Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and its condition is obvious to everyone with whom you come in contact. When your body is out of balance, the skin is often the first place to show it. Are you taking care of your skin as you would other organs of your body? Do you know the two most damaging factors to your skin? No. 1 – the sun. No. 2: the products and ingredients we use on our skin.Over 90 percent of the skin care products on the market contain mineral oil, which is a mixture of refined liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It is colorless, transparent, odorless and tasteless. It is an occlusive oil, which means when used in skin-care formulations it creates a protective barrier, sitting on the surface of your skin, blocking the pores and disrupting their normal function. The benefits of any “good” ingredients in a mineral oil base are lost. In poorly refined high concentrations, mineral oil may become comedigenic, meaning it can clog pores and induce acne lesions.Animal products and by-products should not be placed on healthy skin, certainly not sensitive skin. Dyes and artificial fragrances are known irritants and can cause allergic reactions. Soaps and solvent alcohol are very drying to the skin.Nature provides the best skin care ingredients. Learn to be an expert label reader and know what you are putting on your skin. Plants and herbs, together with science and technology, offer superior benefits and results. Nourish your skin with water-based cleansers and moisturizers. Look for natural astringents, like witch hazel, to tone your skin. Instead of mineral oil, choose natural oils that have moisturizing and conditioning properties such as jojoba, almond and wheat germ.Essential fatty acids help nourish and support skin internally. Our bodies cannot produce the essential fatty acids necessary to our everyday diet, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for healthy cell structure (and cardiovascular support, too!). Flaxseed oil is the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids.The most important functions of the skin are protection, temperature regulation, sensation and secretion. It’s gotcha covered – from head to toe! Protect your skin with healthy, nourishing products that are pure, safe and beneficial!Brenda WilkinsDistrict manager for Arbonne International719-495-8225brendawilkinsco@msn.com
