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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 fewer ingredients whose name you can’t pronounce, the better. Joking aside, the fewer additives the product contains, the better and more natural it is. Unless you want to start a home made beauty range, look out for products which list any of the following ingredients.

Jojoba oil contains 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. Wakame, a Japanese sea kelp, is fantastic at eliminating harmful enzymes from your body and preventing the loss of moisturising hyaluronic acid. And manuka honey is full of vitamins and minerals and has the same moisturising properties as 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 copmpanies 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 the switch and be the belle of the ball… au naturel!

Tags: antioxidants, facial care, moisturiser, skin care