These days there are many suppliers and outlets for natural skin care products, along with skincare specialists and retailers who believe in the benefits of natural skin care techniques.

One reason for this change in public perception is that many consumers these days want to use more natural products and so they can feel that they are playing their part in helping the environment.

Another reason for the greater uptake of natural skincare products comes from the realisation that synthetic products can sometimes make things worse for people with skin problems like dry irritated skin. This is particularly the case with those suffering from atopic dermatitis which is a condition where the skin becomes inflamed on a long-term basis. This is often a hereditary condition, passed down from one generation to another.

Non-natural skincare products can contain a wide range of man-made chemicals. Instead of having a soothing effect, these synthetic chemicals can irritate the skin, and so should be avoided by people with dry irritated skin and atopic dermatitis. Some of these chemicals are discussed below.

Propylene glycol is a clear oily liquid that is also known by the systematic chemical name of propane-1,2-diol. It is used in non-natural skin care products as a moisturiser, a carrier in fragrance oils, and as a skin firming lotion. Some people have reported skin irritation and skin dryness after using products containing propylene glycol.

Parabens are a category of synthetic chemicals that are used extensively in non-natural skincare products. Chemically they are esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. They are used as preservatives because of their bactericidal and fungicidal abilities. They are generally considered safe, but people with paraben allergies can develop skin irritation and contact dermatitis when exposed to parabens.

SLS/SLES refers to Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and its close relative Sodium Laureth Sulphate. These are commonly used in many man-made shampoos, soaps, and other products as surfactants or foaming agents. They also have de-greasing properties. Chemically, SLS and SLES are esters of sulphuric acid. SLS is also known as sulphuric acid monododecyl ester sodium salt. There have been cases of skin irritation associated wit the use of soaps and shampoos containing SLS/SLES.

These are a few examples of man-made chemicals that are used in skin care products and have been found to cause skin problems. So people with dry irritated skin or atopic dermatitis should check the labels on any products they have or are thinking of using for these chemicals and avoid them if possible.

Look for natural skin care products, as these tend to be kinder to the skin and so bring long-term benefits. But beware, as some skincare products which claim to be natural can contain man-made chemicals. It is therefore important to be vigilant and look for a supplier with a reputation for using natural substances like rhealba oats as opposed to man-made chemicals.