Many experts suggest that giving our skin ‘a rest’ from skin care products is actually our skin’s best medicine. Considering that the myriad of creams and lotions we use are advertised as beneficial – they claim to nourish the skin, rejuvenate it, hydrate it, smooth it, soothe it, heal it and get down deep and really clean it - it would seem to make sense to use them more often, not less. So, why does our skin need a rest? Obviously, a lot of these products are not what they appear to be. What we need is more skin care products that are actually skin-friendly.

Let’s have a look at what most skin care products actually do, and what a skin-friendly product actually is.

Traditional moisturizers, for example, often do exactly the opposite of their claims: They coat the skin with mineral oil or some equally ineffective slick ingredient that makes the skin feel good on the surface but, in fact, does nothing to actually ‘moisturize’ – the chemicals in the products often actually cause dry skin while sending the message to the skin that it is getting the moisture it needs so our own moisture production slows down. A skin-friendly product would be one that locks in moisture, keeps out chemicals and allows the skin to breathe. A good shielding lotion fits the bill.

Skin care products that get rid of tiny lines and wrinkles often do so with ingredients that deaden the nerves so the skin literally can’t wrinkle. It can’t move. Take a look at people who’ve had a little too much botox and you’ll see what I mean. Many have complained that after treatment they can’t express themselves through facial gestures. What is a skin-friendly way to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles? Your best option is a healthy lifestyle – organic food, lots of antioxidants, exercise, no smoking, no alcohol, drinking lots of water and avoiding chemicals – including those in skin care products. By the way, a good shielding lotion can also help the skin look supple as it keeps moisture in and chemicals out. All these factors influence fine lines, wrinkles and aging.

What about skin care products that ‘get down deep and really clean’? Some of them are so harsh they could clean the grunge off a car engine. When applied to the skin they not only get rid of dirt, they also get rid of the skin’s protective surface layer. Ironically, that’s where many skin problems start – using these products to get your skin ‘really clean’ is often the reason you’re out looking for remedies to other skin problems. How can you get your skin clean without using harsh cleansing products? Try natural cleansers made from ingredients in your kitchen. Check the Internet for cleansers and masque recipes using cucumbers, lemons, egg whites, honey, or milk. Make sure you use ingredients that are right for your skin type.

Skin-friendly skin care is easy. In fact, if you use good, non-toxic products - including a good shielding lotion to keep you hydrated and protected from environmental and household chemicals - and live a healthy lifestyle, your skin won’t need a rest, and neither will you. You’ll have more energy, feel better, look better, and your overall health will improve. And that is truly skin-friendly skin care.