The question that is causing the most confusion in the industry. Should I use natural products for my skin and hair? Is there a difference? What are the benefits or does it even matter? A lot of companies will argue that their products, full of ingredients that you can’t pronounce are better. Here is a look at why natural ingredients should be used on your hair and body.
There are many artificial ingredients that are found in shampoo. First, we will look at some of the ingredients in some popular cosmetics and the effects they have on the body.
Silicone
Silicone is a synthetic material that use found in most popular hair products (shampoos, conditioners, softeners, etc.). Silicones are a large base of materials recognized by names ending in “cone” like dimethicone or methicone copolyol. At its core, silicone has the consistency of plastic or rubber. Silicone coats the hair giving the hair the appearance of shine and softness. If used often, it builds up and is hard to clean. Because it coats the hair, its harder to clean the uses of harsher chemicals in soaps are needed. This causes all the natural oils produced by the skin and hair to be pulled away leaving the hair brittle and dry. The affect is to use more silicone to repair it, but it is a cycle of coating, drying, and coating again.
Phthalates
Phthalates (phtha – late or pha – late) are a group of chemicals that are used to increase the softness of plastics. Dimethyl Phthalate is mainly used in hair products. They are known to be linked to increased risk of some cancers. Phthalates are used in combination with silicone and other chemicals to give the desired affect of softness and shine to hair.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used as a preservative in many hair care products to extend shelf line by preventing the growth of bacteria. This is its only function. It is known to cause allergic skin reactions and be harmful to the immune system.
These are only a few of ingredients found in much of synthetic hair care products.
The article “What are we Made of” gives a detailed list of the ingredients we use and their benefits. Here are some of the benefits of using natural ingredients.
Abundant and Earth Friendly
All the products used in our formulas are grown from plants and the oils gathered by pressing the leaves, bark, and stems. Harmful chemical reactions are avoided. This translates into less harmful waste on the production side and on the consumer side (chemicals going down the drain into water reservoirs only to be treated again).
No Strange Side Effects
Natural ingredients that are use work with the natural chemistry of the body. Many times, the ingredients used have benefits for the overall health of the body, not just hair and skin. Some of the benefits can include the prevention of some cancers, remove toxins from the skin and body, relieve stress, improve the immune system, and reduce headaches.
Over Time
Using the products over time can keep the chemistry of the body in check. It will also promote natural hair growth and skin repair. Over time, using natural products will improve overall quality of life.