Summer Skin Care

The biggest concern in the summer is to avoid sunburn. Getting out in the sun isn’t a bad thing in itself, but like everything else, you can have too much of a good thing. And sunburn is definitely not a good thing as it causes permanent damage to your skin and speeds up the aging process.

Facial skin care in summer should include regular exfoliation. It helps get rid of dry and dull skin, and keeps pores from clogging up and causing breakouts.

Natural Skin Care for Fall

As the weather cools, it can be tempting to take long, hot baths and showers, but these actually dry out your skin instead of hydrating it. To help prevent drying out your skin, add jojoba or sweet almond oil to bathwater and use moisturizing shower milk or apply moisturizer afterwards. Also, keep drinking water or herbal teas to help hydrate your skin.

It’s also time to cut back on the exfoliating products in your facial skin care routine so your skin doesn’t get too dried out.

Winter Skin Care

Tis the season for dry skin due to the cold and windy conditions outside, and artificial heating inside. Moisturizing is an important part of your facial skin care routine in the winter. The more oil a moisturizer contains, the better protective barrier it can make to protect your skin from nasty weather.

Be sure to apply moisturizer at least 30 minutes before going outside so your skin will have time to absorb it. Moisturizing lip balm is a good idea for dry lips. There are many natural skin care products to help keep your skin moisturized during winter.

Spring Into Natural Skin Care

As winter finally ends and a welcome spring arrives, most people are eager to get outside and enjoy the great weather. Be careful not to overdo it and get a sunburn. You can start using less or lighter moisturizers.

It may be necessary to include more frequent cleansing in your facial skin care routine. Higher temperatures means sweaty skin, and can increase the frequency of acne.

No matter what the season, there are natural skin care products that will help you meet the challenge of keeping great looking skin. Just remember to make adjustments for how the weather is affecting your skin – from clogged pores to drying out – and you’ll have healthy skin no matter what the season.

Cosmetic Chemicals

Most cosmetics and skin care products contain chemicals. Research has shown many of these to be harmful, such as the preservatives (like parabens) and petrochemicals. Another type of chemical, phthalates, has been shown to mimic the effects of hormones in the body, and at high levels can possibly increase the risk of cancer.

Some mascara and eyedrops have mercury, lead has been found in lipsticks and some shampoos and body washes have dioxane.

Since many skin care products are a stew of chemicals, some of which are known to be harmful, and others it isn’t known for sure one way or the other, why risk it? Natural skin care avoids that.

Truly Natural Skin Care

Unfortunately, just because the label says a product is natural, don’t make it so. Like every other thing you buy, labels can be misleading. The government has not defined the term “natural” so no regulations exist. However, the Natural Products Association has launched a program to help the consumer determine which products are truly natural. Under the new program, products must follow strict guidelines set out by the Natural Products Association to merit bearing the seal of approval. The criteria include, but are not limited to:

• Product must be made up of at least 95 percent truly natural ingredients or ingredients that are derived from natural sources
• No ingredients with any potential suspected human health risks
• No processes that significantly or adversely alter the purity/effect of the natural ingredients
• Ingredients that come from a purposeful, renewable/plentiful source found in nature (flora, fauna, mineral)
• Processes that are minimal and don’t use synthetic/harsh chemicals or otherwise dilute purity
• Non-natural ingredients only when viable natural alternative ingredient are unavailable and only when there are absolutely no suspected potential human health risks

“People want natural products because they are good for them and good for our environment,” said Debra Short, president of the Natural Products Association. “But anyone could claim their product was ‘natural,’ even if it had 100 percent synthetic or petroleum-based. That wasn’t fair to consumers or to companies who make truly natural products, and this seal will help end all that confusion.”

Remember, Allergies Happen

Just because you use natural health care products doesn’t exempt you from ever having an allergic reaction. People have food allergies to peanuts and strawberries and other all natural foods, so it’s also possible to be allergic to an ingredient in a natural skin care product.

The Better Choice – Natural Skin Care Products

All things considered, there’s really no contest. You can put chemicals on your face or other skin that may possibly cause you health problems, and some that are * known* to cause health problems, or you can use natural skin care products that are free of preservatives and chemicals.

Natural skin care is the way to go!

Diet

All of your body needs a good diet, and that includes your skin. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and foods that are high in fiber. Don’t overdo it with the sweets, snacks or any foods with little nutritional value.

Drinking plenty of water is also important. It helps hydrate your skin and keep it moist, plus it helps flush harmful toxins from your body.

Exercise

Yes, it’s good for your skin too, just like the rest of your body. It keeps blood flowing and helps maintain your system at top performance.

Keeping healthy in general will help keep your skin healthy too, and using natural skin care products will help keep it looking good.