L I VE WEL L
Naturally
A re you overwhelmed by the number of different beauty brands available? Follow our five top tips to make choosing easier. The new generation of natural and organic skincare is changing the face of the beauty industry. Here’s how to pick the genuine products that will give your skin the nourishment and protection it needs. Certified organic Buying organic is the best choice you can make for your skincare, hair and beauty routines. However, it is important to understand the difference between a product that is labelled ‘organic’ and one that is actually certified organic. Sadly, unscrupulous manufacturers can label a product as ‘organic’ when, in fact, it might only contain a tiny quantity of an organic ingredient. Choosing organic skincare and make-up products which have been certified by an acknowledged certification organisation is the only way to guarantee that your purchase will not contain synthetic chemicals and preservatives, irradiated ingredients, or genetically modified organisms. Plus, when you use organic products, it means your skin is not overloaded with toxic ingredients, many of which may cause acne, blackheads and oily skin. Petrochemicals, mineral oils and silicones block pores and prevent the skin from breathing. No wonder so many people report an improvement in their skin’s appearance when they swap to organic products.
A certified organic product not only comes without harmful ingredients, it is also good for the environment because the certifying agency will have assessed how the manufacturer operates - for example, by looking at ingredient origin and production and farming methods. When choosing to buy organic, you are choosing a product that has been sustainably produced. Recognised and approved certification bodies include Australian Certified Organic (ACO), NASAA Certified Organic (NCO), Biodynamic Research Institute (BDRI), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), EU Organic Certification, Eco-Cert, and Quality Assurance International (QAI). Sustainable packaging Wasteful packaging is widespread in the conventional skincare and make-up industries, which are lavish with petroleum-derived cellophane, plastic blow-moulded inserts and unnecessary seals and stickers. Do your bit to keep our Earth clean and green, and remember every purchasing decision will make a difference, no matter how small. Natural and organic skincare brands excel in this area, having pioneered the use of sustainably- sourced packaging options like sugarcane-derived tubes, reusable ceramic spatulas and eye cream dispensers, recyclable glass jars, plastic caps and lids, and cardboard boxes and outers approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Plant-based ingredients A growing body of research and clinical trials supports the use of potent botanical ingredients in creating and maintaining healthy skin by supporting
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ISSUE 57 • 2020
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