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Over the last decade, the natural beauty industry has come to the forefront with a bang! Products advertising keywords like “non-toxic,” “preservative-free,” and “all-natural organically grown ingredients” are selling out at a massive scale. This boom in natural skincare is largely due to influencers touting their own experiences and how ‘going natural’ cleared their skin and stopped breakouts forever!

But what does that mean for synthetic ingredients used in most consumer products? Nowadays, people are far more conscious about what they put on their skin, demanding transparency for both what’s in the product and how it’s made, from an ethical and earth-conscious standpoint.

So does this mean we should ditch one entirely in our pursuit of better, healthy, and clearer skin? If you have done your research, you will have seen the general opinion divided between going natural or sticking to traditional skincare. While certain chemicals may cause sensitivity, the same goes for natural ingredients, where not all natural ingredients will be suitable for every skin type.  You decide.

What Is Natural Skincare?

There is no set definition of what makes a product natural because every individual views the term "natural" as different. In general, ‘natural skincare’ means using products with plant-based ingredients in their manufacturing and formulation. Plant-based products are readily provided to us by mother earth, also meaning that they are free of fillers like parabens, harsh preservatives, or sometimes even water.

What makes a product natural, green, and organic depends on how the ingredients were farmed and harvested. For a product to meet the “natural” standards, it must be grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Likewise, for an essential oil to be "natural,” it should be “cold-pressed” rather than exposed to heat or chemicals.

What Is Synthetic Skincare?

Synthetic skincare, on the other hand, means products formulated with human-made and laboratory manufactured ingredients. These ingredients are backed up by scientific data and research and are, in essence, chemical copies of natural ingredients.

Why Synthetic Skincare Is Controversial

Researchers and consumer health advocates have seen a connection between harmful chemicals in consumer products and the rise of unexplained diseases that affect both men and women. Suspected carcinogens like formaldehyde (used in nail polish and body wash) and coal tar (used in shampoos and hair dyes) are now under scrutiny in beauty products.  Heavy metals, along with hormone-disrupting chemicals like parabens and phthalates, are also recognized as unsafe, showing adverse effects at even small dosages.  What is unclear is the interaction of these chemicals among themselves and in our bodies. Parabens can react with phthalates to produce a derivative or a compound far more dangerous or aid in the overall additive effect of the disrupting hormone production. Recent studies are now unlocking the link to several illnesses to the buildup of these chemicals over time in our bodies.

Benefits of Natural Skincare

Ingredients are Skin Deep
Everything we put on our skin becomes part of our body either through direct contact, absorption, inhalation or via cells.  No matter the path, skincare products eventually enter our bloodstream and can affect bodily systems. 

Everything Ends Up In The Sea
As mentioned, nothing stays on the surface of your skin. As “all drains lead to the ocean,” we should be mindful as individuals and play our part in keeping the environment safe. Synthetic ingredients affect wildlife and their habitats, so being mindful is important universally.

No “Secret Ingredients”
Most synthetic skincare products can get away without mentioning certain ingredients under the banner of “trade secrets.” There is no such loophole when it comes to natural skincare, as there isn’t a reason to hide any ingredients!

Synthetics Can Pass Onto Developing Babies
As the body absorbs topical skincare products, they readily enter the bloodstream. If you’re expecting, it is no surprise that the baby’s body is absorbing the same chemicals.  Many synthetic compounds are estrogenic and affect the balance of hormones and may impact the development of the baby.

Natural Skincare Is Nourishing For Your Skin
Our skin is an alive and breathing organ, with cells active and working without rest. They, too, get hungry and need energy and nourishment. Our skin readily absorbs natural skincare products. These natural products act as a food source for the cells, nourishing our skin and body alike.

How to Switch Toward “Green Beauty?”

Making the switch definitely shouldn't be an overnight process - but it's something that should happen NOW. Making the switch to clean skincare means you are putting healthy and natural ingredients in your body that promote optimal well-being so you don't have to sacrifice health for beauty.  The first thing to identify is to know your skin type and what suits it. Book an appointment with a qualified esthetician . Ask about ingredients likely to cause a reaction on your skin. Your esthetician will also help you outline a workable skincare routine that works for you.

Next, change one skincare product at a time. This strategy will make it easier to know which ones suit you and which ones cause a reaction. Introduce a new product every week to better monitor your skin.  Be patient. You aren’t likely to see results until three weeks after you switch to natural products. Consistency is key.  Do a little research. Read up on a few ingredients. Know what your skin requires. For instance, Willow Bark extract is a derivative of salicylic acid that helps reduce acne. Likewise, if you are looking for an anti-aging product, antioxidant ingredients and vitamins like C and E should be on the list. Another fine discovery is Vitamin A through beta-carotene's — such as carrot seed oil and rosehip seed oil, where your body converts it into retinol molecules, another anti-aging product known to smooth wrinkles and stimulate collagen production.

