5 Skincare Chemicals that harm your skin!
Updated: Nov 12, 2023
The beauty industry provides various brands and varieties of skincare products. However, not all skincare products contain organic or natural ingredients. And some of these ingredients may be harmful to your skin.
This article will discuss 5 Skincare Chemicals that harm your skin.
Skincare products have many chemicals, including preservatives, fragrances, surfactants, emulsifiers, and active ingredients (such as retinol or Vitamin C).
Therefore, when purchasing skin care products, it is essential to look for non-toxic ingredients.
In this article, we will focus on skincare products that contain chemicals that harm your skin, be mindful that an array of products such as hair products, nail polish, hair dyes, antibacterial soaps, body washes, lip balm, beauty products, and other personal care products contain chemicals harmful to your skin.
Here's more information on the different types of chemicals in skin care products:
1. Preservatives: These are added to prevent the product's growth of bacteria and mold, extending its shelf life. Common preservatives include parabens, phenoxyethanol, and benzyl alcohol.
2. Fragrances: Many skin care products contain fragrances to enhance the product's scent. Some fragrances can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, so look for natural or fragrance-free products.
3. Surfactants: These cleaning agents help emulsify and remove skin dirt and oil. Some surfactants can be harsh and strip the skin of their natural oils, so look for gentler surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfatase or coco-glucoside.
4. Emulsifiers: These help mix oil- and water-based ingredients in a stable emulsion. Common emulsifiers include lecithin and glyceryl stearate.
5. Active ingredients: These are the ingredients that have a specific effect on the skin, such as exfoliating, brightening, or reducing fine lines. Examples of active ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, and glycolic acid.
For more self-care and skincare tips, check out these articles:
What chemicals are in skin care products, and what should we look at when purchasing skincare products?
When looking at labels and researching ingredients, it is also helpful to consider the concentration of the active ingredients in the product. A higher concentration can mean a more effective product, but it can also increase the risk of skin irritation or sensitivity. It's essential to use products as directed and to patch-test new products before applying them to your face. Always consider products made with natural ingredients and what that means to your skin and your health.
1. Why Paraben Free?
Nearly all beauty products use some preservative.
Preservatives are what make products last longer. Paraben-free is a term that lets consumers know that these harmful products are not in the product.
Parabens can cause allergic reactions and interfere with the production of hormones by disrupting the normal function of hormones. This affects male and female reproductive system functioning & fertility, amongst other things. These are potentially toxic chemicals and lead to various skin irritations or conditions.
Parabens may bind the estrogen receptors in your body, which can lead to breast cancer.
Additionally, parabens may elevate cellular level damage caused by UV exposure, resulting in skin cancer. Therefore, it's best to avoid products that contain Parabens.
2. Why Animal testing Free?
Look for brands that use manufacturers that do not test products or ingredients on animals, nor do their suppliers or third parties.
Brands that don't sell their products where animal testing is required by law. Products that are cruelty-free products have never been tested on animals. Instead, they are made with ingredients known to be safe for humans.
3. Why Dye Free?
Artificial colors and dyes are made from petroleum by-products or coal tar. There are toxic side effects of colors in some skincare products. They are thought to cause allergies, skin sensitivities, and eye irritation.
Artificial colors are being used all around. The lotions we purchase at the counter stores that are fruity or flowery contain artificial colors.
Artificial dyes can be found in moisturizers, cleansers, shampoos, lip balms, and lipsticks. Although they are shared, that doesn’t mean they are safe.
a. Artificial colors can lead to various skin conditions, such as irritation, blocked pores, and inflammation when absorbed into your skin.
b. Artificial dyes have been associated with acne.
c. The toxins in these chemicals can also be absorbed into your body, causing further damage.
4. Why Sulfate Free?
Sulfate-free skin products are the preferred choice of skincare products for those with sensitive skin. These products are usually made with minimal ingredients and designed not to irritate consumers' skin with that problem. These toxic chemicals can have major effects on the immune system. As the skin absorbs the chemicals, the body's endocrine system is affected negatively.
a. The health and beauty world products tend to use sulfate.
b. What is Sulfate? Sulfates are cheap cleansing chemicals many beauty companies use in their skincare products. They clean skin but are also full of salt and other chemicals, so people with sensitive skin often have trouble using them.
5. Why are artificial Fragrances Free?
Many of what we smell in products today comes from artificial fragrances, considered one of the biggest causes of irritation.
Although fragrances make our products smell delightful, the problem is there's no way to know exactly what's in artificial or synthetic fragrances because, on the ingredient list, you will only see the word "Fragrance" or "Parfum," meaning it could contain any number of chemicals from a list of more than 5K used by the beauty industry and may have never been tested for safety. Why? Fragrances are protected as a "trade secret"—with formulas only the company can know.
What are Artificial fragrances?
Chemists worldwide constantly experiment with various combinations to create a fragrance to make products more attractive or cover unpleasant chemical scents. They know how a touch of this chemical will make something smell a little more floral, while a drop of that one will make it smell sweeter.
a. Artificial fragrances can cause: Skin irritation, allergies, asthma, eczema, headaches, hives, nausea, psoriasis, congenital disabilities, disrupting hormone activity, sperm count reduction, nervous-system disorders, obesity, headaches, diabetes, asthma, allergies, and have been linked to cancer.
Given all that I have shared with you concerning chemicals harmful to our skin, remember to avoid products with known skin irritants and harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Check for skin compatibility: Make sure the product is suitable for your skin type, and if you have sensitive skin, look for products labeled as hypoallergenic.
a. Read labels and research ingredients: Look up unfamiliar ingredients to see if they have any skin benefits or risks.
b. Consider the brand's values: Choose a brand that aligns with your values, such as cruelty-free and eco-friendly practices.
c. Consult with a dermatologist: Always seek professional advice. Consult a dermatologist for personalized product recommendations for specific skin concerns or conditions.
The bottom line is that products such as hair products, nail polish, hair dues, antibacterial soaps, cosmetic products, lip balm beauty products, body wash, and personal care products contain chemicals harmful to your skin.
These chemicals can have long-term side effects and cause minor skin irritations to major long-term effects. Continued use of these products may have a long-term impact on your skin.
When looking for skincare products that are free from harmful toxins, look for specific ingredients and skin care products that contain safer ingredients.
By Edith Lagunas
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