Friday, 13 April 2012

Organically Grown (this weeks Fulham Chronicle Article)



The issue of organic vs non organic , or natural vs synthetic, has
never been a huge issue for me as a consumer. As a student I always
chose the cheapest stuff, especially in terms of food, and if I had
the luxury of buying make up, it was always the neon pink lipstick,
rather than the ethical, natural brand. As I've got older and become a
mother, I've been much keener to try and eat and use products that are
not packed with chemicals. I try to buy organic milk and meat, but
sometimes struggle to justify the cost difference, so often I only buy
it for my daughter. She is also lucky enough to bathe in gorgeously
organic bubbles, free from parabens and other nasties. I, however,
like stuff that smells good, whatever is in it....

In the last few years, sales of organic food have fallen dramatically,
for a multitude of reasons. The obvious one is financial, given the
tough economic climate, which is very easy to understand. I know my
husband fails to believe organic stuff is better for you (
controversial I know, but as a biochemist, his opinions are aired very
loudly and confidently, which makes arguing about the hollistic
benefits of Fifi's organic lavender shampoo a challenge). However,
sales of natural beauty products are growing significantly faster than
their non-natural counterparts, boosted by companies such as L'oreal
and Estée Lauder acquiring and developing smaller , natural companies
(Origins, Sanoflor, Body Shop).

I have been trying out some natural products, mainly because it's fun
to try new things, but also to see if they actually work. So far I
have been ridiculously impressed, Oskia are current faces, with the
most nourishing and gentle skin are products I have ever used. I also
highly rate Aveda products, their Damage Remedy range rivals my
Kerastase staples that I can't live without. The science behind
natural beauty products really makes me question a lot of the stuff I
use, with parabens imitating oestrogen (and upsetting hormone
balances) SLS (the stuff that makes things bubbly) containing known
carcinogens and PEGs causing dreadful skin allergies and containing
toxins. I struggle to find a single product that isn't branded as
being natural that isn't full of these chemicals, and a whole lot
more. Being pregnant, I think the time has come to start reading
labels and understanding what goes into my body.

As well as actual products, there are lots of wonderful treatments,
which utilise this world of gentle, plant based products. I was lucky
enough to have an Aveda Pregnancy Massage at Gina Conway on the Fulham
Road this week, which was utter bliss. Using natural, plant based
massage oils, my tense shoulders and lower back were massaged into
heavenly submission, while I floated away on a bed of pillows. As a
new convert to the world of natural beauty, I was pleasantly surprised
at how soothed and relaxed I felt afterwards. This is a great way to
try out a natural brand. Gina Conway also offer a full menu of beauty
treatments and hairdressing, all using this great brand. Oskia have
recently opened a treatment centre in London (definitely next on my
list of places to try!).

Www.ginaconway.co.uk, 0207 731 7633. treatments start from £43 for a
Fusion Massage


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