Are Natural Skin Care Products Better?

You can't hide your skin, so you want to take care of it. You want to put your best face forward — with clear, glowing, smooth, natural skin. You may even be willing to spend more for skin care products that boast better results because contain natural ingredients or are labeled "organic."

But what do those terms really mean? Is the "natural" or "organic" label worth the extra weight of the price tag — is it really any better for your skin and for the environment?

It all comes down to what you want from your skin products and what your particular skin type needs.

Is Natural Better?

"When choosing between a natural or organic product and one that's not, it's helpful to think about what is important to you," says Kelly C. Nelson, MD, a dermatologist and assistant professor at Duke University School of Medicine in North Carolina.

Decide what you want to get out of your skin care products. Are you looking for something that won't irritate your skin, gives you better results and healthier skin, or has less impact on the environment? Do you want a combination of all those elements?

"If you're in the market for a product that's fragrance- or preservative-free, or presented with minimal or recycled packaging, it may be easier to meet those criteria with a natural or organic product," says Dr. Nelson.

But don't read too much into the labels or make assumptions that may not be true. Natural doesn't always mean better, and natural ingredients aren't necessarily safer or more likely to provide better results.

"People with sensitive skin may opt for natural or organic products in an attempt to avoid skin allergic reactions, which may work, but sometimes doesn't," Nelson says.

If you're going to try a natural or organic product, allow some time to see if it really is compatible with your skin and if it's worth the additional price.

"Give any product at least a month to determine if it meets your needs, or less if your skin complains," says Nelson.

Specific Skin Products for Specific Skin Types

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