12 New Year's Resolutions for 2012

Why not get January off to a good start and trying giving your skincare regime a reboot?

Here are 12 reasons to go organic in 2012:

1. Trust your products

Products approved by organic certifying bodies must have transparent supply chains, meet environmental standards and meet high safety standards – unlike their non-organic equivalents. These well-respected institutions, such as the Soil Association, can be your guiding light.

2. Feed your skin

Up to 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed. The natural ingredients in organic products – such as essential oils and nut butters – provide natural unadulterated goodness.

3. Go alternative

In contrast to synthetic ingredients, many of the natural ingredients have a rich history of holistic use. The natural properties of green tea to revitalise and rejuvenate, for example, have been purported through millennia, as well as the therapeutic properties of essential oils.

4. Care for sensitive skin

If your skin is eczema or psoriasis prone - or just sensitive - organic skincare is a good port of call. There are many known irritants that you’ll find across the cosmetics board, such as Sodium Laureth Sulphate, which you will not find in the organic corner.

5. Get more vitamins and minerals

On average, organic ingredients contain more vitamins and minerals than their non-organic counterparts.

6. Reduce pesticide use

Certified organic skincare does not allow the use of synthetic pesticides, which not only leave residues in the food we eat, but also in water systems and wildlife. This is thought to affect hormones and reproduction in both animals and humans.

7. Avoid petroleum-based ingredients

Going organic means reducing your reliance on petroleum, a non-renewable resource with an uncertain future.

8. If in doubt, leave it out

Certified organic skincare allows a small number of the safest plant-based preservatives in strictly controlled quantities. Researchers have suggested a link between parabens, the most commonly used preservative in non-organic cosmetics, and breast cancer.

9. Get good value for money

With organic skincare, less is more. Rich and high quality formulas means your lotions and potions go further.

10. Say no to GM

GM ingredients are common in non-food items. 43% of the world’s cotton is GM and does not have to be labelled as such. GM crops are banned in organic products, making organic certification a non-GM seal of approval.

11. Make a stand against animal testing

Certified organic cosmetics are not tested on animals.

12. Support sustainable farming

By choosing organic, you are supporting a sustainable farming system which promotes soil health and biodiversity.