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| Source: Photorack.net |
When shopping for skin care products, you often see catchy labels claiming that the bottle's content is made from natural ingredients or extracts. But are natural products any better than synthetic ones? Or are they similar in terms of effectiveness on the skin?
Each natural ingredient addresses to certain problem areas. Say, cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is believed to be effective for reducing stretch marks and soothing dry flaky skin. Another common natural ingredient is the soy, which is used to reduce brown spots. Green tea helps protect the skin against UV damage. The list for natural ingredients goes on. A helpful tip when buying skin care products is to find the ones containing specific ingredients that will solve your skin problems.
Don't be led to believe though that natural ingredients are always better for you in terms of effectiveness. According to WebMD, some products become more effective when ingredients are derived synthetically, particularly anti-aging products. Beauty products that were synthesized in the laboratory are more effective in reducing wrinkles that already exist whereas natural products only prevent wrinkles that are yet to appear. Some of the natural ingredients become even more potent when treated in the laboratory. Also, despite the many benefits of natural ingredients, most of the manufacturers use them in trace amounts, leading to little or no benefit at all on the skin.
So, the label "natural" is merely a marketing ploy. Besides, the term "natural" may not be as natural as you think. Because this aspect isn't really regulated by the government, manufacturers may claim their product as such even by just putting in a few drops of natural ingredients in the bottle. I have seen many sellers claiming their skin care products to be natural or even organic when the fact is, their ingredients list show parabens and sulfates. Even if the product is genuinely natural, but not all natural ingredients are suitable for sensitive skin. Certain ingredients such as coconut oil may even lead to acne breakouts. If you still prefer natural products, look at the ingredients list instead of the front label, and read the fine print carefully. If the natural ingredient is listed as one of the first few components, then it means the concentration is relatively higher than the other ingredients listed after it.
Source: WebMD
