Organic Natural Skincare or Chemical Manmade Scrubs?

What's better for us, a natural skincare routine or a one off fix? Should we invest in an organic face scrubs or a pricey one off chemical peel? Chemical skin peels are increasingly popular offerings for cosmetic clinics and skincare specialists who want to offer customers the 'quick fix' that they have come to expect from all aspects of their lifestyle routine.

As a one off solution for skincare problems a chemical peel almost sounds too good. The process often involves using a solution of either alpha hydroxyl acids or, more commonly nowadays, the gentler beta hydroxyl acid.
The process works by causing the skin to blister and eventually peel off, leaving what is expected to be smoother, restored skin that is free of wrinkles, acne or other common skin problems that people often deal with.
In the UK recently the consumer advocates Which? Magazine raised concerns that the salons and gyms offering these treatments - alongside over quick fix, one stop shop solutions such as Botox, laser treatment and lip-plumping - where not warning their customers that the procedures do carry potential dangers. To some people this news may be completely unsurprising considering how extreme and unsubtle a chemical peel actually is - after all the thought of burning all of one's skin off with a chemical mixture surely must be the exact opposite of the natural skincare products offered by scin boutique - but to others who have been considering taking these surgeries and procedures - or whom already take them regularly, the words of the magazine may cause the consideration of other, more gentle routes to get the skin that they want.

According to the UK's Independent newspaper, Malcom Coles, editor of Which?, said: "Our research uncovers a worrying lack of safety checks and shows that providers are glossing over risks.

"Inadequate and inappropriately performed cosmetic treatments can lead to facial scarring, blistering, droopy eyebrows or a 'trout pout'.

"If you're thinking of taking this step, you need to thoroughly research the clinic, practitioner and treatment and find out about the risks as well."

One of the main problems associated with chemical peels is the fact that the new skin that grows back following a peel is extremely sensitive. For people living in sunny climbs, or those visiting abroad, this can cause problems because sunburn is a really big problem for this vulnerable skin. Equally, anyone who has a history of sensitive skin, and especially cold sores, should be very weary of anyone offering chemical peels because they can cause extreme outbreaks.

The Which? report worryingly picked up on the fact that all of the salons that they visited failed to ask their customer for their medical history - as required - therefore potentially exposing people vulnerable to this problem to a painful and potentially dangerous problem.

When considering a peel, one should consider the power of the natural and organic exfoliant products that do exactly the same think- remove skin cells, both dead and, to some extent, healthy - but in a far more gentle way which does not go to the extremes of burning ones skin into blisters.