Natural vs Chemical

Who's going to win, Natural or Chemical?

Let's start by finding the definition of each word.  Natural: based on the state of things in nature;. constituted by nature. Chemical: a substance produced by or used in a chemical process. (Dictionary.com)


My interpretation of Natural from this definition is these are things coming from nature, ie plants, vegetation, you know, NATURAL stuff. But don't natural things from nature undergo chemical processes such as photosynthesis? Photosynthesis: the complex process by which carbon dioxide, water and certain organic salts are converted into carbohydrates by green plants, algae and certain bacteria, using energy from the sun and chlorophyll. (Dictionary.com) That's natural right? 

Water, carbon dioxide, these are chemical compounds we are exposed to every day and yet, we fear the word chemical. Marketing campaigns and the media have been using the word chemical as a scare tactic...and it's working. We have a fear of the word chemical and when it comes to skincare, we want products that contain natural ingredients and not chemicals. (Way to go marketing campaigns for the word Natural. You are currently winning.) 

Does this mean organic? No. Organic products are also full of chemicals and chemical compounds. We will cover organic products in a different blog. What I am aiming to do with this article, is to promote a full understanding of what it is consumers think they want in a skincare product. We want natural, but we don't want chemical. Chemicals ARE natural and found in nature.  Our bodies are a chemical factory and yet there's still a fear of the word chemical. So, tell me what you want, what you really, really want? (I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want!)

When it comes to looking for a skincare product that you want, why not see a professional? Does the grocer know what's best for your skin? Or the volunteer worker at the co-op? Ever wonder why the products you are spending your money on aren't working? They're all natural aren't they? Here's where your Esthetician comes in.  

This person has been trained and has put in countless hours learning about the skin, ingredients and products to be able to help you the best they can. Don't have or know an esthetician? Ask your friends, who do they see? Get a recommendation. A highly trained esthetician has your best interests in mind. And, upon a skin analysis, will recommend tools for you to use at home.* Can't afford all the products s/he is recommending? That's fine. We understand, however ask which one would be the most beneficial to you the day of your treatment. It's OK to slowly start adding professional products into your daily routine. Your skin will thank you. And in the long run, your wallet will too. 

Professional products have active ingredients, a lot of which are naturally derived chemicals, and offer more in terms of potency. You don't have to use as much and it will last longer. While seeing the initial investment as being high, (maybe compared to what you were using) overall you'll be getting more in the long term, plus your products are being recommended to you by someone trained to understand what would be best for your skin. Bottom line, professional products from your esthetician are going to be more beneficial and give you more bang for your buck in the long run.


Who won? Chemicals are natural substances and are found in everything, but light and electricity.  When it comes to finding what works for you, your esthetician is in your corner, making recommendations to see you succeed in good skin health.   

*If your esthetician does not perform a skin analysis when you come in or ask you much about your lifestyle, food & water intake, you might want to opt to seeing a different esthetician.

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