Our skin is our body's only external organ. There are no bones, muscles, tendons or tissues protecting it. Every day, no matter where we work, live or play elements of our environment pose a risk to our skin's health. Wind, rain, heat, cold, the sun's UV ray's and even time all can cause damage to this highly sensitive organ. Even the way we take care of our skin may cause it harm. Skin care cream products that contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals strip away the natural oils and moisture that are vital to our skin's health. And the damage caused by all these things is clearly evident; the result is red, dry, cracked and perhaps peeling skin.

We need to help our skin retain its natural oil and moisture. One effective way to keep our skin healthy is to pick the right skin care cream. But how do we know if the product we choose is going to actually help us?

First, read the label of the skin care cream product you wish to buy. There are definitely some things that should never be in the ingredients list. If you see on the label any form of alcohol (benzyl, isopropyl, ethanol etc.), ethanolamine (DEA, MEA, and TEA), dioxane, phenol carbolic acid, or parabens put that product back on the shelf. All of these chemicals and additives pose a danger to either your skin or your health (with prolonged use). Dermatologist also recommend against using astringents or mineral oil.

So, what should you look for? You want a natural skin care moisturizer cream. You want one that contains ingredients that are readily accepted by the body, work effectively and that are safe to use on a daily basis.

Some of these ingredients are:

Alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E) and oxidant that helps protect the skin from the sun's UV rays. It also helps reduce wrinkles and age spots.

Manuka Honey with a UMF rating (aka. active manuka honey) helps to heal, restore and rejuvenate the skins cells. As an added bonus this special honey provides a strong antibacterial defense against germs normally found on the skin. Germs like staph and MRSA may be present on the skin and never cause a problem. But, if the skin is broken or compromised then these bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious even fatal illnesses. Active manuka honey has the clinically proven ability to effectively fight off these infections.

Natural oils like olivem (olive oil), jojoba oil and grapeseed oil are easily absorbed by the skin. These oils replace the natural oils that are lost through daily exposure to the elements and age. They make the skin appear soft, smooth, younger and healthier.

Without the help of the right skin care cream, your skin goes unprotected. The effect of our environment on our body's largest and yet unprotected organ will continue. Using a skin care moisturizer cream on a daily basis will not only heal the skin damage that may already be present but will also protect against future damage.