Gabriel Organics: Marine Botanicals Provide Organic Skincare Products

You go out of your way to select organic food and gardening products. Shouldn't you do the same thing for your skin? Over the counter skincare products often contain preservatives such as parabens, which are chemicals with estrogen-like properties that may cause breast cancer and other ailments, and triclosan, which has been linked to problems with the endocrine system.

These and other chemicals found in products you may use every day can be absorbed through your skin into your blood stream, which is why you should opt for organic skincare products whenever possible. If your skincare products contain ingredients you would be afraid to put into your body, you should avoid putting them onto it.

Fortunately, there are increasingly more options available. One such line of organic skincare products is Gabriel Organics. This collection of 19 treatments benefit from marine-based ingredients that soothe, heal and purify your skin naturally.

The line of organic skincare products incorporates Pacific Ocean botanicals, such as blue green algae, which contains anti-aging and antioxidant properties; sea cucumber, which offers anti-inflammatory and tissue building properties; and sea fennel, which boasts antioxidant and blemish-eliminating properties. Gabriel Organics has earned both USDA Organic and ECOCERT certifications.

As a woman in her early 40s, I have fine lines and dryness along with occasional blemishes. I struggle to find products that will sufficiently moisturize my skin and minimize signs of aging without causing me to break out like a 14-year-old. The Gabriel Organics representative recommended that I try products for normal to combination skin. I was able to evaluate three of the products in this line of organic skincare products: White Seaweed Calming Cleanser, Seaweed Nourishing Moisturizer and Marine Lip Treatment. I decided to forgo all other cleansing products for two weeks while testing these items.

When first sampling the cleanser, I was dubious. The cleanser is a cream, which I was afraid might be too thick for my skin, clogging my pores and provoking pimples. When I smoothed the cream onto my damp face, however, I was happily surprised. The cleanser is light and airy, and gives off a pleasant scent as you massage it into your skin. The moisturizer is equally delicate and lightly fragrant. The lip treatment goes on easily and gives lips a slightly glossy appearance without feeling sticky or layered with goop.

After two weeks of using these products, I was quite pleased with my skin's appearance and texture. Blemishes were virtually non-existent and my skin seemed more rosy and supple.

The cleanser contains papaya extract, which cleanses and exfoliates skin. It encourages correct pH balance, as well, which helps prevent breakouts and over- or under-production of your skin's natural oils.

The moisturizer is loaded with antioxidants, thanks to the marine-based ingredients. These help your skin fight off toxins, such as smog, smoke and other free radicals that can age your skin prematurely. The blue green algae along with added rose hip seed oil encourage the production of new tissue, which means fresher, younger-looking skin. The lip treatment protects against sun damage and uses marine botanicals to heal and repair chapped, dry lip skin.

To purchase these or any of the items offered in this line of organic skincare products, visit your local Whole Foods or other natural food retailer. You can order them directly from Gabriel Organics as well at GabrielCosmeticsInc.com.