Expert beauty advice on organic skin care

Organic and fair trade beauty products have become a huge trend in skin care over the last few years. Customers are now demanding more from their products asking for organically farmed ingredients, products free from chemical nasties, fair working conditions for farming communities and recyclable packaging. But what are the benefits of organic skin care? Do they really work as well as products with years of scientific research behind them? We caught up with Dr Pauline Hili who is the technical director for Neal's Yard Remedies to ask her all about organic skin care.

What are the benefits of organic beauty products?

Organic beauty products have so many benefits it's hard to list them all. The main points to understand about organic beauty products are that they provide really efficacious solutions to skin care needs without any unwanted additional ingredients. Organic products work in harmony with the skins natural processes and support the environment by using growing methods that are earth friendly. Added to this, organic products support the development of farmers and the principles of sustainability, as well as improving the appearance and condition of all skin types.

Will organic products help to cure skin problems such as rosacea better than synthetic products?

We believe that organic raw materials and active ingredients are excellent for clearing skin problems. There have been numerous studies demonstrating this, for example the excellent ability of rosehip oil - used in many Neal's Yard products - at clearing rosacea.

Are organic products better for sensitive skin than synthetic products?

Sensitive skin is very susceptible to harsh ingredients and can therefore become irritated easily. In some cases ingredients that cause sensitivity are natural but in most cases, it tends to be the synthetic ingredients that cause the irritation. It is important when looking for products for sensitive skin that you purchase products that have been dermatologically tested to ensure they are suitable for sensitive skin. Organic products that have undergone the appropriate testing to prove that they are gentle on sensitive skin are the best products to use.

Some people say that good organic products should mean they are edible - is this true?

Products designed for use on the skin should be good for helping the skin and it's great if they are also edible but this should not be a factor in determining their suitability on the skin. To give you an example, a product containing lots of beeswax - although you could eat it, it would not necessarily taste great - has been created but is designed to be used on skin for its nourishing properties, not to be eaten.

Does organic mean that the products are handmade?

No, it means they contain plant products and extracts which have been grown under organic conditions. In some cases the products will have been handmade but when we talk about organic products, we are talking especially about the ingredients within.

Do organic beauty products have a shelf life?

Yes, all organic products have a shelf life which will vary depending on the product type. Some of the ingredients we use will stay fresher for longer but all products should be used within the shelf life to ensure maximum benefits.

How is it possible that organic products will have the same effect as products containing the latest technology and synthetic ingredients?

Many of the active ingredients being offered to formulators and new product developers are based on organic ingredients. Today, green chemistry and technology enables us to find more and more natural materials that are extremely active on the skin and therefore readily compete with the synthetic counterparts.

Can organic products help slow down the ageing process like other synthetic products claim to, if they did why would anyone buy products loaded with chemicals in the first place?

Organic products work with the body's natural functions to support people, promoting good health and balance. We believe the secret to a good healthy life is to nurture your body inside and out. At Neal's Yard we supply a complete solution to help people lead active and healthy lives. Organic products are just as effective as synthetic products but it is embracing an organic lifestyle that changes the quality of ones health and balance.

Frankincense is known for its anti-ageing properties and was even used by the ancient Egyptians to keep them looking young and wrinkle free. Today, the Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense range is one of our best-selling ranges which encourages firmer, rejuvenating and radiant skin, naturally.

Can pregnant women use organic beauty productsand those containing essential oils?

All women should use organic products wherever possible. All our products are independently tested to ensure they are safe for their intended use and we find that as women become pregnant, the desire to understand what is in beauty products becomes much stronger. Products containing essential oils, unless otherwise stated, should be safe for pregnant women to use. Staff are always on hand to recommend products for pregnant ladies at all stages.Get more product information from Neal's Yard Remedies at nealsyardremedies.comThe latest organic nail polish

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