Rejuvenate with nature

Chemical and colour free natural personal care and beauty products are not only better for the earth but their eco properties also make them much better for you.
According to Narelle Chenery, the creator of Miessence, an organic skin and cosmetic range, “There has a been a shift in consumer sentiment with more women wanting products with naturally occurring ingredients. People want to invest in their health and well being rather than applying products to their skin that contains synthetic additives”
Life Style Plantation spoke to Vicki from Life Organic to get some expert insight about natural beauty products.

Q. What is the main difference between natural beauty products & conventional products?
They don’t have the harsh chemicals normally found in cosmetics, namely propylene glycol, formaldehyde and parraben.
Propylene glycol is a real ‘baddy’ because it can cause kidney damage and liver abnormalities, contact dermatitis, neuro toxicity and CNS depression, skin rashes and dry skin.
It is found in anything from moisturisers, perfumes and lipsticks, suntan lotions, hair conditioners, cigarettes, paint and ice cream and even anti-freeze brake fluids.

Q Why would you recommend using natural as opposed to conventional beauty products?
Conventional beauty products contain carcinogens, therefore natural alternatives provide better health benefits helping you to avoid cancer. They are also a better environmental choice.

Q What brands do you recommend?
My recommendations would be Dr Hauschka and Lavera and Miesscence.
Dr Hauschka is a German brand that’s been around for 40 years and has a great reputation. European countries have been practicing alternative skin care products much longer than we have in Australia.
Lavera is also German, but slightly more affordable and is becoming increasingly popular in Australia.
Miesscnce is an Australian brand that makes certified organic, home grown cosmetics, body care and health care products.

Q What ingredients should I be looking for in skincare and cosmetic products?
Anything botanical or made with natural oils. Watch that there is no mineral or petroleum oils. Natural waxes like beeswax are a great choice because they are absorbed by the skin and create a protective barrier and seal to moisturise. Also good are natural minerals which are derived from the earth such as iron oxide, used to give colouring to a product.For shampoos, I would recommend products by Lavera and ‘Wild’ because they do not contain sodium lauryl sulphate. This is a chemical found in a lot of creams and moisturisers or anything else that creates a lather.

Q What about for children and pets?
A good certified organic baby product range is Gaia, these products are enriched with moisturising natural oils to keep your babies skin clean and soft without irritation, dryness and itchiness.
Holistic Select Pet Food is wholesome, gourmet food for the discerning pet. They are made from natural ingredients and without chemicals or harm to the environment.