The Benefits of Natural Products for Wellness and Wellbeing
Wellness is often thought of in terms of the big things we need to do to look after ourselves including the choices we make about the quality of the food we eat, exercise we do and the sleep we get. However, our wellbeing is shaped by all the choices we make every day, and I have been thinking about this more after battling cancer.
Before my diagnosis I was already thinking about the personal care products I purchased more carefully, as our skin is the largest organ in our body. From shampoo and moisturiser to deodorant, cosmetics, soap and laundry products, we come into contact with a surprisingly large number of ingredients over time. Collectively they have an impact on our body and what that impact is depends on what we use and how often we use it.
When I was unwell and really wanted to do things that felt nurturing for my mind and body, I was choosing natural products more. At the same time, it's important to avoid the idea that everything synthetic is harmful or everything natural is automatically safe.
Why Are People Choosing More Natural Products?
Natural products can appeal for many reasons. They may contain plant oils, botanical extracts, minerals, clays, naturally derived waxes or other ingredients that have been used in skincare and personal care for generations.
For some people, simpler formulations can also mean fewer ingredients overall, making it easier to understand what they're applying to their skin. There is also a growing desire to move away from heavily fragranced or unnecessarily complex products and towards a more considered, sustainable approach to personal care.
Selecting natural products can be part of choosing a slower, more mindful approach to wellbeing.
What We Put on Our Skin Matters
Our skin forms an important barrier between our bodies and the outside world, but it isn't an impenetrable shield and personal-care or household products can expose us to a wide range of chemical ingredients.
Most are used for a specific purpose such as preserving a product, improving texture, creating fragrance, helping ingredients mix together or providing a particular cosmetic effect or cleaning benefit.
Many of these ingredients have established safety profiles when used appropriately. However, not every combination of ingredients has been tested for long-term impacts on people and the environment.
Different ingredients will also have different impacts on individuals with different skin types or conditions, with some being irriated or allergic to items that have no impact on others.
As scientists continue to investigate the potential effects of exposure to certain chemicals, research has raised concerns around some ingredient groups such as parabens, phthalates and other compounds with potential endocrine-disrupting properties. Examples include these chemicals of concern.
Synthetic Doesn't Automatically Mean Bad
Not every natural ingredient is safe and some synthetic ingredients can serve important purposes. Preservatives, for example, can prevent harmful microorganisms from growing in products, and some synthetic versions of naturally occurring ingredients can also provide consistency, stability and reduce pressure on natural resources.
Look for Simplicity and Transparency
Rather than being persuaded by words such as natural, clean, pure or chemical-free, look at the ingredients themselves. Research the ingredients, products and brands you'd like to buy to find out which will be best for you and if there are any potential risks.
Look for companies that clearly explain what their ingredients are, where they come from, how they are sourced and why they are used. The aim is not necessarily to eliminate all chemicals from our lives but it is to make more informed choices about the substances we are exposed to.
If you'd like help analysing products you may want to download one of the apps that can scan products and rate them, such as Yuka or OnSkin, or you can use an online database such as EWG Skin Deep.
Consider the Environment
Our wellbeing is connected to the health of the environment around us. The products we use eventually become part of a larger environmental cycle. Ingredients can enter wastewater, while packaging contributes to the enormous volume of waste produced every day.
Choosing natural ingredients, biodegradable products, refillable containers and products with minimal packaging can reduce environmental toxins and unnecessary waste.
A More Balanced Approach to Natural Wellness
You don't need to replace everything you're using to take a more natural approach to wellbeing. Starting with curiosity rather than fear, look at the products you use most frequently, learn what the ingredients are, what they do and find out if there have been any identified research concerns.
Identify anything that you know irritates your skin, or that you'd personally prefer to avoid in future, and as products run out, select alternatives with more natural ingredients, simpler formulations, responsible packaging and credible sustainability practices.
You may discover that some natural products work beautifully for you while others don't and that's OK. Improving your wellness and wellbeing is about understanding your needs and making thoughtful choices.
Choose What Makes You Feel Well
There is something appealing about simplifying the products we use and becoming more conscious of what we put on our bodies and how it impacts the environment.
Natural products can offer beautiful ingredients, enjoyable sensory experiences and an opportunity to support more considered approaches to personal care.
However, no product is perfect, there is no miracle source of wellness, and wellbeing isn't only improved by avoiding harmful things.
Improving our wellbeing is about making positive choices and creating positive experiences that help us feel our best from the inside out.
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