Would you try Paleo beauty products?Mumbai, Feb 12(AZINS) The Paleo diet gained popularity a couple of years ago for being a healthy, more organic lifestyle. Now Paleo beauty products are gaining popularity with brands like Primal Life Organics and Araza Natural Beauty ensuring their cosmetics are "unprocessed" like the foods. These include cleansers and moisturisers made of ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar and baking soda. They are said to offer a better chemical-free option for users.

More natural ingredients

Dr Mohan Thomas, cosmetic surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery Institute says Paleo products are substances which were available to the pre-historic man when he was primarily a wanderer and a gatherer. It includes vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots, meat. "With regards to skin treatments, paleo people had very limited applications to protect from insects and harsh sun. They chose natural substances like oils, plant juices and sap from stems to protect their skin. Paleo products are used to address basic concerns like moisturising, preventing sun burns, colouring hair etc. These have been used in India for centuries like henna leaves to improve hair, ritha for washing hair, turmeric and coconut milk before a wedding, mustard oil massages in the winter season etc. These have worked better than chemical brands since they are not known to cause skin sensitivities or allergies," he says.

Avoidable for sensitive skin

These products are great for people with normal skin types to incorporate in their daily regime says Dr Akanksha Shah, consultant dermatologist, Enhance Clinics. "Skin that has conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea respond better to products which have compounds that are scientifically proven to treat them without side effects. Paleo products might not help in resolving them. Moreover, there might be a small risk of allergic reactions or aggravation of existing skin problem with its regular use. The natural ingredients in Paleo range of skin care help in detoxifying, repairing and hydrating the skin. Products containing fruit extracts help in reducing pigmentation and uneven skin tone and make the complexion radiant. The ones with natural oil extracts like jojoba, rose hip, macadamia nut oil are rich in omega fatty acids. It is common to see side effects in people with sensitive skin types causing irritation, redness, stinging and burning."

Have a short life span

Dr Soma Sarkar, dermatologist, About Face says Paleo skin care products are basically unprocessed ingredients available naturally and found in the kitchen mostly. "They are not as effective as chemical products in the short run and will take some considerable amount of time to show results. As with all natural ingredients they have a very short life span. They may be stored over a period of time, however their efficacy is lost that way," she adds.