Worrying about age and its impact on our appearance does not allow us to be present or mindful but rather compares how we look today with how we looked in our youth (the past) or how we fear we will look in the future. I absolutely believe better care of the skin can improve its appearance but I avoid the term anti-aging for this reason. Who wants to be against our very destiny?

It is all natural, right? I get this question from clients and friends frequently. They know me and my history of really delving into ingredient lists; of skin products/cosmetics and food.

A couple of points to keep in mind:

Natural is a word that is difficult to define. It is not regulated by the FDA* so it holds little meaning on labels on cosmetics and food. Of course some companies hold very high standards of purity and wholeness and for them it absolutely has meaning. The job for us is to decipher who those companies are.

You can read more about high standards to which I hold my Mantle Skincare products in an earlier (6/28/2013) blog post.

It is a rare bird that cooks every thing from scratch with organic whole foods, and relies solely upon the cosmetic chemistry of her own kitchen for skin care. Even fewer allow their faces to be adorned only with color achieved by pinching their cheeks and eating berries. Most of us allow concessions for some conveniences and shortcuts when it comes to the food we eat and the products we use.

*The FDA’s site states: The FDA has not developed a definition for use of the term natural or its derivatives. However, the agency has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances. Furthermore the FDA has very little to do with cosmetic regulations. FD&C (Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic) Act does not authorize FDA to approve cosmetic ingredients except for color additives. FDA oversees compliance but doesn’t require approval before marketed. (The FDA regulates sunscreen, because of its classification as an over-the-counter drug.)

So “natural” has little meaning and you can’t count on the Feds to monitor the millions of ingredients that go into products for the skin. They aren’t equipped to do it. They not only are likely to make a mess of it if they tried, but also would make it very difficult for the smaller companies to make products, especially from plants because their chemistry is complex.

Notice I don’t describe things as toxic, dirty or full-of-chemicals.

I am a chemistry teacher’s daughter. Water is a chemical. Chemical is not a dirty word. 

I don’t like the term anti-aging. I understand the desire to turn back the clock but we need to be graceful and accepting with some aspects of aging. Resist media messages and sales people that use this fear to sell. Many products simply cannot do the things they claim to be able to do! A balanced life that includes whole food nutrition, ample physical activity, and deep connections with family & friends is key to a beauty that reflects health. Intuitively we know this.

How do I decide what I will use in treatments and retail? It takes me a great deal of time. 
For every hour I have spent with my hands on a client I have logged countless more reading, researching and sampling products. My collaboration with my formulator offers me extra confidence, as she also does her homework and has been at this for 16 years.
 
Yes, there are synthetic ingredients that I avoid but the risks of some of them have been overblown--yet another way fear is used to market to women.
“Natural” is the buzzword of the decade and it is important to know that the term isn’t regulated. I chuckle when I see advertising washed in green knowing that it consists of very commonplace ingredients, synthetics included. “Organic” is a term that is regulated, though commonly used without the proper certification. Many ingredients in my own line have met this distinction. Equally important to me is that they perform well, are affordable to many and their ingredient lists are non-manipulated and honest.

Botanicals can reduce inflammation, irritation & hyperpigmentation, improve tone, stimulate collagen, reduce cellular damage and aid in detoxification. They can address all the concerns that come with aging. They work gently for gradual, dependable, beautiful and sustainable results!