What are you putting on your skin?

By Jayne Walker

There is a huge market for 'natural' products and an explosion in the use of the term 'Aromatherapy'- used to sell everything from air freshener & detergents to shampoo, scented candles and soap.

Unfortunately there is no regulation on what 'natural' means (some of the most poisonous things known to man are natural!)
So plenty of room for half truths - cheap synthetic substitutes and the merest whiff of an active plant ingrediant - even with the beautiful flower on the front!
What about the weird and wonderful creams that promise to take years off you?

You know what they say...if it sounds too good to be true.......it probably is!

On a more serious note , many of the chemicals used in everyday products have not been fully tested and were accepted when regulations first came in, as it was thought that the skin was a barrier to anything that could be harmful.
We now know that substances can enter the skin if the molecules are small enough- nicotine and HRT patches indeed rely on the skins permeability.

Some chemicals such as PABA and parabens 'mimic the effect of oestrogen' (*New Scientist 2001) and are commonly used in lots of products including sun creams.
Its not good that we are using creams with hormonal ability- especially as infertility rates increase.

Why take the chance?

Have a look at your deodorant; some scientists believe that the increase in breast cancer could be in part due to the aluminium used.
Sodium Laureth Sulphate is an industrial degreasant and foaming agent used in shampoo, toothpaste, bubble bath & shaving cream etc and is a suspected carcinogen.

So whats the alternative?

There are truly natural, effective and delicious products out there...you don't have to be an unwashed hippy!

For top notch skin and hair care, look out for Aveda, Neals Yard and Liz Earle.

Tui Balmes and Waxes are based on active plant extracts and organic beeswax. These high quality products have various formulations for massage, muscular pain relief, skin & lip balm, cough & cold relief & insect repellent.

Toms of Maine make both unscented & herbal deodorants.You can also buy the rock crystal stone which lasts ages and I've been told is very effective.

Comvita make a fantastic propolis toothpaste with Teatree oil which as great if you're prone to bleeding gums.

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