Photo: Stock.Xchng

In extreme environmental conditions, such as very cold or very hot weather, the condition of your skin tends to deteriorate. Air conditioning and central heating are prime suspects. Your skin loses elasticity and feels tight, dry and itchy. This is because it loses moisture and your body is unable to properly deal with this condition. There are thousands of products out there which promise maximum moisturisation but they often cost the earth and contain synthetic ingredients.

And many have achieved fantastic results, but while being tested on animals. If you’re concerned about the process used to bring your favourite beauty products in their final form to your local department store, look out for anti-cruelty logos before you buy.

Many of these ‘miracle cures’ are also pumped full of artificial ingredients. These often have side effects such as skin rashes and various disorders. In addition, some are used to extend the shelf life of beauty products, or to render them aesthetically appealing, but they have no nutritional benefits for your skin and hair.

Beauty, the natural way

Before purchasing a moisturiser, read the label carefully. The less ingredients whose name you can’t pronounce, the better. Joking aside, the less additives the product contains, the better and more natural it is. Unless you want to start a home made beauty range, look out for the following as main ingredients:

• Jojoba oil contails vitamin E and a number of antioxidants. And if you suffer from oily skin, it doesn’t clog your pores and it’s great as make-up remover.
• Phytessence Wakame, a Japanese sea kelp is fantastic at eliminating harmful enzymes from your body and preventing the loss of moisturising hyaluronic acid.
• Manuka honey is full of vitamins and minerals as well as the same moisturising properties of ordinary honey.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall

There are plenty more natural moisturising ingredients out there. Do some research and find out what works for you. In no time, you’ll see a distinct difference in the look and texture of your skin.

But it’s not only your skin that will thank you. ‘Green’ products are often supplied by small companies who employ sustainable manufacturing methods. Also, these products are often cheaper and more environmentally-friendly than the ones containing artificial ingredients.

So, go on, make switch and be the belle of the ball… au naturel!

Tags: antioxidants, facial care