Why 'natural' is the way to go in skincare

Is it just me or is the entire world suddenly bending backwards for natural and organic products? All of a sudden, it seems like every brand in the market is coming up with an all-natural product line in addition to their existing ones. The question is - should you jump onto the natural bandwagon?
I admit I feel drawn to a product if the label has either of the three words written on it - natural/organic/chemical-free. To a certain extent, it's even understandable to use natural products. But why the sudden fad? Were we less aware of organic products or did they just not exist in the markets before?
Organic is not just something that we should put into our mouths. Everything that touches our skin ­- soap, makeup, lotions - gets absorbed into our body too. Organic beauty products are better for your skin because what you put on your skin eventually ends up inside your body. Though the products in this segment are priced steep, they deliver better results as compared to products containing chemical ingredients - a reason why you should probably try them once. Here are some of my best picks from the natural range:
Herbal Healing
For those of you with problematic skin or acne, Herbline Essentials Problem Skin Scrub (Dh139) should be a must-have in your beauty regime. It contains natural clay to absorb skin's impurities and acts as an astringent to remove blackheads and close pores, offering almost miraculous effects. The formulation contains tiny granules that are not harsh on the skin and uses margosa, brahmi (bacopa) and basil extracts, which are powerful natural antiseptics that clear infections and heal damaged skin. It can be used daily as a wet scrub or applied once or twice a week and allowed to dry before washing off for maximum effect.
Sponge Sparkle
One of my absolute favourites, the Konjac Sponge Co. Charcoal Sponge is no joke, and worth adding to your skincare stash. Made from the root of the Konjac plant, this little gem is packed with minerals, which deep clean skin pores to eliminate blackheads and dirt whilst absorbing excess oils and toxins. A natural antioxidant, it kills stubborn acne-causing bacteria and is an effective natural treatment for acne sufferers. The perfect detox programme for your face!
Haircare
When it comes to your shampoo and conditioner, natural is the way to go. Conventional haircare products often contain harmful petroleum-based polymers, silicones and synthetic chemicals that strip hair of its natural oils and leave locks dry. Their natural counterparts in The Face Shop's new range Beyond, on the other hand, are designed to cleanse and nourish hair.
Glow-Getter
For those of you who want to not only look good, but feel good, Balanced Guru is the way to go. They have everything you need for a full skincare regimen, and donate to important causes too! After all, the exterior glows only if the interior does. I recommend their facial cleanser. Formulated with a sugar-based surfactant to prevent over-drying your skin, this mild facial cleanser will leave your skin clean and refreshed, remove excess oil and balance your skin to normalise sebum production.
Chocolate Freshness
Invented for younger skin, the Lush chocolate mask is cheerful and cheeky, but still effective. The serious side of this mask has linseed infusion to nourish and soften the skin, fresh mint for toning, cocoa butter to moisturise and rhassoul mud to absorb grease and give a deep cleanse. Some of the fun ingredients in the mask - apart from rhassoul mud - include cocoa powder, cocoa butter, fresh mint, sandalwood oil, vanilla absolute, spearmint oil and peppermint oil. Sounds yummy, doesn't it?
wknd@khaleejtimes.com