Have you looked lately at the toxic ingredients that are in your cosmetics and skin care products?
By: Geri Stogsdill
Have you ever examined the ingredients listed on the labels of
your cosmetics or other skin care products? Do you know what those
ingredients are?
What you may not realize is that many of the skin care products and
cosmetics you are buying contain ingredients that are not only
harmful to your skin, but also to your long term health. Many of
these ingredients are known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances)
and are used by the cosmetic industry simply because they are
cheap!
Harmful Ingredients Commonly Found in Skin Care Products and
Cosmetics
The following are just some of the synthetic chemicals that have
been identified by scientific studies to be harmful to our
health.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Often described as being "derived from coconut" to disguise their
toxic nature, these chemicals are commonly used in shampoos,
toothpaste, foaming facial and body cleansers and bubble bath. SLS
and ALS can cause severe skin irritation, and are easily absorbed
into the body, building up in the brain, heart, lungs and liver,
leading to potential long term health problems. SLS and ALS may
also cause cataracts, and prevent children's eyes from developing
properly.
Paraben Preservatives
Parabens are widely used in cosmetics, deodorants, skin care and
baby products to prolong their shelf life. They are known to be
highly toxic and have caused rashes and allergic reactions. Recent
scientific studies in the UK found a strong link between the use of
parabens and the increasing rate of breast cancer in women.
Researchers found a high concentration of parabens in 90% of breast
tumors tested.
Propylene Glycol
Found in many beauty creams, cosmetics and cleansers, Propylene
Glycol can cause skin rashes and contact dermatitis, and has been
shown to cause damage to the kidneys and liver.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Alcohol is used as a solvent in many skin care products. It causes
skin irritation and strips the skin of its natural acid mantle,
promoting the growth of bacteria, moulds and viruses. It may also
cause premature ageing of skin.
DEA (Diethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) and MEA
(Monoethanolamine)
These substances are harsh solvents and detergents that are used in
cosmetics and face and body creams as an emollient. They can cause
allergic reactions, and long term use of DEA-based products (such
as Cocamide DEA) have been linked to an increase in the incidence
of liver and kidney cancer.
Aluminum
A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to
Alzheimer's Disease.
Mineral Oil
Derived from petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is commonly found
as a main ingredient of face and body creams and cosmetics. Baby
oil is 100% mineral oil! It coats the skin like a plastic film,
clogging pores and stopping the skin from eliminating toxins, which
can lead to acne and other skin disorders. Other petroleum based
ingredients include paraffin wax, paraffin oil and petrolatum.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Used as a thickener in skin care products and cosmetics, PEGs
interfere with the skin's natural moisture balance, causing an
increase in ageing and leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria.
Talc
Talc is a soft mineral used in talcum powders and cosmetic powders.
Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum
powder to the genital area is linked with a three-to-fourfold
increase in the development of ovarian cancer. Inhaling cosmetic
powders containing talc may also be harmful to long term
health.
How To Avoid These Toxins
Examine the labels of your cosmetics and skin care products
carefully, and learn to recognize ingredients that are harmful to
your skin and to your health. Many web sites have lists of
potentially harmful ingredients in addition to those shown above
(e.g. Environmental Working Group).
Don't be fooled by the words 'natural' or 'organic' on the front of
the label. Many products contain at least one or two natural or
organic ingredients, but they may also contain harmful synthetic
chemicals as well.
Whenever possible, choose products with 100% natural ingredients
such as essential oils and herbs. Your skin will love you for
it!
Your source for information about ACNE causes, treatments, prevention strategies, coping tips and more; for both genders, all ages, is presented in a non-physician jargon, easy-to-follow format. Visit us at www.naturalacnetreatmentinfo.com Geri Stogsdill is a freelance writer specializing in healthy lifestyle information. For more about living a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating tips, visit www.foryourhealthinfo.com. Healthy Eating Tips -- Sign up for our FREE newsletter to further improve and enhance your health. Learn which foods pack the biggest punch! Our articles have information on healthy eating tips, healthy living, weight loss, diet, nutrition and fitness for an active lifestyle! Visit us at www.foryourhealthinfo.com
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