Renewing your Skincare

In 2009, I began to organize my toiletries, as I started becoming more conscious about the effects of chemicals on our skin. It's a simple luxury for me to enjoy a great bath, or to pamper my skin with great products. But after working in Cosmetics for years, I was beginning to question the products we were using in our own bathrooms, and which ones were causing more harm than good. When one of my former bosses started proclaiming he would ban all parabens in his skin care regime, I became curious. I started reading up more on the subject, and found myself subconsciously getting rid of all the products that had these harmful ingredients.



What are parabens?
Parabens are synthetic preservatives used in a lot of consumer products - from cosmetics to food. If you check one of your toiletries at home - such as that new lotion you just bought, chances are it may contain ingredients such as methrylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. These parabens function like preservatives, to help make products last longer. The danger they pose is when they enter your skin for a prolonged period and exposure, as it is absorbed by the skin & may affect the body's hormone system. Read more on the potential effects on women, young adults and men at Livestrong.com


Two sides of the story
In 2003, a UK study in Reading found parabens present in breast tumours. In 2004, the study was published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology which caused alarm bells to ring, leading the great debate on the effects of parabens. The US FDA has not yet banned the use of parabens by cosmetic manufacturers. Whilst in the UK, Cinco Vidas  - a blog about cancer survival, noted that retailer Holland & Barrett (largest chain of health food shops, circa 500 stores) banned all products containing parabens and sodium lauryl sulfates.


The debate continues on, but as for me, I would much rather err on the side of caution, and find ways to reduce exposure to these ingredients. Living a fast-paced city life, it's not possible for me to totally remove all products with parabens, as they are in about 60% of the products I use. All I can do is to try to  replace some key cosmetics such as my skincare, to reduce possible side effects later.


Here are some great products I have tried and loved through the years:
REN is my favorite skin care brand that I first tried in 2009, I started with the Vita Mineral Day Cream which I bought on holiday in Hong Kong. It's a lightweight day moisturizer for normal skin, it was perfect to apply in the morning before make-up, as it did felt hydrating yet didn't feel too greasy on the skin.
As I started taking the paraben free quest more seriously, I went on to try the entire range suited for my skin - adding a Franckinsense Night Cream, which I found very helpful during the colder months in HK, and now it is a daily staple for the climate changes in London ! The cream again glides very easily onto the skin, and helps to soothe the skin as it repairs itself during sleep.

I also tried their body range, which is a beautiful combination of Moroccan Rose oils, lotions and sugar polishes ! It smells divine after a bath, and leaves skin moisturized and glowing.

Other brands I love include Aesop - particularly love the Cleansing ranges like the Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser which smells lovely, and not overpowering in the shower. I also stocked up a lot on Jurlique over the years - everything from its Rose Hand Cream, Lavender Hydrating Mist (great for travel), and the divine Body Oils that are perfect for giving yourself a treat after a long day!

 The quest continues to find excellent products that provide the benefits - moisturising, great smelling, easy application - but most importantly, doesn't cause long-term health risks. I also like products that are well-designed in both form & function, for example shower gel bottles that look great in your bath but also have ergonomic pumps, won't break easily & are recyclable.
I'll keep you posted on more great products I find, and will only write about the ones that I've really road tested.


Til then, stay radiant !


L
xx