Natural skin care commonly refers to two areas of managing our skin. One, the foods we eat and the products we use - deemed "natural" by the ingredients and sometimes their processing. Organic skin care generally refers to products that have been "certified" and qualify as all-natural and organic.

Natural Skin Care

Much of the health of our skin revolves around the foods we eat. If you've ever had the opportunity (and I hope you have) to go a week or two without fried foods, you understand that you feel healthier more vibrant and with increased energy - especially if your diet has included fresh fruits and vegetables. When I travel - which is often - I stop by the local convenience store and pick-up a banana and apple.

Amazingly, eating fresh fruit will help regulate your system and provide vital nutrients. Conversely, if I spend a few days running around, pop a few burgers and bags of fries in my mouth, I start feeling lethargic - and my stomach is none to happy either. Interesting - my doctor has been telling me this for years.

How does this apply to skin care? Well, the same food that provides nutrition works to feed all the cells in your body - and the largest organ is the dermal layers. Oily, greasy foods can lead to poor complexion, dry skin and skin rashes. Healthy foods and eating habits will help deliver vitamins and minerals and help the health of skin oils.

Natural skin care products target formulations with naturally-occurring compounds, botanical extracts, naturally derived processes and active ingredients. Often natural products will be paraben and sulfate-free. Parabens are used as preservatives and sulfates are used cleansers. Many natural products are "almost" natural in that they commonly use gentle preservatives to maintain the life of the product and less-harsh and safer cleansers such as sodium laureth sulfate (versus Sodium Laurel Sulphate).

Organic Skin Care

Most skin care manufacturers would agree that "organic" requires certification. Several boards and oversight groups provide certification after extensive study and analysis. Organic products give you the added comfort that what you're putting on your skin is, well, grown. Animal by-products, synthetic chemicals and preservatives are a no-no.

With that said, the art of organic skin care is an art and science as is much of skin care. Identifying organic ingredients that truly are effective is a skill, and formulating without preservatives may lead to a shorter shelf-life than some products - though research has improved efficacy and fear of bacteria accumulation.