Mother Nature truly provides for us as if she were an overly possessive mother. Experts have been advocating the use of natural products for some time now. But why should we use natural skincare products when industry leading companies put so many resources and dollars into their R&E to lessen the effects of chemicals? Let us discuss the benefits of using natural skin care products to decide our preferences with regards to natural skin care products vs. synthetic products.
Why not use synthetic products?
Synthetic skincare products may timely satisfy your wish for fresh, radiant, and glowing skin; however, the human skin absorbs the substances and chemicals that are applied to it. The toxic elements present in synthetic skincare products can harm your skin and may leave it stripped, dry, and dull.
Harmful ingredients, such as quaternium-15, a source of formaldehyde known as a carcinogen, are always present in synthetic skincare products. These harmful ingredients cause a range of damaging effects on the human body. Following are some of the common harms that occur due to the chemicals present in synthetic skincare products:
- BHT and BHA: a cause of skin allergies, reproductive, organ, and developmental toxicity; found in almost all cosmetics as a preservative.
- Quaternium 15, 18, and 26 are carcinogens, mostly found in shampoos, skincare lotions, and baby products.
- Lead: At present, almost 99% of cosmetic products have some amount of lead, despite a ban on using it in products that we apply to our skin.
- Phethalates can cause reproductive, developmental, and neurological damage.
- Parabens, octinoxate, and siloxanes: The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption attributes these chemical agents to hormonal malfunction and obesity.
- p-Pheylenediamine is a respiratory toxicant and is found in permanent hair dyes.
- Carbon black is also associated with organ toxicity and cancer.
You want to smell better! Use natural skin care products.
Why are synthetic skin care products designed for sensitive skin often odorless? The answer is obvious: the chemical agents used for fragrance are damaging to the skin. On the other hand, the flowers and herbs used for fragrance, like lavender, rose sage, and blue tansy, have the property to soothe inflamed and irritated skin. And to be honest, nobody prefers non-organic fragrance over natural fragrance.
Natural skin care products are healthier to use.
Nutritionists and dermatologists passionately advocate the use of organic and natural products. Advancement has come at a great cost to the environment and health. The emotional trauma associated with life-threatening diseases and natural disasters due to climate change imitates doomsday stories. Organic products are free from pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals and have no side effects. Not surprisingly, the ingredients in natural skin care products are mostly safe to eat and have a healthy effect on the skin. Whereas traditional products may address a specific skin problem, they have an overall harsh impact on the skin.
Natural skin care products have anti-aging characteristics.
If you permanently use traditional or synthetic skin care products, sooner or later, your skin will lose its ability to produce natural oils and will dry out. The only rescue is to rely on plant-based oils that are rich in antioxidants and help your skin stay firm for longer. Natural skin care products nourish your skin with nutrients that help it fight pollution, the sun, and wind. Following are some of the natural ingredients that have anti-aging properties, and if you use them regularly, they will help your skin with wrinkles, dullness, dark spots, and age spots:
- Pomegranate has a high content of vitamin C and punicic acid and is propagated by dermatologists as an anti-aging queen.
- Hyaluronic acid, found in soybeans, root vegetables, leafy greens, and mushrooms, is known to help skin retain collagen, elasticity, and moisture, key elements for youthful skin.
- Coffee oil is rich in fatty acids, sterols, and vitamin E. The antioxidant properties of these elements make coffee oil a favorite anti-aging agent.
They are effective against skin acne.
Skin acne problems are a major pain point for the cosmetic industry. The harsh impact of synthetic skin care products due to the chemicals present in them has turned customers towards organic or natural skin care products. Inflammation, excessive oily skin, and clogged pores are the root causes of an acne attack.
Natural products use herbs like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and witch hazel that help soothe the skin against inflammation and regulate skin oil production. The natural oxfoliants, such as sugar or bamboo extract, also help in removing the dead skin and opening the clogged pores, which can prevent acne. However, all-natural products don’t suit all skin types, especially to treat acne. One must consult a dermatologist to use natural products for the treatment of acne.
Synthetic products vs. Natural skin care products
Skin care products that don’t have any artificial chemicals are generally classified as “natural skin care products”, though a laboratory definition for natural skin care products is difficult to find. A natural skin care product has to be 100% free from harsh chemicals, and quite frankly, it is doubtful that natural skin care products don’t have any synthetic ingredients.
On the other hand, it is not a guarantee that all-natural skin care products are free of any harmful effects; certain natural ingredients can also cause irritation and allergies. Similarly, all synthetic products are not harmful to the skin.
So, if you are confused about choosing your skin care product, it’s better to consult a dermatologist to know the sensitivities of your skin before deciding on a skin care product. Both natural and synthetic skin care can be effective, depending on your skin type and skin care routine.
| Synthetic Products | Natural Skin Care Products | |
| Composition | Contains synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, and preservatives | Derived from natural ingredients such as plants, herbs, fruits, and oils |
| Safety | May contain potential irritants and allergens, some synthetic chemicals may have long-term health risks | Generally considered safer and less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions |
| Effectiveness | Often provide immediate results due to the presence of active synthetic ingredients | May take longer to show noticeable results as natural ingredients work more gently and holistically |
| Environmental Impact | Production and disposal may contribute to pollution and harm ecosystems | Generally, more sustainable and eco-friendlier, with biodegradable ingredients and minimal environmental impact |
| Price | May be more affordable due to mass production and synthetic ingredients | Often more expensive due to higher quality natural ingredients and smaller-scale production |
| Long-term Effects | Some synthetic ingredients may have long-term negative effects on the skin and overall health | Can provide long-term benefits and nourishment to the skin without harmful side effects |
| Scent | Often artificial fragrances that may cause sensitivity or skin reactions | Fragrances derived from natural essential oils, which are generally well-tolerated by the skin |
| Availability | Widely available in various brands and formulations | Increasing availability, but may have limited options compared to synthetic products |
| Personal Preference | Depends on individual preferences, skin type, and specific concerns | Preferred by those seeking organic, sustainable, and less chemical-intensive skincare options |
Final Thoughts
The prospects of earning handsome revenue are enticing in the health and wellness industry! Perhaps the financial reward is the driving factor for the production of synthetic cosmetics or skincare products. The fancy packaging and persuasive marketing techniques push us towards impulsive buying without paying any heed to the harmful effects of chemical-laden products. Natural skin care products are good for providing the required nutrients for your skin, albeit, all-natural skin care products are not 100% safe and may cause allergies. It is prudent to examine the ingredients used in a product and consult a dermatologist if you have a sensitive skin or skin problems.
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