Ingredients To Avoid in Skin Care Products
With so many products on the market now a day it is very hard to know which ones to choose in order to achieve flawless skin. Some products even contain ingredients that are more of a hindrance than a help. Some facial products contain harsh chemicals that are used in industrial processes. Remember, your skin is porous and any harmful chemicals you put on your face are going to penetrate into your body. It is important that you understand the ingredients that make up your favorite products and in this blog we will discuss some of the harmful ingredients to look out for.
Alcohols
Alcohols such as ethanol, methanol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol and SD alcohol are used because they are cheap and readily available. Alcohol dries out the skin and strips away the skins natural acid mantle, in doing so it makes us more susceptible to bacteria, moulds and viruses. Alcohol may promote age spots and the premature aging of the skin.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oils such as liquid paraffin, paraffin wax and petrolatum are usually found in the cheaper products. Their aim is to coat the skin to lock in moisture. Mineral oils clog pores and in doing so prevent the skin from breathing. This can cause irritation such as acne flare ups. The blockage of the pores means that the skin is unable to eliminate toxins. The use of mineral oils can cause photosensitivity, dryness and chapping as it strips the skin of its natural oils. Mineral oils may also cause premature ageing.
Acrylamide
This ingredient is found in many face creams. Never buy a product that contains this ingredient as it has been linked to breast tumours.
Dioxane
This product is a synthetic derivative of coconut. It is extensively used in skincare products as 1,4-dioxane which is easily absorbed through the skin. Dioxane is a by-product of the cancer causing petrochemical ethylene oxide. This ingredient is so toxic that the state of California has deemed it a cancer causing chemical. It is also thought to be a kidney toxicant, neuro toxicant and respiratory toxicant.
DMDM Hydrantoin
DMDM Hydrantoin is a Petro-chemical used as anti-freeze in cars.
Parabens
Parabens such as ethyl paraben, propyl, butyl and methyl are inexpensive preservatives. They are used by manufacturers as a cheap way of extending the shelf life of a product by inhibiting microbial growth. Research shows that these harmful chemicals may be cancer-causing and interfere with the body’s endocrine system. They can also cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an anti-bacterial agent that is extensively used in skincare products. This chemical can also be found in weed killer. Research shows that triclosan may contribute to producing strains of bacteria that are antibiotic resistant.
Synthetic Fragrances
Be careful when it comes to applying a product to your face and body that is very perfumed as it may contain toxic ingredients that cause headaches, dizziness, rashes, vomiting, skin irritations etc.
Toluene
Toluene is a chemical found in most synthetic fragrances and is made from petroleum or coal tar. Chronic exposure to this chemical has been linked to lowered blood count, anemia, liver or kidney damage and may affect the development of a fetus.
Behentrimonium Chloride
This is a toxic ammonia compound. If it is ingested it can be fatal. It has been found that even in concentrations as low as 0.1% it can cause irritation of the eyes and necrosis (tissue death) of mucus membranes.
Synthetic Colours
Synthetic colours are highly toxic substances that are typically coal or tar based and may be cancer causing agents. Synthetic colors are labeled FD&C or D&C and are followed by a number.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate
Sodium Laurel Sulfate is used to give a product its foaming abilities. It is a highly toxic synthetic substance that can cause urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney infections, genital disorders, eye irritation, skin rashes, hair loss and allergic reactions.
So there you have it, some of the harmful chemicals that lurk in our skincare bottles. It is very important prior to committing to a product that you read the ingredients and have an idea of what they are for and if they cause any side effects.
If you would like any further advice or tips on Skincare or anti-ageing, please contact us at ENT Wellbeing Skincare, Sydney on 1300 123 368.
