Moisturising Naturally

MMoisturising which nourishes, firms and minimises dull looking skin and lines - takes on a new importance once the skin's functions are understood.

Many of us tend to let skin be until dryness, oiliness, a rash, or a wrinkle, draws their attention. As our body's largest organ, skin plays an important role and is often taken for granted. Our skin regulates temperature by producing sweat to cool us down, while blood vessels also open up to diffuse heat when we are overheated.

Skin is the protective shield between us and the outside world. It serves as a water repellent and protects us from the environment, particularly the sun. The skin has tactile sensations - it is sensitive to touch, pressure, vibration and tickling - and thermal sensation - responding to heat and coolness.

Skin also excretes salt and water, absorbs substances (such as nutrients) and produces Vitamin D from sunlight. Epidermis, the topmost layer of the skin, itself contains many layers. The surface layer is made up of dead skin cells (keratinocytes - cells that make the protein keratin). Between these cells are lipids that create a water-repellent barrier. These form the protective crust of the skin.

Oil glands are attached to the skin's hair follicles, and secrete sebum, which lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair. A natural moisturiser, sebum also prevents excessive evaporation of water from the skin. If too little sebum is produced, this can lead to excessive dryness and wrinkling, while conversely, over-production of sebum can lead to acne.

A moisturiser should not interrupt with the normal processes of the skin, but rather complement them. This is why moisturisers made of natural ingredients are better as they act in harmony with the dynamic nature of the skin, rather than drenching it in chemicals.

Natural & Organic Moisturisers
Natural & Organic Skin Care products are growing quickly across the world and are the next generation of Skin Care. There is now a large range of Natural & Organic Moisturisers.

They say that imitation is the best form of flattery. Interestingly over the last few years the major brands, have released “organic” or “natural” products. But there is a world of difference between these products and truly organic products such as MiEssences, Mukti, Clariscents and Pure Earth.

Natural & Organic Moisturisers – What to look for?
So what do you need to look for when shopping for a natural & organic moisturiser and what should you avoid?

Look for products that:
• are certified by The National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia (NASAA) or by Australian Certified Organic (ACO).
• have natural products in their ingredients lists
• contain do not contain petrochemicals, parabens, or sulphates.
• use natural preservatives like tea tree oil, or a combination of various essential oils that have antimicrobial activity (eg lavender, lemon, rose, rosemary, sage, sandalwood), grape seed extract or honey.
• are Australian made. Not only does Australia have stringent organic standards, but agriculture in Australia a relatively new and therefore has better quality growing conditions than its overseas equivalent.

Avoid products that:
• have the word “organic” or “natural” in their brand name but don’t have organic certification.
• have lots of chemical sounding names in the ingredients list

Cheers Sonya