It's estimated that by using a range of body and skincare products, the average woman applies more than 200 chemicals to her skin a day. Whereas it was previously thought that our skin protected us against such chemicals, it is now known that up to 60% of any substance that is applied to the skin can be absorbed directly into the blood stream.

It has also been found that the number of people with eczema, allergies and skin complaints is on the rise - their conditions aggravated by the chemicals in our skincare and body care products.