naturopathic doctor ottawaWith so many consumers trying to make eco-conscious skin care decisions, Dr. Alexis has been sharing a wealth of information on what to look for and what to avoid. If you do not follow her blog at EcoChicMovement.com – we strongly recommend you add her to your regular reading.

In her two latest posts, Dr. Alexis has been reviewing the 3 Simple Rules for Buying Skin Care Products. While many of you will know about the “Can’t Pronounce It? Don’t Buy It” rule, there is a notable exception we feel bears repeating.

Latin Names – nomina Latine

When shopping for skin care products, you may have accidentally misjudged a product due to the inclusion of Latin names in the ingredient declaration. In Canada, the scientific binomial name, genus and species must be included in the ingredient list of a cosmetic product. Most Latin names are two to three words and the botanical name in common English is typically listed in parenthesis. Examples of common botanicals you may see on eco-friendly skin care include:

Purified Water = Aqua 
Tea Tree Oil = Melaleuca Alternifolia 
Cocoa Butter = Theobroma cacao
Shea Butter = Butyrospermum Parkii
Aloe Vera Leaf Gel = Aloe Barbadensis
Extra Virgin Olive Oil = Olea Europaea
Lavender Essential Oil = Lavandula angustifolia 

Want to learn more about keeping your skin happy and healthy? Interested in discovering how naturopathic medicine can play a leading role in preventing chronic illness and optimizing your health? Book an appointment with Dr. Alexis at the Life Therapies clinic in Ottawa.