Natural Beauty Products, Part II

I'm one day late (sorry!), but as promised, here's the plus side of the natural beauty phenomenon, as I see it.
1. There are so many strange diseases and resistant bugs floating around these days, and no one knows the cause of many of them. Everything from adult acne (a fairly recent phenomenon) to cancer can be linked to lifestyle/environment, but the glitch is that no one can seem to pinpoint exactly what is causing some of these stubborn new problems. That's why I think keeping things as simple as possible can't hurt. Who knows how the chemicals we are using affect us, ultimately? That doesn't mean that I'm about to give up some of my beauty standbys because they're not all natural, but it does mean that I'm going to be more aware of what I am putting in and on my body. It also means that I will follow the advice of Dr. Dennis Gross of MD Skincare, one of the experts in my book, who pointed out that paring down the number of products you use by choosing multipurpose products (an all-in-one anti-aging cream, for example) would minimize your exposure to preservatives and other chemicals that, while not inherently harmful, are certainly better used in moderation.
2. Natural feels good. The aromatherapy benefits found in essential oils is only one benefit of using products made with some natural ingredients. Some people just like to know what they are putting on their faces, and they want most of the ingredients in their skincare to be recognizable and pronouncable.

So, if after hearing both of my sides to the story, you're eager to try some natural skincare lines yourself, keep in mind that some companies are more committed to natural skincare and the environment than others. In the February issue, WWD Beauty Biz published a list of a few dozen companies that are truly green (i.e. not only are their products organic, but they run their businesses in an eco-friendly manner). Here are a few, and where to buy them:
Aromafloria: CVS, Douglas Cosmetics, Ulta
Dr. Hauschka: Whole Foods
California Baby: Target
Erbaviva: ABC Carpet, Giggle, Studio at Fred Segal
Jurlique: Jurlique stores
Jo Wood ORganics: Bergdorf Goodman, select Neiman's
It's All Good: Select Wal-Mart stores, www.noahsnaturals.com
Naturopathica: naturopathica.com
Nature's Gate: Select CVS, Whole Foods, Wild Oats
Neals's Yard Remedies: www.nyrusa.com
Organic Bath Co.: Duan Reade, Walgreens, Whole Foods
Pharmacopia: Whole Foods
Red Flower: Barneys New York, Red Flower