Most women can testify to the importance of a good skincare regimen. Once the domain of beauticians and aestheticians, words like cleansers, toners and moisturizers have become an integral part of the modern gal’s lexicon, and a staple in her bathroom cabinet. But with so many skincare choices on the market, it’s difficult to know which products are good for your skin, and which contain ingredients that are at best less than desirable and at worst toxic.

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Angella Green, brand manager of Jason Natural Products, a leading manufacturer of holistic beauty products in Culver City, California, advises brides to purchase a gentle or hydrating cleanser that is free of sodium lauryl or laureth sulfates, and to use a toner thereafter to balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for moisturizing. “Use SPF moisturizer every day, with a minimum of SPF 15,” she cautions. “Sun protection is key to preventing fine lines and skin damage.”

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Applying a nutrient-rich moisturizer to hydrate your skin each night is a great idea, Green adds. “Look for one that contains antioxidant ingredients like peptides, tea extract, CoQ10 or hyaluronic acid. And use an under-eye protector to reduce dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.”

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Green strongly advises brides to check out the ingredient list of their skincare products, being especially wary of parabens. “These will typically appear with a “-paraben” ending on the ingredient list of your skincare product, such as methylparaben, propylparaben or butylparaben,” she explains. Parabens, preservatives used in many pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic products, are being researched to investigate their association with breast cancer tumour growth. A January 2004 report published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found these preservatives in 20 human breast tumours.

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Other ingredients to avoid are petrolatum and mineral oil, often used in mass-market cosmetic products since they are less expensive than natural plant oils. “These ingredients can clog pores which can lead to skin irritation and acne. Instead, opt for natural products that minimize or eliminate these ingredients and lead to a healthier skin,” she suggests.

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If you’ve been lazy with your skincare in the past, this is the time you’ll want to start getting serious, says Green. “Particularly around the weeks and even months before the wedding a full skincare regimen is recommended to maintain beautiful and clear skin, because even after those teenage years have passed, blemishes can pop up, often at the worst times.”

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Don’t Assume you Know your Skin:
Your skin type will change over the years and is often misdiagnosed, so consult a dermatologist or skincare professional to make sure you understand your skin’s condition.

Do Look Out for the Leaping Bunny:
The logo of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) gives you the assurance that a product has not been tested on animals.

Do Vitamize Your Skin:
Vitamins and herbs can provide benefits to your skin and dramatically improve its appearance. Vitamin E and red tea extract act as an anti-inflammatory, for example, while vitamin C can help minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and vitamin K can reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

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Do Read Your Labels:
Take your time reading the ingredients list on natural products. Ingredient lists generally list in descending order of quantity. The first few take up the greatest share while last ingredients take less. All have an effect on your skin and health.

Don’t Equate Cost with Purity:
There are many affordable brands that are organic, are 100% natural, and won’t break the bank.

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Do Investigate Further:
The Green Beauty Guide by journalist and holistic nutritionist Julie Gabriel is a quick and informative read.
Available at Chapters or visit www.thegreenbeautyguide.com

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