The fight against aging is nothing new to people. The ancient Egyptians used to use olive oil and fine sand to keep skin smooth and to regulate body temperature in the hot sun. These were the first sunscreens to be used. Not only Egyptians, but other ancient civilizations also coined many of the homemade skin care remedies that we use today. The Europeans are still to this day sought after for their cosmeceutical advances. The people of yesteryear had the right idea. With the discovery of bacteria and in later years the start of the industrial revolution, more and more people were looking as to what caused some of the common skin conditions. With steady increase of science and technology, it wasn't long before chemicals were created to counter act the signs associated with aging and other skin conditions.

Chemicals like Potassium Hydroxide, Methylparaben, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are some of the more commonly used ingredients in almost every skin care product on the market. Potassium Hydroxide is incredibly corrosive and can cause severe burns, pain, blurred vision, redness and inflammation if contact is made with eyes or skin. Parabens (Methyl, Ethyl, etc.) are used as preservatives and have been linked to breast cancer in women and reproductive system damage in men. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES) are probably two of the most commonly used ingredients along with being the two most harmful. Found in everything from shampoo to toothpaste, Sodium Laureth Sulfate can introduce carcinogenic nitrates and dioxides in to the skin with just one application of a specific product.

These aren't the only harmful chemicals that are in our skin care products. There are literally a myriad of manmade chemicals, that very well may work, but not without dangers and harmful side effects.

Most of us don't even think about what's in out shampoo or wrinkle cream, but what if we did a hundred years ago? Would we have the same kind of cancer rate? Would debilitating sicknesses like Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease be as severe or even around? It seems to me that a hundred years of absorbing chemicals into our bodies has done more damage than anyone could've imagined. Common sense would dictate that absorbing chemicals into our skin for generations and generations would have maybe damaged our genetic structure. Although this is just a theory, it's a theory shared by many other people around the globe including organic scientists, and doctors. Most of us have unintentionally been introducing volatile chemicals into our bodies since birth, not realizing that our daily hygiene or skin care routines may be part of the reason for any health concerns that may arise in later years.

Knowing that many of the skin care and personal hygiene products on the market can cause harm; wouldn't it seem smarter to use all natural products that won't cause you any long term damage? Many of the best skin care companies use only the finest all natural organic ingredients in their products to ensure that nothing dangerous is going into your body. All natural wrinkle creams and other cosmeceutical products are usually mild enough even for the most sensitive skin and can deliver the desired results without any harsh side effects.

I know that some people out there will think that what I'm saying is improbable or impossible, but take a step back and look at the big picture. When you think about all of the skin conditions that were around hundreds and even thousands of years ago, they were caused by naturally occurring conditions or sun damage; there was no pollution, severe ozone depletion, or Botox. Only in the last hundred years or so has there been a spike in illnesses and complications and no one really knows what causes them. The common response is "could be caused by..." or "there's no direct evidence to..." Maybe it's just me but it seems shady. So now we're supposed to treat our skin problems with substances that may erase our wrinkles, or dark circles but at what price? If severe allergic reactions, cancer, corrosion, maybe even death are not enough to deter you away from chemically based products than I don't know what will. Again, this is my opinion, but an opinion shared by many. Maybe one day the companies who control a majority of the cosmeceutical market will realize that beauty and money aren't worth destroying the body.

Charles Banks is one of the leading authorities on organic skin care. He has reviewed everything from skin care companies like Dermajuv and their products to the best acne systems and organic wrinkle creams