Why Natural Ingredients Should Matter to You

In today's skincare industry, there’s a big push toward natural ingredients. More and more companies are coming out with all-natural product lines and more celebrities are endorsing natural ingredients as the superior alternative. This isn’t just hype, though— natural ingredients have plenty of benefits, and are taking the industry by storm for a reason! 

Environmental Responsibility

Companies are growing more environmentally friendly and aware of the lasting impact chemicals have on our skin. In some cases, chemical-based ingredients are causing more harm than good. The chemicals used in cosmetic lines often have one final rest place; the ocean. This leads to damaging effects on sea life and their habitat, which is already in danger from numerous other production lines that allow their chemicals, oils, and toxic material to make their way into the sea. 

Outside of chemicals, some products are unable to dissolve in nature, leading to an overfill of waste. Exfoliating products serve as an example of this. The microbeads used in some exfoliators are actually made of a plastic substance called polyethylene-a, replicating the sensation of natural exfoliants. Unlike their natural counterparts, however, these tiny plastic beads take 1,000 years to decompose. In the meantime, they fill our ocean, lakes, and environment, and end up being consumed by wildlife. 

You can do your part to avoid this harmful process by choosing products that exfoliate your skin naturally. Paulownia Facial Wipes uses natural Paulownia Fiber Extract to gently and effectively provide exfoliation, while simultaneously toning, cleansing, and hydrating your skin. These cleansing wipes are made without harmful chemicals like alcohol, fragrance, chlorine treatment, lanolin, formaldehyde doner, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, and preservatives. 

Instead, these facial wipes pull from the Paulownia’s “miracle tree” ingredient to “...(even) skin tones, (fade) pigmentation and aging spots, and (fade) acne scars. It is also used to increase the skin's natural radiance and luminosity.” (“The Shocking Miracle of Paulownia”)

 

Skin Health

Your skin is the body’s largest organ and can be quite sensitive to damage! Even though certain products may adverse a healthy glow, some chemicals are very harmful to the skin itself and our internal system. Alcohol, for example, can destroy the barrier that protects your skin, depending on the type of alcohol used (read our post on Alcohol in Skincare to learn more about good vs bad alcohol!) 

“Fragrances”, which can be any number of blended ingredients, are often the culprit of allergic reactions, leaving your skin red, irritated, and possibly with a rash. Polyethylene Glycol, also known as PEG, enhances the skin's ability to absorb. This is useful for moisturizers but puts the skin at a higher risk of absorbing toxic chemicals both in and outside of the product. 

 

Gentle Effects 

Fun fact, the skin on your face, especially around your eyes, is thinner than most of the skin on your body! Due to this, our face can take longer to heal from skin damage than thicker skin in other areas, such as your arms or legs. Since cosmetic products are routinely used on the face, it’s important to choose brands that will be gentle on the already delicate area. 

For this same reason, gentle exfoliation is preferred over harsh scrubbing. Cleansing and exfoliating should be performed in light, gentle circles. Avoid pulling or pushing your skin, which can lead to wrinkles, irritation, and weak skin. 

Author: Caitlin Chrismon

Sources:

Chrismon, C., & Rodriguez, G. (n.d.). What You Should Know About Alcohol in Skincare. Retrieved from https://www.plowipes.com/blogs/plowipes-blog/what-you-should-know-about-alcohol-in-skincare

Chrismon, C. (n.d.). The Shocking Miracle of Paulownia. Retrieved from https://www.plowipes.com/blogs/plowipes-blog/the-shocking-miracle-of-paulownia

Kelly, D. (2013, October 18). What is The Difference Between the Skin On Your Face and Your Body? Retrieved from https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/information/skin-types/what-is-the-difference-between-the-skin-on-your-face-and-your-body-.htm

Orgaid. (n.d.). Top 8 Harmful Chemicals to Avoid in Skin Care. Retrieved from https://www.orgaid.com/blogs/news/82910919-top-10-harmful-chemicals-to-avoid-in-skin-care

Tomorrow, B. & G. (2016, October 26). Why Natural Ingredients Are Better For Your Skin and Actually Work. Retrieved from https://blueandgreentomorrow.com/spend/natural-ingredients-better-skin-actually-work/

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