Instead of relying on uber expensive 'miracle' creams or synthetic potions packed full of petrochemicals and preservatives, why not give your skin a break by switching to more natural, organic beauty products. Not only will they treat you and your complexion far more kindly, they'll also help you fight the war on wrinkles. The fact that they cause less harm to the environment than products loaded with a concoction of chemicals is an added bonus.
How to find organic
But where to start when it comes to knowing what's really organic and what simply claims to be? Well, as with food, if you want to be assured of having a product that's 100% certified organic then look for the Soil Association's all important seal of approval. Any product carrying the official logo of the UK's leading organic monitoring body means that it has reached the strict criteria stipulated by the organization.
The ranges by Spezia Organics and Green People as well as selected Neals Yard products have all met the Soil Association's rigorous standards, while others such as Dr Hauschka, REN, Jurlique and The Organic Pharmacy contain a high degree of organic ingredients. If you are ever in doubt about a product's authenticity then always look at the label. If it doesn't boast a sell-by date and there are more chemical-sounding ingredients than natural herb, floral or plant extracts, you should be wary.
Simple skincare
But using products containing ingredients harvested from nature's rich bounty doesn't mean you can skimp on your cleansing and moisturizing ritual. In order to gain optimum results from organic beauty products, you still have to regularly wipe off grime and re-hydrate your skin after it has been exposed to harmful pollutants and to the harsh winter weather.
A lot of organic cleansers are oil-based which means they will gently lift off dirt but thanks to their natural properties they also avoid stripping the skin of its oil production - something a lot of synthetic products are guilty of. Spezia Organics' Facial Cleanser (£20, 0870 850 8 851) gently cleanses the skin and leaves it feeling soothed and soft thanks to its extracts of coconut, extra virgin and jojoba oils as well as eucalyptus and grapefruit seed. Aromatherapy Associates Balance Lavender & Ylang Ylang Facial Oil (£25, www.aromatherapyassociates.com) is particularly good for oily skin because of its naturally antiseptic essential oils. Neal's Yard Rose Facial Oil (£30, www.nealsyardremedies.com) is great for sensitive skin thanks to its soothing rose extracts. If you enjoy using a toner then give Think Happy Organic Surge's Let's Face It spray (£6.29, available from Boots) a try. It'll revive tired looking skin and is also incredibly refreshing.
If you can only afford one organic skincare product then make it a moisturiser. The reason for this is simple: unlike cleansers which are usually washed or wiped off, moisturisers stay on the skin all day long which means that their ingredients are easily absorbed into the bloodstream - so always go for the natural option whenever possible. Effective and safe brands to try include Spezia's Organic Daytime Moisturiser (£19.50) which boasts jojoba oil, rose petals and vanilla and Green People's Day Solution (£10.99, www.greenpeople-organic-health.co.uk) which is made from organic aloe vera, geranium essential oils and rose petal extracts.
Other organic brands worth checking out:
According to a recent Mintel survey over 2000 new organic products were launched in the last two years thus proving that this is the fastest growing area of the beauty market. Here are just a few of our favourite organic brands:
Paul Penders Natural Skincare - a pure, organic range that includes treats for the body as well as the face plus a cosmetics line. All products are free from chemical nasties and artificial colourings and preservatives. (www.thenaturalskincarecompany.co.uk).
Pur - pronounced 'peer' is Welsh for Pure. Pur is based in the Brecon Beacons and has developed a range of gentle organic skincare products thanks to its lush surroundings. The range helps to both stimulate and enhance the skin's natural renewal process. (www.purskincare.co.uk).
Taer Icelandic - a beautiful skincare range from Iceland. Ingredients such as yarrow (which boasts amazing natural anti-ageing properties) are grown on an organic farm in the Vatnsdal Valley and all products are packaged in gorgeous recyclable pale green glass and cardboard. (Available exclusively from all branches of Harvey Nichols 020 7235 5000).
Jo Wood Organics - a simply divine range of body and bathtime goodies created by the wife of Mr Rolling Stones: Ronnie Wood. They are all free of chemicals, contain no water and boast natural ingredients sourced from exotic places such as Morocco, India and Asia. The beautiful bottles will also look fab on your bathroom shelf. (Available from Harvey Nichols 020 7235 5000).
Sacred Locks - a natural haircare range created by Louise Galvin, daughter of Daniel, which is free from silicone, paraben and phthalates. It has also just gained carbon-neutral status and supports the work of environmental causes such as Future Forests (www.louisegalvin.com).
Leave it out:
Many synthetic ingredients lurk in your favourite fragrances, creams and make-up. Here's a quick glossary of some of the most common cosmetic nasties you need to avoid when buying a pampering product:
Parabens - a chemical ingredient used in thousands of skin and hair care products to preserve a product's shelf life. Clinical trials carried out at Reading University found traces of parabens in tissue taken from women with breast cancer and although there is thought to be no direct link between parabens and cancer, medical researchers are still wary and have therefore asked cosmetic companies to review their usage of parabens. Similar trials have also found that these chemicals could cause skin allergies and premature ageing.
Petrochemicals - chemicals created from petroleum derivatives that are in turn used to artificially fragrance and colour beauty products.
Mineral oils - such as silicon are found in many cosmetic creams but they cannot be absorbed by the skin and therefore sit on it blocking pores and stopping the skin from being able to rid itself of harmful toxins. They are also believed to cause premature ageing of the skin as well as rashes and headaches.
Formaldehyde - a cheap preservative found in nail polish, shampoo and conditioner which can cause the skin to flare up. Formaldehyde has been banned in cosmetics and fragrances in Japan and Sweden as it is also thought to trigger conditions such as asthma and headaches.
Sodium laureth sulphates - strong detergents used in body care products that can dry out the skin and therefore cause irritations.
Phthalates - these are found in everything from hair sprays and nail polish to perfume and moisturisers. They are used to 'soften' but have been in fact linked to hormone disruption and asthma.
