Gift of nature 's eco- cosmetics

  • 2009-10-29
  • By Darja Kuznecova

RIGA - There are many ways of how to support our skin and its well-being. It is no secret that cosmetics are based mostly on chemical components. People use them, thinking that it is safe. A large amount of chemicals damages our health and are often the cause of skin allergies and other problems.

Natural eco-cosmetics are becoming more and more popular. Eco-cosmetics on a natural base are designed to make you look and feel great. Natural components of eco-cosmetics nourish, regenerate skin cells and make your skin gentle. But many retailers use the "pure and natural" label to attract new customers. There are three groups of eco-cosmetics represented on market.

"Pure and natural"

This first group is based on chemicals, but attracts customers with great colorful packaging. On the package you can see a visualization of fruit, and captions speak of natural components in the cosmetics. For example, packaging proudly informs you that it's prepared "with an extract of green tea." In reality, extract of green tea is a chemically invented formula. Attentive study of product ingredients shows us that vegetative extracts stand at the end of the list, and makes up just 1 percent of the product. As a rule these kinds of cosmetics have an aroma-creating illusion. It contains minimum active ingredients to create the smell of the depicted plant. In reality, it is only an artificial perfumery fragrance. These kinds of cosmetics cannot apply for a qualification as 'natural.'

More close to the nature

The second group of cosmetics with natural components is widespread. These are middle class eco-cosmetics, which contain natural and chemical components in equal proportions. Mostly, they are created on the basis of natural ingredients with chemical combinations and chemically proven vitamins. These cosmetics can be of very high quality and can be bought in a range of stores. It is a subculture of mass-usage cosmetics, based on great marketing and availability. You can find them in every mall. Some stock brands in this market group make special offers and consultations for customers. You can choose the best one for yourself, according to the type and needs of your skin. Often this segment of eco-cosmetics has a long period of actualization and pleasantly smells of perfume. However, this group of eco-cosmetics is still far from 100 percent natural.

100% natural

The third group of eco-cosmetics is based on natural ingredients only.  By using the purest vegetable extracts, distilled water, oils and butters from oily seeds and fruits, the best animal by-products such as milk, honey and beeswax, eco-cosmetics have developed a skincare system that is 100 percent natural and effective. This kind of eco-cosmetics is free of synthetic fragrances, coloring agents and preservatives. Usually they contain no artificial additives or emulsifiers, and cleansing agents are of natural origin, pigment-free and no chemicals. They  use natural fragrances such as essences of citrus or flowers. Often eco-cosmetics are not tested on animals. The realization period for this group of eco-cosmetics is too short, only about 3-6 months. That's why the price of such an eco-gift starts from 15-20 euros per pack. Its price is very near to the luxury segment of the market.

NOTE!

There are some rules of using and keeping 100 percent natural eco-cosmetics. First of all, you should keep all eco-cosmetic products in a refrigerator to preserve all their natural components and effects. You should take a certain amount of cream using a wooden stick, not with your fingers. This will help you avoid bacterialization of the cream. Read instructions carefully and don't forget to look at the term of safe usage for the eco-cosmetic product. Usage periods for eco-cosmetics are shorter than for other chemically based cosmetics. 


The most valuable ingredients in eco-cosmetics

Eco-cosmetics are nature's gift to humanity. In earlier times, our ancestors used tree oils, plants and extracts of seeds to treat and clean skin. There are many different components of eco-cosmetics. We will tell you about the main eco-cosmetics ingredients.

Tea tree. Tea tree oil extract successfully struggles with acne, pigmentation and spots on the skin. The huge advantage of tea tree is its antibacterial and calming effect. This oil eliminates spots, simultaneously supporting normal humidity with the skin.

Green tea. The chemical formula of green tea is similar to caffeine. There is only one difference: green tea doesn't cause side-effects. This ingredient improves blood circulation, regulates cell regeneration and gives energy to cells. It is also known as antibacterial and antiseptic. Some specialists say that green tea normalizes the endocrine glands.

Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus has a very interesting effect on skin. It calms the skin and regulates its fat balance. Eucalyptus also tightens enlarged pores and helps to prevent acne. Especially widespread features are in aroma therapy techniques. Essence of eucalyptus is used in massage to relax muscles and the nerve system.

Lemon essence. Lemon normalizes the secretion of fats. It improves the appearance of dull, mature and inelastic skin. Regular use of eco-cosmetics with lemon eliminates small fractures of the skin. It also reduces the small hypodermic damages of blood vessels. Lemon minimizes traces from the damaged vessels. The lemon has strengthening features. It is one of the most widespread components for nail oils. It also has bleaching features, which are used in masks and creams. Lemon is ideally suited for mature skin.

Calendula. This plant renders curative and therapeutic effects on the skin. It treats burns, eliminates skin reddening and calms the skin. It smoothes small folds, stains and scars of the skin. Calendula restores and normalizes the hydro balance of skin. Extract of calendula helps to treat colds and allergies.

Honey. Our ancestors called bee honey the drink of gods. Honey is an incomparable, rich source of vitamins, salts, proteins, minerals and organic acids. It is the most valuable medicine for skin. It reduces scars and stains. Honey has antibacterial and humidifying features. It also nourishes the skin.