Skin Care Ingredients That Can Cause You Harm
When looking at the marketplace today, you will find that many skin care products use similar ingredients. What many people do not realize is that some ingredients used in these products are selected because they are cheap or increase the shelf life. In some cases, they can even cause damage. You need to understand which components can do harm. The following list can be used as a guide to help you in your search.
The first item to be concerned about is Dioxane, which comes from coconut products, and can be easily absorbed into the skin. One of the most common forms of dioxane is named as a cancer causing agent by the State of California! You will have to look at the fine print on the ingredient list to find this one.
Another area where people have sensitivity is in the area of fragrances. It’s true that people like to smell nice, and fragrances can help with that. However, many fragrances are made from ingredients that are harmful if absorbed widely in the body. Since the skin is the largest organ in the body, you will be well advised to avoid selecting a product with perfumes or other fragrant substances.
Many good skin care products include natural oils to reinforce the skin barrier and improve moisture retention. One way manufacturers cut costs in by using lower quality oils such as mineral oil. The drawback to this approach for you is that this product prevents the movement of air between the skin layers. Once the movement of air has been stopped, the skin can begin to deteriorate and experience aging symptoms. Be on the lookout for this common ingredient.
Cancer causing agents would seem to be a likely category to avoid. However, not all skin care companies pay attention to research which indicates a potential for this risk. Again cost cutting is the primary motivation. One example of this is the use of parabens. These products have been studied extensively and shown to have a cancer risk, as well as contribute to allergies and rashes. While companies like to use this as a component, you should avoid it.
A key feature to look for are moisturizing ingredients that nurture and support the skin. Unfortunately, certain cleansing products are prone to using alcohols which can create drying and irritation issues. Once the outer layers get dried out, this opens you up to a chance for disease to creep in.
Hormones are another area of potential concern. The body produces many hormones which are vital to normal body functions, but some manufacturers add artificial hormones to try and reproduce the health effect of normal hormones. If you are susceptible to hormone imbalance, keep an eye on this.
Emollients are used extensively to provide reinforcement for the skin barrier, which in turn improves the retention of vital moisture. The pitfall here is that many emollients are oil based. If you have an oily skin condition, using oil based emollients will aggravate your condition. If you have an oily complexion, be aware of this issue.
Now you are more aware about the potential pitfalls that await you in skin care products in the marketplace. Use these guidelines as a way to take measure of the creams and lotions you find at the drugstore or department store, and become familiar with the good brands and ones to avoid. In a short time, you will have a list of products that you can use with confidence.