When we think about skincare we often compare active against natural, right? Let's consider for a moment that the skin is your largest and most visible organ. It responds in exactly the same manner as every other part of your body to nutrients, toxins, care and nurturing. Yet it’s interesting that you are more likely to subject it first to the criteria of aesthetics reaching for aggressive and synthetic ingredients rather than remembering the key principles of health.
So, let’s look at what’s stopping you from reaching for a botanical skincare solution. One that allows you to experience luminous, glowing and healthy skin; the kind of complexion you can enjoy regardless of age.
Natural and active have always been pitted against each other as if they are both mutually exclusive outcomes. The better question might be framed around what are the skins most basic nutritional demands. When we consider a product formula we want to know the nutrient value of each individual ingredient. Naturally occurring plant compounds are rich and complex. Their chemical profiles embrace vital nutritional content including antioxidants, phyto-nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and minerals essential to repair and protect skin. The best part is that these compounds are biochemically compatible with our skin. Because they are made from the same chemical building blocks our skin cells can easily recognise and metabolise the compounds to increase cellular repair and regeneration. It’s important to remember that we are not formulating with pure plant ingredients just because they are safe. Who wants a benign or empty formula? No, we are using bioavailable plant actives because they are effective, active and nutritionally dense. They deliver pure skin nutrition that is easily absorbed at a cellular level!1. Will I get results?
An authentic botanical range is plant based right throughout the ingredient listing. Sadly, some skincare brands need only have 1% of a natural ingredient to label the range as ‘natural’. Even then, think about what is natural? Coal, cadmium, mercury... Education is key! Taking a moment to look at ingredient listings will show you the value you are receiving from your seemingly more affordable products. Unfortunately, some organic brands have stripped the active content to affordably certify the product, leaving an empty formulation full of water. Look for brands where the formulations are rich with concentrates of omega plant oils, vitamins, naturopathic concentrates of herbs flowers and fruits, and clinical grade aromaceuticals with advanced actives to deliver real and lasting results. Great formulations will have these layered right from the very beginning of the label listing.2. Aren’t they more expensive?
There are really only four key reasons the skin ages prematurely.3. Are they really anti-ageing?
- Firstly there is photo damage; the suns way of punishing your skin for not showing it the appropriate level of respect.
- Secondly is lifestyle. We are talking about the big four; smoking, lack of exercise, bad diet and maybe a few too many cocktails. All of these accelerate the ageing process.
- Thirdly is glycation. This is the effect that sugar has on our skin. Simply put sugar causes inflammation in our connective tissue and the result is not dissimilar to microwaving your face.
- All of the above are easily preventable. It’s the last one that I’m most interested in…Inflammation!
The popularity of natural and organic has seen some brands bending their marketing to boost commercial appeal. How can you be sure the ingredients are natural and the product is botanically active? Easy. We simply encourage you to pick up the box and read the label. Does the product contain mineral oil, synthetic fillers, petrochemicals, sulphates, propylene glycol or synthetic fragrances and colours? It’s not so much that these ingredients are harmful, more that they are just plain lazy contributing no nutrition or activity to the product. Instead of asking if the product is natural, the better question is to know the percentage and content of nutritionally rich botanical ingredients. Read the label, know the company, understand their philosophy and ask questions! Your skin is your largest and most visible organ. If you think about your skin as your intestines turned inside out, then a nutrient rich botanical skin solution becomes the only obvious answer. Clean and green!4. How do I know it is natural?
Waterlily is a professionally exclusive skin solution stocked in leading salons and exquisite day spas nationally. Each formula is rich in omega serums, organic mineral rich clay, exotic fruit extracts, herbal infusions and marine nutrients blended with clinical grade essential oils. WATERLILY... pure skin nutrition!
