Beware of Harmful Skin Products
How sure are you about the skin products you use? Are you aware of the chemical compositions of your lipsticks and moisturizers? Maybe, but not as much as you should.
It may be comforting to know that there are authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that ensure substances contained in the skin products available in the market are regulated and do not exceed the safety restrictions. The law prohibits the use of certain ingredients in cosmetics, including bithionol, chlorofluorocarbon propellants, chloroform, halogenated salicylanilides, methylene chloride, vinyl chloride, zirconium-containing complexes, and particular cattle materials. The regulatory body allows the use of some ingredients (i.e. hexachlorophene, mercury compounds and sunscreens) but only to the extent of the restrictions set by the regulations. These ingredients contain some toxic materials that in excess may do more harm than good to our skin.
Despite these restrictions and safety measures, there are still hundreds of other ingredients used in skin care products that are not included in the selected lists. Prevention is always better than cure. Hence, it is better if you avoid the things that may cause any negative effects to your health and physique.
Products that indicate synthetic fragrances as an ingredient should be avoided as they may cause genital development alteration. Check for labels that indicate that it is phthalate-free or that it is derived from essentials oils before purchasing items. Parabens, which are antimicrobial chemicals used to extend shelf life for products, may also disrupt hormonal development. Parabens also contain methanol, which is a toxic chemical that can lead to skin damage.
Other ingredients that should be avoided include ureas, 1,4-dioxane, petrochemicals, amines, , sulfates, sunscreens, quats, antibacterial compounds, synthetic polymers, synthetic colors, chelators, and nanos.
So, be safe. Go organic. Choose natural skin products.