Beauty is more than skin deep; cliché, but true. Here at MELIS, it’s no secret that we’re big believers in the power of botanicals and 100% natural scent, preferring to harness the therapeutic benefits of nature rather than turning to synthetics.
As a result of sensitivities and health issues, I initially transitioned to natural perfume over a decade ago, while pregnant with my first child. After making the switch, I never looked back; once you’ve connected with the beautiful scents and vibrational properties of natural perfume, it’s almost impossible to go back to artificially manufactured synthetic perfumes. As my awareness around the ingredients used in conventional skincare products grew, it made sense to switch to natural skincare products soon after.
Whether you’re spraying fragrance, dabbing in serums and moisturiser, slathering on body lotion, or applying foundation for the day, what you put on your skin matters. The products you put on your skin eventually make their way into your body, so if you’re using chemical-laden skincare and beauty products, your body will absorb these toxins and chemicals.
Here are the top 5 reasons we believe you should switch to natural beauty products.
PHOTO BY GRAHAM POLLACK VIA BRIDES.COM
1. Those scents aren’t real
Conventional perfumes may smell fruity and floral, but the reality is far from sweet. While they may be inspired by botanicals, conventional perfumes are largely synthetic, with many containing ingredients that can be irritating to the skin and cause major health issues.
Two of the main culprits found in synthetic perfumes are phthalates (shown to cause developmental defects, male fertility issues, and liver and kidney failure) and polycystic and nitro musk (linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues); definitely not recommended for pregnant women or children.
At MELIS, we’re passionate about real scents; you’ll never find synthetic ingredients in our blends. Inspired by nature, our perfumes are crafted from a blend of botanical extracts, pure essential oils, flower essences and resins, interacting with the skin to create a beautiful, bespoke personal fragrance.
2. Eliminating toxic load
Did you know that the average woman applies over a hundred chemicals to her body each day? While beauty products are required to list their ingredients, chemicals can be hidden under the label ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’, which can be used to mask numerous chemicals and toxins. These toxins build up in the body and contribute to our toxic load, interfering with the body’s natural detoxification processes, contributing to skin issues (like eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis), and potentially disrupting hormone function and fertility.
3. Your skin will thank you
Regularly subjecting your skin to comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients and sun-sensitising, skin-thinning ingredients can lead to sensitive, prematurely aged skin with prolonged use. Additionally, artificial fragrances, parabens, and alcohol found in conventional skincare and beauty products can trigger skin sensitivities and irritation. Natural skincare products utilise nourishing, antioxidant-rich ingredients that work to fight free radicals (often caused by the chemicals in conventional products), are less likely to cause a skin flare-up, work naturally to soothe and heal the skin, and benefit your skin in the long run.
4. More than just a scent
Scent can evoke a powerful emotional response, reminding us of the past or conjuring up strong visual imagery in our minds. While their synthetic counterparts may have memorable scent notes, natural fragrances provide so much more. In addition to their endless blending possibilities, fragrances made with natural oils have the ability to provide therapeutic benefits to the wearer and those around them. Catch a whiff of our Amandi to spark feelings of joy, or inhale MELIS Motus No. 4 for balance and harmony.
5. They’re kinder on the environment
Not only do the chemicals in conventional perfumes, skincare, and beauty products have a negative impact on our health, they’re also not too great for the environment either. During both product manufacture, packaging, and personal use (think shampoo, conditioner, and facewash running down the drain), chemicals like parabens, phenols, and phthalates make their way into the air, soil, and waterways, detrimentally affecting wildlife and marine life.
Keen to make the switch to natural beauty? These are my favourite Australian skincare brands:
- Rohr Remedy: transformative skincare based on dermatological science, made using Australian botanical extracts. I love their Kakadu Plum Face Serum with Vit C!
- Biologi: innovating plant-based skincare made with stable, active plant phytonutrients.
- Mukti Organics: organic skincare made with native Australian botanical extracts.
- Sodashi: taking a holistic approach to skincare, Sodashi products utilise pure, therapeutic botanical extracts. Meditation is also an important ritual to this beautiful West Australian brand.
- Moonhaven: affordable and local to Margaret River, these products punch well above their weight. I love their anti-ageing serum and gel and organic face scrub.
- Heartwood : home to sustainably sourced Indian Sandalwood, Heartwood’s Royal Oil is simply fit for royalty.
