THE ‘CLEAN BEAUTY’ FAVOURITES THAT CAN SPARK ADVERSE REACTIONS

WHY NATURAL DOESN’T MEAN SAFE

THIS is not just a problem in my Central London clinic. Colleagues tell me people all over the country are falling under the same spell.

‘This is something we’re coming across time and time again in our clinics,’ says consultant dermatol o gi s t Dr Emma Wedgeworth, who works with the British Skin Foundation.

‘Pretty much every dermatologist would say the same – that natural

WITCH HAZEL

Extracts of a plant found in Japan, China and the US, and used in eye creams and acne treatments for its anti-inflammatory effects.

WHAT’S THE HARM?

A common cause of irritation for those with healthy skin, and can exacerbate conditions such as eczema and rosacea, in which the skin turns red. In those who suffer from allergies, it is known to cause swelling of the eye area.

LAVENDER AND TEA TREE OILS

Leaves of the tea tree plant, pictured far right, and lavender buds are crushed and distilled, producing an oil added to lotions to reduce inflammation, calm redness and also fight bacteria.

WHAT’S THE HARM?

The potent botanical compounds in plants are at a high concentration in essential oils. This makes them a common cause of itchy, red skin for both those with skin conditions and healthy, but sensitive skin.

NATURAL FRAGRANCES

Examples include rose, bergamot and jasmine. Scented compounds are extracted and added to most natural skincare products, particularly body creams and soaps.

WHAT’S THE HARM?

Extracting a fragrance from plants involves processing huge quantities of the scented part of the flower, such as the