Why is it important to switch to Natural Skin Care Products?

July 16, 2012 - PRLog -- Chemicals pass right through our skin, entering the bloodstream within a matter of minutes.   In fact, our skin provides a very efficient delivery system for chemicals to enter the body.  Nicotine and birth control patches are effective because their ingredients pass easily through skin right into the bloodstream. Unfortunately our skin also absorbs toxic chemicals commonly found in personal care products. That’s why you should switch to natural skin care products.

If you’re surprised to learn that toxins in your products enter your body through the skin, just think about the days when people were unaware of the dangers of smoking.  It's unfortunate that our awareness of the toxic chemicals lurking in our personal care products is just as outdated.   Most of us don’t realize how many harmful chemical toxins we’re exposed to on a daily basis.  

Because the list is so extensive, we’re simply going to focus on skin care products.  Admittedly, it can be daunting trying to figure out which products don’t contain carcinogenic impurities, hormone disrupters, estrogen-mimicking agents, agents linked to birth defects and DNA mutations, immune system toxins, thyroid disrupters, sensitizers, allergens and irritants. But it’s worth the effort.  

First and foremost, you should always TAKE THE TIME to read a product’s ENTIRE ingredient list before buying it.  Keep your eye out for the following ingredients:

THE PARABEN FAMILY: Butylparaben, propylparaben and methylparaben are some of the most common parabens used in cosmetics. Other chemicals in this class generally have "paraben" in their names (isobutylparaben, ethylparaben, etc.).

BUTYLPARABEN is one of the most commonplace bactericidal/fungicidal additives used in cosmetics. There is strong evidence that this preservative causes skin toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and developmental toxicity while interfering with gene expression.  In fact, the entire paraben family has come under scrutiny due to a study reporting low concentrations of parabens in breast tumors.  Parabens mimic estrogen and can act as potential hormone (endocrine system) disruptors.

PROPYLPARABEN has demonstrated evidence of skin, reproductive and developmental toxicity as well as being toxic to wildlife and the environment.

METHYLPARABEN shows strong evidence of skin toxicity while causing irritation and sensitivity.  It affects the respiratory, brain and nervous systems while interfering with gene expression.  In vitro tests have shown cellular mutation.  Studies also indicate that when methylparaben is applied to the skin, it can react with Ultraviolet rays leading to increased skin aging and DNA damage.  

MINERAL OIL is a liquid by-product derived from petroleum distillation.  It leaves a plastic-like coating which clogs pores and interferes with the skin’s ability to release toxins.  It has been linked to premature aging and skin irritation. Tests have also shown that mineral oil derivatives can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).  

GLYCEROL MONOSTEARATE GMS is a skin irritant that causes systemic toxicity to organs. It enhances skin penetration enabling it to reach deep into the epidermis potentially bringing other chemicals with it.

BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene) are used in cosmetic products as well as in embalming fluid and as fuel additives.  There is strong evidence that they are skin irritants that cause skin toxicity as well as carcinogenicity.  Not only do they disrupt the Endocrine system, animal testing has found that they cause brain, nervous system and reproductive defects.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL is a powerful petroleum-based chemical related to PEGs that must be handled wearing full body gear because it absorbs quickly into the skin.  It’s a strong irritant that can cause skin allergies as well as damage to the brain, liver and kidneys.  Recent in vitro tests have also shown cellular mutation.

PEGs such as POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (PEG-7) and DISTEARATE 150-PEG can contain potential toxic impurities such as ethylene oxide (a known human carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane (a possible human carcinogen). They can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract while can causing damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. PEGs have poisonous toxicity if applied to damaged skin. Their ability to penetrate skin and be absorbed into the body while assisting other chemicals to be absorbed is reason for concern.

SORBITAN LAURATE (PEG-80 SORBITAN LAURATE) is a skin toxin and irritant known to cause cancer, endocrine system disruption and gastrointestinal effects.  

CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA is an industrial strength chemical salt made from formaldehyde, sodium cayanide, and ethylenediamine that’s used to separate heavy metals from dyes and other substances. It’s widely used in skin and personal care products.

SILICONE OIL is a chemically derived product that can block pores, irritate skin, cause breakouts and allergic reactions.  Some silicones have been classified as endocrine disruptors based on evidence that they interfere with human hormone function as well as being possible reproductive toxicants that may impair human fertility.

PHTHALATES (DIBUTYL PHTHALATE) are plasticizers often used in the cosmetic industry to hold color and scents.  They are often added to fragrances (trade secrets) without disclosure to consumers. Because fragrance occurs in nearly every conceivable product, including lotions, soaps, cleansers, hair care products, detergents and air fresheners to shower curtains and soft plastic toys, phthalates are common.  There is an association between phthalate exposure and endocrine disruption leading to development of breast cancer.  Phthalates have also been linked to obesity and resistance to insulin, a precursor to Type II diabetes.  

FRAGRANCES (PARFUM) can contain hundreds of different chemicals including phthalates and parabens causing a variety of symptoms including headaches, rash, dizziness and skin irritation. Cosmetic companies don't have to list what is in their fragrances.  Many ingredients are chemically-based, neurotoxin, and allergenic.

DEA-related ingredients (COCAMIDE DEA, TEA & MEA)  Repeated use of DEA-based detergents has resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer. These amines have been found to be carcinogenic and are restricted in Europe.  

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) is a known skin irritant that dries out skin and damages the immune system while containing endocrine disruptors and estrogen mimics.  It may be contaminated with measurable amounts of cancer causing ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.  

TRICLOSAN is a preservative and anti-bacterial agent that can pass through skin.  It is suspected of interfering with hormone function (endocrine disruption).  

IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA AND DIAZOLIDINYL UREA are commonly used preservatives. Their main ingredient is formaldehyde which is used for preserving dead bodies.  It is hazardous to human health.

What an exhausting list of ingredients to remember!  But reducing your daily exposure to known toxins and irritants is well worth the effort.

There is good news though.  Truly safe, effective and genuinely natural skin care products are available. They offer healthy alternatives to the ocean of toxic skin care products that dominate the market.  

Companies like Faiza Cosmetiques from Montreal provide a great solution because maintaining health and safety are part of their philosophy. They produce an exceptional line of nontoxic natural anti-aging skin care products that’s completely safe to use yet highly effective.  In fact, Faiza Cosmetiques’ advanced formulas are made entirely from plants. To find out more, please visit their website: http://www.faiza.ca and watch the video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBjmegTZBG4&list=UUVKY2n7o...