It seems incredible, but many skin care products are loaded with ingredients that actually harm your skin over time, not help it. Here are some of the ingredients to avoid.
Mineral Oil: Mineral oil may also go by the names liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, and petrolatum on the product label. Mineral oil is used so pervasively in skin care products for one reason only; it's cheap! Mineral oil once applied, prevents the skin from “breathing”. As such, it clogs pores, interferes with your skin's natural ability to eliminate toxins, and can lead to acne flare ups. Also, it is irritating to the skin and if used for any length of time, your skin can become dependent on it, causing chapping and dryness. Lastly, it can lead to premature aging of the skin.
Dioxane: (a synthetic derivative of coconut). This substance is widely used in skincare products. It often contains high concentrations of 1,4-dioxane, which is readily absorbed through the skin. I know this sounds crazy, but 1,4-dioxane is considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer".
Fragrances: Who doesn't like to smell nice? Your skin care products should not contain fragrances. Many fragrances are produced from ingredients that are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.
Parabens: methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl paraben. Many skin care products (and moisturizing products) will use parabens as a preservative so their products have a long shelf life. The reason is purely economical. However, studies suggest that they may cause cancer and interfere with the body’s endocrine system, as well as causing allergic reactions and skin rashes.
Alcohols: ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol. Not all alcohols have the same properties, but these, which are commonly found in skin care products, are very drying and irritating for the skin. Alcohols such as these strip away the skin's natural acid mantle, making you more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses.
Now that we've looked at some of the ingredients to avoid, hopefully you will take the time to research products to see which ones have ingredients that are actually harmful for your skin.
