Synthetic vs. Natural Skin Moisturizers

You may ask what’s the difference in what I put on my skin, as long as it smells good or feels good on my skin? While that reasoning may be common among many, it is really something rather important that’s worth a second look.

Did you know the skin is the largest organ in your body? That’s right, it’s not just a blanket for our bones, it actually serves many functions. What’s happening with our skin is a good indicator of what’s going on inside our bodies. One of its many functions is to detoxify our bodies which is vital to our well-being.

Imagine taking a huge role of plastic wrap and wrapping it tightly over your skin every day. Sounds silly right? What kind of effect do you think this will have on your body? Your skin won’t be able to breathe, your pores will be choking, nothing good can get in, and nothing bad can get out. Sounds like a recipe for disaster!

Believe it or not, this is what we do to our bodies when we put synthetic moisturizers on our skin.  The main synthetic moisturizers found in many commercial products, are mineral oil and petroleum. While these moisturizers may seem to provide your skin with the moisture it needs, these ingredients coat our skin like plastic wrap, forming a tight seal where nothing can be taken in or released. Some products contain more than others and the degree to which this is happening, determines the severity of this.

Here are 5 healthier natural alternatives for your skin:

1. Pure Coconut Oil-antimicrobial, rich in Vitamin E, providing a sweet, natural fragrance.
2. Raw Shea Butter-provides a heavier, thicker coat without clogging pores, gives the skin a natural glow.
3. Almond Oil– a lighter oil, rich in vitamin e, calcium, and magnesium.
4. Grapeseed Oil-lighter oil, non-greasy, powerful anti-oxidant.
5. Olive Oil- effective for dry skin and inflammatory conditions of the skin.

With these healthier alternatives, not only are you allowing your skin to breathe, but you’re also allowing the absorption of the many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients found in these natural moisturizers.

As always, remember to read those labels on the back to know what you’re really getting!

Until next time…Be Healthy, Be Whole, Be You!

Kay Davis