Why You Should Care: Ingredients in Skin Care Products
If you don’t read the ingredient list on your skin care products, there’s a problem. Find out why you need to pay attention to what you’re putting on your skin.
Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ? It’s also your first line of defense against germs and illnesses.
We all know it’s important to follow a daily skin care routine. Cleaning, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from sun damage are all essential to promoting your skin’s health.
But keep in mind that not all skin care products are created equal. The ingredients in the product you choose can make a huge difference in its effectiveness. In some cases, products with artificial ingredients and chemicals can actually do more harm than good for your skin.
Let’s take a closer look at why the ingredients in your skin care products are so important.
Being Mindful of What Skin Care Products You Put on Your Body
You’ve probably heard the saying “you are what you eat”. This means what you put into your body has a significant impact on your body’s overall health.
The same holds true for what you put onto your body. When you put something onto your skin, your body absorbs it. So, when you look at the ingredients list for a skin care product, ask yourself, “Do I want this in my body?”
Also, keep in mind that skin care products are far less regulated than food products. For this reason, it’s particularly important to take it upon yourself to pay attention to what is in these products.
For instance, a recent study showed that the average woman puts about 168 chemicals on her skin every day. That’s 168 chemicals–most of which you wouldn’t be able to pronounce–going into your body.
These chemicals put harmful toxins in your body, which increases your body’s overall toxicity. When this happens, it can lead to a variety of negative effects on your health.
Avoiding Harmful Effects on Your Skin
Even if a product is labeled as “all-natural,” or “organic,” the only way to really know what’s in it is by reading the ingredients. Many of the chemicals and perfumes companies put in their skin care products can cause rashes, eczema, and other forms of irritation.
Some products, however, have been shown to have even more serious health repercussions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ingredients you should be sure to avoid.
Thimerosal
This is a preservative that companies often use in products like eye drops. The first clue that you should steer clear of this chemical is that it contains mercury. Mercury has long been banned in consumer products like thermometers because of its toxicity.
There are also indications that Thimerosal can have negative health effects. For instance, some studies show that it could harm the nervous system, or lead to infertility.
Diazolidinyl Urea
This is another preservative that cosmetic companies use. It often appears in shampoos, conditioners, and other skin care products.
This particular chemical releases formaldehyde when activated. This is the preservative used by the mortuary industry to preserve dead bodies. It’s not something most people would want in a cosmetic.
Not to mention, formaldehyde has been shown to cause joint pain, fatigue, and depression. It’s also known to be a carcinogen.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
This chemical is used in many soaps and shampoos for its lathering properties. It is known to cause irritation to both the skin and eyes.
For people with allergies, this chemical is particularly dangerous. It can potentially increase allergic reaction to other irritants.
Dioxane
This chemical appears in many soaps, shampoos, and lotions, including ones marked as “all-natural.”
In addition to having carcinogenic effects, Dioxane is also known to have other adverse health effects. It can have harmful effects on the respiratory system, as well as the kidneys.
Parabens
Parabens are another preservative used in cosmetics like makeup and body wash. They’re used to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast. But they’ve also been linked to increased risk of breast cancer.
Natural Ingredients to Look for
Knowing what ingredients to avoid is only half the battle. In order to get the best skin care products for your health, it’s important to know what ingredients to look for.
A good rule of thumb is if you can’t pronounce it, you probably shouldn’t use it. The best choice for both your skin and overall health is to use natural products. Many of these have been used for centuries, and have proven health benefits.
Aloe Vera
People have been using aloe vera for years for its anti-aging and healing properties. It also helps your skin retain its natural moisture.
Chances are you’ve used aloe vera to treat a bad sunburn. But it’s also a great ingredient for products you use every day, like facial scrubs.
Olive Oil
Olives and olive oil are both natural sources of vitamin E. Vitamin E has restorative properties, and nourishes the skin. It can also help to heal wounds and lighten scars.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer. It’s a good alternative to chemical-laden beauty products, especially for the sensitive skin on your face.
Coconut oil also has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. This means that using coconut oil is good for both your skin health and your overall health.
Green Tea Extract
We all know that drinking green tea is good for your health. It’s been shown to have anti-oxidant properties and to help increase metabolism.
Many people don’t realize, however, that green tea is also great for your skin. The antioxidant properties work just as well on your skin as it does when ingested. They can also help prevent UV sun damage.
If you have sensitive skin, green tea extract is a good choice. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease irritated skin.
Oats
Oatmeal is another ingredient that has great health benefits as a food and as a skin care product. It is one of the few ingredients that are actually effective in treating eczema. It’s also effective in treating rashes and bug bites.
What ingredients do you look for in your skin care products? Let us know in the comments below!