Are your skincare products affecting your health?

Did you know that what you put on your skin, is just as important to your overall health, as what you eat?

You may have heard of the adage, "you are what you eat".  At Stem Organics, we also believe that "you are what you apply to your skin".

Everything you touch or that touches you matters.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It’s not just a protective covering for your insides, it is an organ in its own right. If you try to eat natural, healthy foods, why would you put chemicals on your skin? Substances that affect your overall health and wellbeing don’t simply enter your body through your digestive system. Often-overlooked, the transdermal route allows beneficial and damaging substances to enter your bloodstream through your skin.

Just as important as checking the ingredients on the back of food products, you should also check the list of ingredients on the back of your skincare products. If the list includes complex chemical names you should be wary.

Nasty ingredients to avoid

Parabens (also listed as methylparaben, butylparaben and propylparaben)
Often found in shampoo and moisturisers, Parabens are synthetic preservatives that have been shown to cause health problems.

Fragrance (also listed as Parfum):
This is often how you will see it listed in the ingredients because companies are not forced to elaborate on what kinds of fragrances are used. They are often synthetic and can be problematic.

Mineral Oil
Despite the healthy sounding name, these oil is anything but. Mineral oils are derived from petroleum and can clog your pores and speed up ageing. Even baby oil is actually a mineral oil.

A comprehensive list of skincare ingredients that can be detrimental to your health and the environment can be found here.

The fact is, there isn’t as much regulation over skincare ingredients as there is in food. Some companies are using chemicals that can be harmful to you and the environment. The only way to be safe is to read your ingredients and do your own research.

In comparison, Stem Organics uses natural and organic ingredients that are gentle on skin. This is especially important if your skin is prone to irritation. Our products do not contain chemicals or preservatives that could have detrimental effects on your health or the environment.

Natural alternatives to look out for

Green Tea
A powerful natural antioxidant, Green Tea is not only beneficial to your health when you drink it, but is also wonderful when applied to your skin. It is high in antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory, making it very soothing for your skin. This is included in our Antioxidant Toning Infusion, Nourishing Body Lotion and Fresh Start Serum.

Witch Hazel
Instead of harsh, synthetic toners, we use Witch Hazel , a naturally astringent product. It can reduce redness as well as control oil. Just make sure any Witch Hazel you buy doesn’t have any added alcohol. Our Antioxidant Toning Infusion includes this ingredient.

Natural Oils
Argan Oil, Coconut Oil and Jojoba Oil and other natural oils, are far more beneficial for your skin than synthetic moisturisers. They provide nutrients as they soak into skin and help keep it hydrated. Jojoba Oil is similar in composition to your skin's natural oil. Jojoba Oil is contained in the following products: Balancing Face Fluid, Fresh Start Serum, Exquisite Face Fluid, Gentle Cleansing Milk, Nourishing Body Lotion, Refining Body Scrub, Rejuvenating Face Oil, Refining Facial Massage Oil and Smooth Skin Exfoliant,

Essential Oils
For fragrance, you can't beat essential oils. They have unique health benefits as well as a delicate, natural fragrance. Tea tree oil is a great natural antiseptic and lavender essential oil helps to calm the nerves.

Stem Organics uses these wonderful natural ingredients in our products

Kakadu Plum
Native to Northern Australia, this fruit contains an incredible array of vitamins, nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. It is the world’s richest source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and can help dramatically increase the production of collagen, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Pomegranate
Like the Kakadu Plum, pomegranates are also rich in Vitamin C. This fruit may be one of the most potent wrinkle-fighters, with its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant rich polyphenols.

Aloe
Instead of water, we use aloe as a base for our products. It’s great for calming and soothing irritated skin and is full of nutrients.