Skincare products are meant to keep the skin healthy and enhance people’s beauty. However, many of them contain ingredients that have been shown to cause health issues. It’s one of the reasons a lot of people are shifting to natural products.
It is almost always cheaper to create a synthetic product than to carefully process natural ingredients that can maintain their essential properties. For this reason, many companies still produce products with harmful ingredients. You need to be extra careful with the products you use and understand what they are composed of.
The nature of toxins in skincare products is that their effects are cumulative. So while some may cause an acute response, many of them are silently adding to the toxic overload that your whole body is experiencing, so the effects may not be noticeable in the short term.
Here are some of the toxins your skincare products might contain:
Parabens
Parabens are the preservatives used in skincare products to lengthen their shelf life. They can prevent the growth of bacteria and molds to keep the product fresh. However, these chemicals are readily absorbed by the skin. Parabens mimic the hormone estrogen, which results in disruptions in the endocrine system.
They can affect the growth of the fetus during a woman’s pregnancy and the sperm count of men. Parabens have also been linked to breast cancer and potentially testicular cancer.
Fragrance
Some skincare products smell really nice, but what’s scary is that companies can add synthetic ingredients and simply put “fragrance” on the label. Unsuspecting consumers wouldn’t know that such unnamed ingredients contain toxins. They can cause or contribute to skin irritation, neurotoxicity, cancer, or reproductive system issues.
Sulfates
Do you love your shampoo and face wash lather? The foaming effect is often made possible because of sulfates that make the rich lather. Unfortunately, they are known irritants, particularly to the eyes and lungs, especially when used for a long time. Sulfates can also contribute to kidney problems and cancer, particularly when combined with other chemicals.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is an ingredient that helps keep the skin moisturized by preventing water loss. It’s not absorbed by the skin, but by staying on the skin, it can be toxic too. It can cause skin discoloration and clog pores.
Phthalates
Phthalates can be found in lotions, deodorants, moisturizers, and nail polish, and are used as lubricants or softeners. Phthalates, however, are a key component of plastics and are sometimes hidden in the “fragrances” on the list of ingredients.
Phthalates can lead to hormonal disruptions. They’ve been associated with breast cancer, genital birth defects, lower sperm counts, and abnormal increase in hormones in young girls.
Artificial Colors
Colors make skincare products and cosmetics interesting and appealing, but artificial colorings can have toxic effects on the skin. They’re usually made of petroleum or coal tar, and may contain heavy metals. They are known irritants and can cause allergies and skin sensitization. They can also impact brain function.
Formaldehyde
This chemical ingredient is used in almost every type of skincare product because it acts as a preservative and prevents bacterial growth. In small amounts formaldehyde is safe, but companies have been using formaldehyde-releasing agents that can lead to allergies and sensitization. Formaldehyde has also been linked to cancer and immune system problems.
Siloxanes
Siloxanes give that smooth and soft texture in products such as deodorants and hair products. They’re derived from silicon. Siloxanes repel water, so it’s difficult to rinse them away. They can clog pores and result in breakouts. Toxins from siloxanes are also suspected to disrupt the endocrine system and reproductive system.
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone can found in sunscreen products, protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV light. It’s also used in cosmetics products to prevent their deterioration due to exposure to sunlight. However, oxybenzone can also irritate the skin and disrupt hormones.
Petroleum
Petroleum makes skincare products shiny and moist. It’s present in lip balms and moisturizers. It’s considered safe in completely refined form; otherwise, petroleum can be contaminated with toxic chemicals, which can cause irritation and cancer.
In Summary
People love skincare products, believing that they’re keeping the skin healthy and preventing premature aging. However, many products contain toxic ingredients. It pays to know what these chemicals are and to avoid products that contain them.
Many natural skincare products are as good as conventional ones, so don’t be afraid to make a switch. They’re effective and safe at the same time. Just do your research to find the ones with the best quality.
