Chances are your morning skin care routine includes at least 3 different products – one to hydrate, one to tone, and another to clean or prevent wrinkles. Do you really know what’s in those products and if the ingredients are even safe? Your skin is your largest organ and some of the chemicals in the products will go into your bloodstream almost instantly. Over time, these chemicals can be damaging to your health, so it’s really important to know what is in the skin care products that you use on a daily basis. Before using your skin care lotions tomorrow morning, take a minute to check the labels. Keep an eye out for these 12 ingredients, which some experts believe may be harmful to your health.
Parabens
This chemical compound is used as a preservative and is found in most skin care products. Studies have shown that parabens create mutations in mammal cells. Check your label for anything with the word “paraben” in it.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is found in anti-inflammatory creams and is often used to relieve irritations caused by eczema. It can thin out skin and can also hinder the body’s natural immune response against infected skin lesions.
Hydroquinone
This is used to treat sun spots, and dark, pigmented scars and burns. While ok for short term use, side effects have included skin irritation and allergic reaction.
Neomycin
This is an antibiotic used to prevent or treat bacterial skin infections and is found in many creams and lotions. When it’s absorbed through the skin, it causes irritation, rash, and burning.
Synthetic Fragrances
Listed as “fragrance” or “parfum”, these are used to mask the unpleasant smells in products. They can affect men’s fertility and disrupt the body’s endocrine (hormone) system.
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS)
While SLS gives you a nice lather and boosts cleaning, it may react with other ingredients to form a carcinogen called NDELA. It may also eat away at hair follicles, which will impair hair growth.
1, 4-Dioxane
Dioxane is commonly found in lotions, creams, shampoos, and toothpaste. It cuts through grease and thickens products. Even brief exposure to dioxane can cause vertigo, headaches, and drowsiness. It can also irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. In rats, long term exposure has damaged their liver and kidneys. It is easily absorbed and is recognized in the state of California to cause cancer. 1, 4-dioxane can be listed as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and as any ingredient with “myreth,” “laureth” and “ceteareth” as part of the word.
Methyl Salicylate
This is usually combined with menthol to relieve muscle aches and pains. Methyl salicylate can irritate skin and if used in large quantities or on skin that is broken, can cause diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, or stomach pain.
Toluene
Most synthetic fragrances contain toluene. It’s made from petroleum and is dangerous if absorbed through the skin or swallowed. Chronic exposure is directly related to anemia, liver or kidney damage, and birth defects.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial ingredient found in cleansers, acne washes, and soaps. The EPA has it listed as a highly toxic pesticide. It is suspected of causing cancer and disrupting hormones.
Petrolatum
Common in lipsticks, moisturizers, and anti-aging creams, it is derived from oil and is used for its emollient properties. Studies done by the EPA and the National Toxicology Program have linked it to cancer. Petrolatum-based ingredients could be listed as mineral jelly; petrolatum amber; petrolatum white; petroleum jelly; yellow petrolatum; mineral grease (petrolatum) and paraffin.
Benzoyl Peroxide
This is an antiseptic used to treat mild to moderate acne. The peroxide can cause skin irritation and dryness if not used in small quantities. The EWG lists it as a highly hazardous chemical with links to reproductive toxicity along with other health problems.
After hearing about all of the dangerous chemicals commonly found in everyday skin care items, it may be scary to think about going back to your old skin care routine. It’s important to check the labels of all items you are using to make sure you aren’t exposing yourself or your loved ones to these toxic chemicals. You may find that you need to start over with products that are good for you and your family and we can help! Our skin care line is free of all of these damaging chemicals and will leave your skin looking youthful, fresh, and radiant! See all our line has to offer at www.authenticallybranded.com.
Were a lot of these chemicals in products you were using? Did you have to do a product overhaul? Tell us about it on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you!