The skin is not only the largest organ in your body but also one of the most important. Apart from being the organ that comes into contact with the world, it prevents dehydration and keeps harmful microbes out. It also regulates your body’s temperature. Therefore it is best to keep it as healthy as possible.
You have to be aware that some of your skincare products might contain toxic and potentially harmful ingredients in them. Several ingredients found in everyday skincare products are associated with health complications such as cancer, allergies, eczema, and reproductive issues.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
Although decades of research have indicated that formaldehyde can cause cancer, it is still a relatively common ingredient in most beauty products. Products such as nail polish, eyelash glue, and hair straightening products contain high levels of formaldehyde. Some stores are beginning to ban products containing the toxin. However, most people do not know about the little-known ingredients formulated in cosmetics that release formaldehyde. Some of the preservatives that release formaldehyde include Diazolidinyl urea, bronopol, and DMDM hydantoin.
Chemical sunscreenAbout six common chemical sunscreen ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream. All the chemicals absorbed stay in the body for up to 21 days. It would help if you avoided sunscreen during pregnancy as it causes congenital disabilities. Also, oxybenzone is an endocrine disrupter that has severe implications for fertility. Consider substituting chemical sunscreen with mineral sunscreen because the latter is not absorbed and sits on the screen’s surface. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the main ingredients of these mineral sunscreens.
Parabens
Parabens consist of a group of chemicals such as propylparabens, butyl parabens, methylparabens and ethyl parabens. You can find them in nearly every product. However, parabens are ubiquitous in moisturizers and makeup. Manufacturers use them to prolong the shelf life of products. Parabens mimic estrogen in the body, thus disrupting your delicate hormonal balance. You can get these paraben-free products from this website. Medical complications such as breast cancer and fertility issues are linked to parabens.
Retinyl palmitate and retinol
You might think that retinol is a good ingredient since it might help soften wrinkles. Retinol is excellent for anti-aging healing breakouts and gives you glowing skin. However, it has negative side effects, especially if you are pregnant. Retinol can damage your DNA and speed the growth of brain tumors when you use it on your skin. The good news is that there is now a new retinol alternative known as bakuchiol.
Lead and aluminum
Lead is a heavy metal and a toxin that can cause serious behavioral and learning problems such as a lowered IQ. Although it has already banned gasoline and paint, it is still an ingredient in most beauty products. Toxic metals have estrogen-like effects in your system, thus disrupting the healthy functioning of the endocrine system. There are most metals in many personal care products, especially antiperspirant deodorants. When you wear lipstick, some of it gets rubbed off on surfaces and gets ingested or absorbed.
BHT
BHT are synthetic antioxidants used to extend the shelf life of some products. Studies indicate that they might be carcinogenic and hormone disruptors that may cause liver damage. Your liver is the main form of detoxification for your body. If the liver is not functioning well, then other organs in the body are at a higher risk of failing. There are a lot of BHTs in diaper creams, lipsticks, and moisturizers.
Fragrance
The fragrance is a trade secret, meaning that companies are not obliged to disclose what ingredients they use. Usually, the components comprise chemicals that can cause allergies, hormone disruption, infertility, and reproductive issues. The most notorious products in the use of fragrances are hair products, moisturizers, and hand creams.
Triclosan
If you have used antibacterial soap before, then you must have been exposed to triclosan. The most detrimental effect of triclosan is that it causes antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Also, it is known to disrupt the endocrine system and negatively impact the thyroid glands. Triclosan is a common ingredient in hand sanitizers and antibacterial soap.
Phthalates
Phthalates assist perfume in sticking to the skin, nail polish, and eyelash adhesive. Like most of the toxins above, phthalates are capable of disrupting the endocrine system. However, they can also lead to early puberty in boys and girls while reducing sperm count in men. Some manufacturers are phasing out phthalate-based products because they are also harmful to the environment.
Because there is a lack of regulations controlling the ingredients allowed in skincare products, it is up to you to demand safe products. Before you decide to purchase the beauty products that you love, consider the ingredients it contains.
