Unsurprisingly speaking, men and women constantly seek for ways to look good. It is a plus factor that apart from having a pleasing personality, the outward features can also attract and glamor others. To this the common resort has been beauty products that can enhance the skin-deep exquisiteness every person possesses. From cleansers to toners, masks, creams and the rest of the long-list beauty set, women have them all. This isn’t surprising but what’s in these products might stun their users.
Beauty products have countless ingredients that are almost foreign to the human eyes when read. Their complex-to-read names are mainly the excuses not to consider them or just that, the users don’t care at all. This time, this might change right after the rest of the facts will be bared in the eyes. Some of the ignored ingredients of beauty products aren’t actually for the face. Their content is actually not helping but worsening the inner layer of the skin. In other words, these ingredients aren’t just good to use.
Several synthetic chemicals found in beauty products are skin irritants, endocrine disrupters and are carcinogenic. Here are six that should be avoided:
1. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone-containing products are known for their skin-lightening properties. They help in reducing age spots and blemishes. However, this beauty product ingredient has been banned in Japan, Australia and the European Union because of its intense toxicity. It is advised that contents of beauty products should only include not more than 1 percent but cosmetic markets go beyond 2 percent and 4 percent even when prescribed. Hydroquinone is considered a carcinogen or cancer-causing chemical making it very dangerous when used with excessive amount. The chemical has also been linked with ochronosis, a medical condition characterized by the skin becoming dark and thick. Individuals diagnosed with such condition weren’t using hydroquinone-containing cosmetics for a long time. Hence, a short span of time using a product that contains the chemical can inflict dangerous side effects that can develop to illnesses.
2. Phthalates
Phthalates is a group of chemicals known for its use on plastic elasticity and softness. These are known to be endocrine disruptors and a contributing factor to breast cancer and reproductive birth deficits to both males and females. Also, phthalates is linked to obesity, type II diabetes, neurodevelopmental problems, autism and low IQ. This group of chemicals are ingredients of perfumes, hair sprays and deodorants.
3. Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is an ingredient with the purpose to absorb excess water and retain moisture of certain products. This is commonly found in shampoos, sunscreens, hair sprays and hair conditioners. Considering such, this creates an inappropriate remark when speaking about beauty products especially the ones intended for the face. It is like thinking that a shampoo can be an alternative in removing make-up. It’s a big NO since it will all end up with skin irritation and penetration due to the toxic properties of the chemical. Hence, to avoid hostile effects the irritation will cause, it is important to reconsider the products being used and check whether they prevent irritation or just add up to it.
4. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is a surfactant that takes away natural oils. This ingredient found in cleansers is also found in car washes and engine degreasers – distant purposes though – can cause breathing complications, harm to immune system and skin sensitivity. Classified as surfactant, it naturally irritates skin and removes protection for scalp and skin. Furthermore, this is adulterated with a carcinogen known as 1,4-dioxane.
5. Triclosan
Triclosan is a very common chemical found in countless products like hand soap, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and acne treatment. Its commonality however, poses a danger to users. Research show that properties of this chemical can disrupt endocrines since it remains in the body when used. It irritates the skin itself and disrupt thyroid and reproductive hormones. Furthermore, it contributes to bacteria and hermaphroditic marine life being antibiotic-resistant. Hence, triclosan is a must-see ingredient in products and in as much as possible, users should reconsider the usage and opt for other selections they can have. Avoiding this chemical might be difficult because of its mentioned commonality but an expert opinion might be of great help to work on this.
6. Parabens
Another chemical group is paraben. Similar to triclosan, this chemical is also found in more than 10,000 products like body washes, deodorants, make-up and shampoos. This means that individuals have a very high chance of exposure to it. That is good news since the chemical is a preservative inhibiting bacteria, yeast and mold growth in products. However, bad news is that studies show that the effects of paraben aren’t all good especially that it has estrogen-mimicking properties that increase the risk for breast cancer. This was discovered when biopsy samples were studied and results showed that paraben is a contributing factor to the illness. Hence, consciousness is a must. It is far better to set the standard for healthy cosmetic use right now than perish with its side effects later.
The mentioned chemicals are some of the countless ones that instead of helping, penetrate and harm the skin and the rest of the body. This and their excess amount cosmetic industries add to their products make it a very sensitive issue. Looking good is an asset but suffering from it is an unworthy return later in life. Hence, this poses a consciousness to users to be mindful of the products they use especially the ones who stayed on their daily regimen for months and years. Reconsidering their use is the major solution and asking an expert is another. It is time to look up on the ingredient-section of the products to be purchased and think whether they really are for beauty or just mere damage-causing when used.
