Is Your Skin Care Harming You?
Friday, December 12th, 2008We all like to think of our personal care products as safe. However, your skin cleanser may not actually be as safe as you think - if you can feel those little bubbles popping; it may not really be doing what you think.
If your facial cleanser advertises some type of foaming action then chances are high that it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and/or Sodium Laureth Sulphate. These chemicals have been shown to weaken the immune system, cause skin inflammations and are commonly found in abrasive car washes and engine degreasers.
Another commonly seen skin care product ingredient is Propylene Glycol - one of the primary ingredients in antifreeze! Naturally, this is not something you’d like on your face either.
Mineral oil is another common ingredient. Mineral oil coats your skin like a waterproof layer - however, this keeps your skin from performing the important function of cellular respiration. Your pores will be clogged, which causes acne and many other skin problems. Even with all of these downsides, skin care products often contain this ingredient.
Beauty products containing the chemicals mentioned above include fragrances, lotions and skin creams. While companies say that these chemical is safe in small amounts, who wants to take that chance?
The side effects of continued exposure to the chemicals listed above include hormonal imbalances, headaches, fatigue and even cancer! Not every skin care product contains these potentially hazardous ingredients of course, which is why it’s important to seek out skin care products which do not contain toxic chemicals.
One ingredient in natural skin care products which is actually good for your skin is emu oil.
Emu oil is safe for anyone’s skin because it is a hypoallergenic, totally neutral lipid. Emu oil skin care products penetrate deep into the skin to hydrate and nourish skin cells.
Skin care products made with pure emu oil are a natural way to soften your skin and strengthen skin cells. Emu oil also has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so it can soothe minor aches and pains and even help to alleviate arthritis pain!
Seaweed is another natural ingredient which is great for your skin. Seaweed may not look so appetizing in the wild, but in skin care products, it can help you to achieve healthy, youthful looking skin.
Botanical skin care formulas are made from natural, plant based ingredients like seaweed. Some of the skin nourishing elements in seaweed include mineral salts, vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants. Seaweed is one of the best possible ingredients to promote cell regeneration.
Skin care products which are made from natural ingredients and contain vitamins A, C, E and other antioxidants help to nourish, hydrate and detoxify your skin.
Unfortunately, the world is not going to change their habits immediately. But you can take small steps to ensure that you and your family take better care of your skin by using products that contain only top quality, natural ingredients that are derived from nature.