I am not the one to use scare tactics to make anyone switch to natural and organic beauty products. Nobody influenced me to going green. After learning that as much as 60 percent of topical skin care products is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, we shouldn't look at the moisturiser we put on our face every day any differently than we look at the food we eat. But it's not just about the known toxins we want to avoid. It's also about the incredible benefits of using antioxidant-rich, organically farmed plant essences and oils to beautify, rejuvenate and heal our skin, hair and nails.
The most important fact to remember is that skin is your largest organ and what goes on, goes in. Using products fresh from Mother Nature is not only trendy, but can really have a huge impact on your beauty and your health. If you're just starting out and want to make the switch to more natural products, the most effective way is to begin with what covers the largest surface area of your body and stays on the longest. This simple change alone can significantly decrease the toxic burden on your body.
Don't throw everything out! Not quite the answer you expected right? Do not go on a rampage tossing everything in sight! If you're anything like me you're going to take this advice. It's also important to take a less drastic approach in case you go through a detox phase (in case you go through it, which often does happen.)
Replace products as you run out. One at a time, with healthier choices each time. Remember, to go for the biggest impact. Body wash and body moisturiser are probably the easiest products to replace (we tend to be the least brand loyal to these) and have the biggest impact on your overall body burden. Next, swap out your shampoo and conditioner (runs down your body in the shower), the deodorant, makeup and so forth.
Ask for samples first. This helps weed out the products you don't like Check for trial or travel sizes even if you have to buy them, but many times, if you just ask - you shall receive. Only splurge on full size products that you absolutely love and you will use.
If it doesn't work, you're not going to use it. Look for truly natural and organic beauty product reviews from someone who has similar taste in products. Truth of the matter is that regardless of how squeaky clean the ingredients are, if the product doesn't work, you aren't going to use it.
Learn to read labels. Look past pretty bottles, ignore miraculous marketing claims and go directly to the ingredients! Just because a company says its "healthy," "100 % natural," "pure," "botanical" or "organic" doesn't mean that it actually is (Lush and Body Shop all around UAE malls, I'm looking at you!). These terms are used frivolously and have saturated the market with a number of pink-washed and green-washed products.
Know your ingredients. What goes for one doesn't always go for all, so never trust an entire company or product line. Go product-by-product and read every single ingredient on the label. If you're not sure what it is or if the company doesn't disclose all (only mentions key ingredients), don't buy the product. Short lists made up of common kitchen ingredients are best.
Shopping bills now or medical bills later? When trying to justify the cost of your new natural / organic lifestyle. Companies only produce products that sell. And since YOU are the target market, you get to choose. Support companies whose beliefs and practices are aligned with yours.
Having trouble? Don't go cold-turkey if you're really chemically dependent on a product (like a face wash, etc.). Try to wean yourself off it slowly. Begin to use it only once a day instead of twice and use the natural one for the second time. Then decrease it more and more each week until you don't need it anymore. Detox symptoms are just example of how dependent our bodies have become on these harmful chemicals. You may still detox, but it will be much easier for you. Don't be too hard on yourself and take one thing at a time. Otherwise you'll get overwhelmed and give up. The bottom line is when you know better, you do better. And now you know.
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