Terms to Look For when Choosing Natural Products:

Certified Organic

For a product to be “certified” as organic by an organization such as FDA, it needs to 95-100% formulated by ingredients farmed and harvested naturally. Natural farming entails cultivating without the aid of any chemicals (inclusive of fertilizers and pesticides). If a product claims it is made up of organic ingredients but is not certified, it means it contains 70% of organic ingredients.

Phthalate-Free

Phthalate is a product found in soaps and shampoos. Diethylphthalate (DEP), a derivative of this, is used in fragrance as an ingredient. As of 2016, phthalates are a known carcinogens.

Paraben-Free

Paraben is a preservative; its inclusion keeps bacteria and mold from building within products. These often include the following terms on a list of ingredients: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben. Researchers found that parabens get easily absorbed by your skin, and they stay in your body tissues and fluids.

Sulfate-Free

Sodium lauryl sulfate, better known as a “surfactant,” are virtually in all and shampoos.  While sulfates help remove dirt and dead skin cells from your scalp, they are a known irritant that can also strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dry and brittle.

Bottom Line

People are becoming very cautious about what they put on their skin and what they consume. Besides, going all-natural and organic is better for the environment, as well. Lots of green, natural skincare companies like Renu Natural's are ethical and have proper sourcing of our ingredients. Also, the lack of by-products in our products is a big plus as the manufacturing process focuses on the main compound.  Likewise, most natural skincare products generate significantly less “residual waste” as they have eco-friendly packaging. Also, supporting your local organic skincare products reduces the overall carbon footprint as less shipping and transport are involved. Just a few things to contemplate before making your next skincare purchase, for your health, your skin’s health and the health of our environment!

Is your skincare routine getting results? 4 Steps to Clean, Healthy and Nourished Skin.

Summer months warrant a special skin care regimen – one that hydrates and keeps your skin clean and grime-free. 

Save when you purchase our beauty regimen for after-sun-care. Our non-comedogenic products combat skin congestion caused from the viscosity of sunscreen and grime which clog pores and creates skin congestion. 

Step 1:  Cleanse    |    Step 2:  Tone    |    Step 3:  Treat    |    Step 4:  Moisturize

Cleansing the skin is always Step 1:  Dry Skin craves hydration and Oily Skin craves balance and clarity. 

Purifying Gel Cleanser removes make-up and cleanses your skin without drying out your natural oils. Infused with Green Tea, Organic Honeyquat and Lactic Acid, all skin types can enjoy the benefits.  The blend of antioxidants will protect the skin, while vitamins B, C & E will nourish. The Honeyquat from pure liquid honey will hydrate and bind moisture, while Lactic Acid brightens, smooths, and evens skin by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells. Dead Sea Salts, rich in magnesium, boosts the hydration process by strengthening the lipid barrier of the skin.  Apply 1 pump of the cleanser onto damp skin, massage in and around the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. Continue downward onto the neck and decollate while cleansing thoroughly in circular motion. Rinse with warm water, then pat dry.

Step 2:  Tone  - Toners shrink pores, restore the skin’s pH balance, refresh and protect the skin.

Toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing. Our Brightening and Resurfacing Toner is formulated to balance, soothe, and clarify the skin. Formulated with a blend of gentle and effective plant-powered extracts and glycolic acid that help to minimize the appearance of pores by dissolving dead skin and debris. Spray generously onto clean skin with a cotton round and apply to the face and neck in a downward and outward motion. To use as a refresher, simply spritz directly onto skin.

Step 3.  Treating the skin means giving it that little extra.
This is where we introduce a SCRUB several times per week and SERUM and EYE CREAM daily.

