Natural Skin Care and Cosmeceuticals Take Center Stage

Sorting through the science and learning about herbal medicine and natural health can be challenging for physicians and dermatologists evaluating natural skin care alternatives for the patients. In the article “‘Natural skincare’: While searching for products, derms must weed out imposters” published in Dermatology Times, John Jesitus discusses the trend of green cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and skincare products with Helen M. Torok, medical director, Trillium Creek Dermatology and Surgery, and clinical professor of dermatology, Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy;  and Emily Fritchey, founder and president, Sunshine Botanicals, a manufacturer of botanical skincare formulations.   

Currently there is no “official” organic or natural certification process for cosmetics and personal care, which could potentially make it more difficult to sort authentic natural products from the imposters. Torok and Fritchey offered some advice when selecting, evaluating or even manufacturing skin care products:

 Know your sources. Where did the herbs or botanicals originate? This is important, especially when looking for a product produced without pesticides and herbicides.

Watch for additives. Formaldehydes, phthalates and ehthylene oxide are some preservatives in skincare products that can be harmful. Look for alternatives, such as citric acid.

Check purity, bioavailability and stability. ‘Angel dusting’ is when manufactures add a raw material in a product for the label claim, but the amount is not enough to deliver a therapeutic dose. Topical preparations must contain sufficient concentrations of natural ingredients to deliver the desired results.

Beware of potential interactions. Because of the high concentrations sometimes needed in an herbal or botanical application to deliver results can also cause irritation and aggravate existing conditions. For example, high vitamin C content can aggravate rosacea.

Avoid the fragrance loophole. Manufacturers can list “fragrance” on a label and not have to disclose any of the ingredients that make up that fragrance.

In another article that also appeared in Dermatology Times, Torok and Fritchey showcased a handful of promising herbs, enzymes, antioxidants that can boost skin healing for conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne, dermatitis and aging skin/wrinkles. Read their choices for natural ingredients that can heal problematic skin, here.

Source:

Dermatology Times:‘Natural skincare’: While searching for products, derms must weed out imposters

Dermatology Times: Alternative treatments: Herbs, enzymes, antioxidants boost healing