualities. It is helpful for skin inflammation, acne, eczema, dandruff and as an antiseptic, but because of its gorgeous perfume it is mostly used in the perfume and cosmetics industries. I love the smell. Its also unisex, men like it, I think it reminds them of leather as it was used to cure leather coats in the 60′s. I have found a gorgeous hand and foot cream mixed with Geranium and Patchouli.

Peppermint is a herb and the oil comes from the whole plant. English Peppermint is now used in chocolate, whilst the other Peppermints go into toothpaste etc. It can be grown in our gardens and is used as a tea for indigestion but it is good for arthritis, migraine, inflammation, nausea and many more ailments. I use it in a foot cream. I love its smell on my tired feet and I know that its an excellent stimulant along with Rosemary and Cypress.

These are just a few essential oils that I use as part of my natural skincare regime, but there are about 300 others out there and we are learning more about them everyday and about their miraculous benefits.

Natalie Schunker is an authority on natural skincare and natural skin care products Apart from writing about her passion she works with a small family business making quality hand made moisturising creams for the face and body. If you are interested in more information head over to – Natural Skincare

Author: Louise Lundgren
Source: ezinearticles.com

The first thing many do before they purchase a product is to search information and facts about the product they are interested in. We live in the age of information and this has been very useful when researching products for their efficiency, benefits and of course side effects. This is where you can comprehend the difference between chemical vs. natural skin care products.

Products made with chemical products are known to be as effective as natural products, but the ingredient list is somewhat like a mine field. Are you allergic or do you have sensitive skin and you didn’t know it? BAM! Your face turns red, inflamed and the condition or problem you are treating gets even worse!

Ingredients that Cause Side Effects

The list of ingredients can go on and on, but let’s focus on compounds found in popular creams.

Benzoyl Peroxide is commonly used in acne treatments and is well known for its properties when controlling acne. Most acne sufferers are most probably looking for a product that will take care of the problem and control acne fast, but what they might not take in consideration is the harsh side effects this compound can have:

Dryness
Irritation
Redness
Itching
Mild Peeling
Swelling of the Skin
Rashes
Excessive Burning

Hydroquinone is another well know ingredient used in creams aimed at getting rid of melasma and hyper pigmentation problems. It is used to bleach or lighten these areas and to even the skin tone. Hydroquinone cannot be used on sunburned skin, wind burned, dry, chapped, or irritated (and more) and some of the side effects can be:

Swelling of Skin, Lips, Tongue and Throat
Hives
Breathing Difficulties
Burning
Stinging

Consider Natural Skin Care Products

Natural products are the best option no matter what. They are not as strong as chemical products meaning that they won’t have the same degree of side effects. Natural or Organic ingredients can have minor side effects if, for example, you are allergic to any of the compounds.

The good news is that you can still check the ingredients list of any natural skin care product on the net before you decide to purchase. These products are still the best option to treat any condition. It might take a little bit longer to see full results, but they are definitely products that work and you don’t have to risk making your condition worse, unlike chemical based cosmetics.

Author: Valerie Rosenbaum
Source: ezinearticles.com

Natural skin care shopping could be easier than it is, if there were rules on claims that manufacturers may advertise or terms that can be used. However, the only way a consumer can be confident about the quality of the products they are buying is to read the ingredient label. Here's a look at some of the ingredients that are beneficial to skin health and others that may do more harm than good. Let the wicked from the first form. There are thousands of different things to avoid. The ones mentioned here are simply the most common. Petroleum jelly, mineral oil and paraffin Technically, you may be able to call these natural ingredients, but not all parts of nature are compatible with our bodies. The oils produced by the sebaceous glands, deep in the deeper layers of the skin, provide natural skin moisture, protection and lubrication. Mineral oils and derivatives, such as Vaseline are not compatible with skin's own oils. That clogs the pores, contribute to acne, cause a sensation of fat and interfere with cell renewal, which means that contribute to aging. When you shop natural skin care, read labels and avoid mineral oil and petrolatum. Paraffin wax and liquid paraffin are similar. These ingredients are flammable, petroleum oil, that it is growing in gasoline. There is simply no reason to think that would be good for skin health and appearance. It is simply a matter of low cost that keeps the manufacturers who use them. Parabens Parabens and Petrochemicals have been in the news and the Internet. These are some of the preservatives used. If you focus on shopping for natural skin care, one would think that artificial preservatives would not be a problem. However, most companies use them. As the petroleum jelly and mineral oil, petrochemicals derived from petroleum. There are thousands of them, but that is commonly seen as cosmetic ingredients are ethylene oxide, propylene glycol and isopropyl alcohol. Oxybenzone, benzophenone and other organic sunscreens are also petrochemicals. Some good things are the best moisturizing herbal oils are very similar to the skin's own oils at the molecular level. Grape seed oil, shea butter, jojoba and olive oil are good choices. Doing some shopping, natural skin care and buy the best products can delay or reverse the effect of time on your face and body. There might be able to return in time to prevent sun damage and other sources. However, we can reverse this damage. Research has shown that to be true. Antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, especially, have proven effective to repair sun damage, reversing wrinkles and improve the moisture content of the skin. Active proteins, the most effective being the Cynergy TK have been shown to improve skin firmness, stimulate new cell growth and fight inflammation. If you know what ingredients to look for, purchase natural skin care is much easier. Now, you have a starting point.

Valerie Rosenbaum is an expert author on the subject of natural, anti-aging skin care products. She recommends only natural skin care products that use ingredients like cynergy tk and phytessence wakame. Visit her site to learn more about which skin care product line she uses and recommends.