Our Hydra Whip Exfoliant gently removes dead skin and impurities through a gentle physical exfoliation. The botanical blend of finely crushed walnut meal, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, organic Lavender essential oil, Grapeseed oil and Vitamin E will leave your skin radiant and hydrated.  Scoop a small amount into the palm of your hands and swirl onto wet skin.  Provide your face with a luxurious experience by massaging in and around the nose, cheeks, forehead, chin, and neck area. This is also a wonderful product to take into the shower and exfoliate your chest to prevent crepey skin. Take your time, allow the benefits of the ingredients to work.  Remove with warm water and a wet face cloth. 
Follow with our Luxury Face Oil that's packed with pure goodness! Your skin will instantly feel hydrated, radiant, and nourished. This blend of Rosehip, Grapes Seed, Jojoba, Evening Primrose, Argan, Sweet Almond, Geranium, Carrot and Sunflower Seed Oils make this product a star-performer.  Add Orange, Geranium, Rose and Patchouli Essential Oils to ignite your senses, as well.  The addition of botanical Hyaluronic Acid provides that boost of surface hydration to help the skin look and feel amazing.  Dispense a healthy amount from the dropper and press into the skin, adding more as needed.  Can be used both morning and night, based on your skin care needs.  Even oily skin, yes, needs oil.  Many times, people with oily skin strip the barrier, so your skin naturally produces more.  Avoid that overproduction by balancing the oils with oil. The benefits of this face oil assists in a multitude of performance, including hydration, reducing dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, texture, rejuvenation, toning and tightening, reducing breakouts and strengthening the skin barrier.
Eye Cream is a must, starting as soon as you can!  The skin around the eyes is more fragile, more prone to dryness, and quicker to show age and fatigue.  For an eye cream to be effective, it has to both moisturize and fight the signs of aging. RENU Repair Eye Cream hydrates with Argan, Avocado and Sunflower oils and provides the tightening benefit from aloe. The retinol addresses fine lines, wrinkles, and crows-feet and improves the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven tone, dullness and hyper-pigmentation.  Dispense ½ to one pump onto your ring finger and tap under each eye until absorbed.
Lip Balms provide an occlusive layer on the lip surface to seal in moisture and protect them from external exposure. Dry air, cold temperatures, and wind all have a drying effect on skin by drawing moisture away from the body. Our Organic Lip Balms come in many delicious flavors, tints and SPF to provide your lips with all-natural moisture and nutrients.  The natural moisturizing and healing ingredients include Organic Beeswax, Organic Candelila wax, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Coconut Oil and Organic Aloe Vera and antioxidants in the form of Vitamin E.  Swipe, Smack, Smile!

No matter what your skin type is, RENU Naturals has something for you. Our products contain only simple, clean, pure and natural ingredients, infused with the significant healing properties of fresh, hand-picked, organic and/or wild crafted herbs, to help make your skin look and feel its very best!

Ready for the next step? Moisture: Step 4 Moisturizers are designed to topically hydrate the skin.
Our Pure Radiance Moisturizer is rich in active natural ingredients and packed full of vitamins, plant lipids and botanicals to keep skin nourished and restored. This lightweight, multi-tasking moisturizer formulated with Peptides helps skin appear supported, plump, smooth, and rejuvenated. Hemp seed oil, rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, moisturizes without clogging pores, while helping to balance oil and soothe skin. Sea buckthorn and neem oils are superstar ingredients for combatting signs of premature aging and reducing dark spots. Rosehip seed oil, grapeseed oil and cocoa butter promote moisture retention, keeping skin hydrated and soft.  One to two pumps applied morning and night to hydrate and protect the skin.

Our products are non-GMO and Leaping Bunny Certified. Give your skin something to smile about with RENU Naturals clean skincare!

Are you ready for Summer? Make sure to grab our Essentials 4-Step Set with a Renu Bag! Summer can be an especially busy time, but let's remember that we can take great care of our skin without a complex skincare routine. That's why our 4-Step Set is perfect. Or try out our Glow-On-The-Go Beauty Bag which is perfect for travel and those who are constantly on the go! 

Think of all that we do to nourish our mind, body, and spirit. That constant quest for ‘healthy’.  From scanning what we eat, to ensuring exercise, sound sleep and drinking plenty of water.  Add in a boost of sunshine for Vitamin D, maybe some meditation, a good book and definitely some laughter. Self-care allows us to take a deep dive inward, but how do we present face-to-face? Is that smile or look of peace and content showing skin that is also happy, hydrated, and nourished?

I’m talking a clean and healthy SKINCARE smile!  Read between the lines, literally. 59 percent of US women now scan their cosmetics for potentially harmful ingredients (Copyright © 2020 AFP-Relaxnews), with nearly 90% of consumers reading food labels (Jan 8, 2020 The NPD Group). We, as consumers, want to know what we are putting on our faces – and we should!

RENU Nourishing Night Cream contains a hydrating assortment of goodness, from Sunflower Seed, Rosehip and Coconut oils to calming and soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera Extract.  Our skin renews itself at night, so adding as much nourishment and hydration is optimal at that time.

With summer in full-swing, sun exposure is shining brightly, and in some cases leading to sunburn. Using a heaping dollop of our Nourishing Night Cream will instantly soothe the burn, reduce the redness and inflammation while locking in moisture.  Thanks Rosehip and Aloe.

The benefits of Rosehip and Aloe

Rosehip (improves skin texture, promotes skin regeneration) and Aloe (contains antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamins A and C and is highly anti-inflammatory) and you are on your way to soothing that sunburn, calming the redness and reducing the swelling.

If an apple a day will keep the doctor away, imagine what this recipe of natural oils, extracts and vitamins can do for your SKIN! You can buy our Nourishing Night Cream here!