By Thea Swafford
Do you 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) that are used by the
cosmetic industry simply because they are inexpensive!
The following are just some of the chemicals that have been
identified by scientific studies to be harmful to our health:
Aluminum
A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to
Alzheimer's Disease. For this reason, the once popular aluminum cooking
pans and cans have been replaced with stainless steel or good
old-fashioned cast iron.
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.
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. While it has it's place in medicine, the over-use in daily living
is not necessary or recommended.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Instead of talc, use cornstarch to absorb moisture. Just
apply as you would talc or facial powders.
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. Just because something is natural doesn't mean that it's not
harmful. And though 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 that are
time-proven to be good for you. One web site that I've found to have some
wonderful recipes to create your own healthful cosmetics is http://www.makeyourcosmetics.com
.
This IS your life, do it right and stay well.
The information provided here is meant to be a beginning
to your own research and just food for thought, I take no responsibility
for your application of the information. You may come up with totally
different findings as the Net is a constantly and consistently changing
place. Keep learning.
