Natural skincare products are all the rage, because people think they are safer. The problem is that all of them are not that safe. There are things to avoid and others to look for. Here’s a little friendly advice.

Don’t buy creams or lotions that contain an SPF rating. Lots of companies have started adding sunscreen chemicals to products that people use everyday. That’s simply not healthy.

We need some sunlight in order to produce vitamin D. You can take a supplement, but you should still try to get about 15 minutes of real sunlight, three times a week.

If you expect to spend more than 15 minutes in direct sunlight, you should protect exposed areas with natural skincare products that contain zinc oxide. Do not use lotions that contain oxybenzone. It’s an organic sunscreen, but researchers showed over two years ago that it causes cancer.

Yet, companies are still allowed to use it in their products and there are literally hundreds of skin creams that contain it. Titanium dioxide, another organic sunscreen, was recently listed as a possible carcinogen.

If there were not a safer alternative, then using a “possible” carcinogen might be okay. But, we have zinc oxide, so we don’t need to take the risk.

A synthetic protein called argireline has been heavily advertised as a safe alternative to Botox. The compound is supposed to work by relaxing the facial muscles, similar to the paralyzing effect obtained from Botox. This is supposed to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Even though it’s synthetic, you’ll find the ingredient in some natural skincare products. Why? Remember that people think “natural” is safer?

It turns out that the manufacturer of the synthetic compound calls it natural, because it is chemically equivalent to a naturally occurring protein. There isn’t a whole lot known about it. It’s only been on the market for a short time and there is no research concerning the effects of long term use.

As with the sunscreen chemicals that were only fully evaluated for safety AFTER they were put on the market, we may find out in a few years that argireline is also a health hazard. I suppose, we’ll just have to wait and see.

The best natural skincare products contain things like grape seed oil, a wonderful moisturizer that locks in moisture and prevents grime and dirt from clogging the pores. It is particularly effective for the delicate skin around the eyes.

It has antioxidant activity. So, it prevents free radical damage that can become a wrinkle, an age spot or a cancerous growth. Another good antioxidant is coenzyme Q10.

When properly manufactured, the vitamin-like substance will penetrate deeply and soak up more free radicals than any two or three antioxidants combined. It has the unique ability to gradually “undo” some of the damage that has already been done.

So, look for natural skincare products that contain grape seed oil and coenzyme Q10. If you find that combination along with natural vitamin E, you’ll have a winning combination.

Jami Goode researches effective anti aging skin care products that protect and promote good health. Visit her site at http://www.radiant-and-clear-skin.com/ to discover the skin care products that Jami recommends.