Benefits of Using Natural Beauty Products
, by Infinite Exchange, 11 min reading time
Why Is It Vital To Know What We Put On Our Skin?
The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It serves multiple purposes, including serving as the organism's physical barrier to the environment, limiting but also allowing the exit and entry of specified amounts of water and electrolytes from the body, protecting us from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and various bacteria, and so on. However, the skin also serves as a pathway for many substances to enter the body through its microscopic openings (pores). This means that any chemical we apply to our skin has the ability to enter the body and have an influence on it, whether positive or negative. As a result, it is critical to understand the ingredients of all products used on the skin in order to prevent toxins that can be damaging to our body and overall health.
Cosmetics usually contain a variety of chemical ingredients, each of which has a unique effect on our skin. It is still unknown how the bulk of the components in cosmetic items work and, more significantly, what impact they have on health. Furthermore, it should be noticed that people (mostly women) apply numerous cosmetics to their skin from a young age and never stop. This entails decades and decades of using the chemical, and thus many components with unknown impact have long-term effects on the body.
Numerous research are being done on this subject, and it is precisely because of them that several substances that were used in many cosmetic goods 10 years ago are now prohibited. Since research is ongoing, it is likely that more chemical compounds with detrimental effects on human health may eventually be identified. Since it takes a while for such compounds to be outlawed, you should start eliminating dangerous products from your daily life right away in order to save your health.
What Negative Health Impacts Can Specific Cosmetic Chemicals Have?
You are probably aware of the rise in the prevalence of cancer in the population, and it has been established that lifestyle plays a big role in this. Tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, a lack of physical activity, a high intake of animal fats, and a variety of other lifestyle behaviors can all raise the risk of disease. However, it is considered that several substances with which we come into touch on a regular basis also contribute to the disease's development, and cosmetic items are included in this category. Some of the substances we shall discuss are linked to the development of various malignancies, a poor influence on reproductive health, hormonal imbalance, a negative impact on fetal development, autoimmune illnesses, and a variety of allergy diseases.
Most cosmetic products contain a variety of preservatives, thickeners, moisturizers, colors, scents, and other substances. They can all be natural or synthetic in origin, and the average cosmetic product has 10 to 15 of them. The average woman uses 9 to 15 skin care products each day, which means she exposes her skin to around 500 chemicals per day. In the following sections, we will walk you through some of the most common dangerous substances found in cosmetic goods.
Harmful ingredients in cosmetic products
This is a list of some hazardous substances found in cosmetic items, as well as the products in which they are most commonly found:
Parabens: Parabens are preservatives found in many skin care products, particularly those with a high water content. Their job is to keep the goods fresh and prevent bacteria from growing. They are not water soluble and rapidly penetrate the skin. Parabens can be found in shampoos and conditioners, body washes, face creams, and body lotions, among other things. Given that parabens are still prevalent in many goods, despite efforts to replace them with less hazardous preservatives, many women are exposed to them on a daily and chronic basis. Pregnant women and children are the most vulnerable groups. Studies found parabens to be possible endocrine disruptors, which means they can mimic the function of estrogen and other hormones in the body. This is why they have been linked to hormone-dependent malignancies including breast cancer. Parabens have also been connected to developmental and reproductive harm. According to one study, maternal methylparaben exposure during pregnancy and lactation was connected with decreased development of the child's reproductive system.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate): SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) are surfactants, which lower the surface tension of other chemicals. They are utilized as foaming agents and as cleaning components in cosmetic products. SLS and SLES can be found in hair shampoos, facial washing products, shower gels, toothpastes, and other personal care items. Ammonium laureth sulfate is a comparable chemical to SLS that should likewise be avoided. Although SLS and SLES were once believed to be carcinogenic, or linked to the development of cancer, research has shown that there is no such risk. They may, however, be tainted with carcinogens such as 1,4-dioxane. Furthermore, these sulfates are known irritants that can irritate the skin, scalp, and eyes, thus they should be avoided.
Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA), Monoetanolamin (MEA): Ethanolamines are chemicals that are commonly utilized as emulsifiers and foaming agents in cosmetics. Ethanolamines can be found in a variety of cosmetics and skin care products, including hair shampoos, hair dyes, perfumes, shaving creams, and so on. Nitrosamines can be generated when these chemicals are discovered combined with other compounds in nitrogen-containing cosmetics. Nitrosamines are chemical compounds that are classified as potential carcinogens. Furthermore, studies have shown that DEA can be hazardous to a variety of organs, most notably the kidneys, liver, and neurological system, but it can also cause skin, eye, and respiratory system irritation.
Triclosan (TCC): Triclosan is an antibacterial component that is commonly found in soaps and detergents, but it is also included in some cosmetic products. Triclosan is present in antibacterial soaps, antiperspirants and deodorants, toothpastes, teeth whiteners, face creams, and other cosmetic products. There is evidence that triclosan is a hormone disruptor and that it interferes with thyroid gland and hormone function. Furthermore, some research have demonstrated that the use of triclosan in soaps and other cosmetic items promotes bacteria resistance to antibacterial drugs and that its presence in a product indicates a favorable environment for the formation of drug-resistant bacteria. Because this chemical easily penetrates through the skin and accumulates in fatty tissue, it is thought to be especially harmful for pregnant and nursing women.
Polyacrylamide: Polyacrylamide is a chemical that is utilized in various cosmetic products as a hardener and stabilizer. Polyacrylamide can be found in face creams, body lotions, hair products, and other cosmetic goods. Polyacrylamide is not a dangerous substance in and of itself. It does, however, contain several molecules of acrylamide, which is widely thought to be a carcinogen. Polyacrylamide is a cause for worry because it can be broken down into these individual molecules. It is rapidly absorbed through the skin, according to research, and it has been related to breast and pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, it is thought to be neurotoxic, particularly during the embryonic period.
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): BHA and BHT are chemicals that are commonly utilized in cosmetic goods as preservatives and antioxidants. They are present in a variety of lotions, hair products, deodorants, lipsticks, perfumes, and other items. These compounds are considered as hazardous and possibly carcinogenic. Furthermore, BHA and BHT are potential endocrine disruptors that can cause developmental abnormalities in fetuses while also being hazardous to numerous organs.
Polyethylene glycols (PEG compounds): PEG compounds are petroleum-based compounds that are commonly employed as thickeners, stabilizers, and solvents in a variety of cosmetic goods. They are frequently used as a base for various products with a creamy composition because they aid in the retention of moisture. PEG compounds are commonly found in moisturizers, face serums, facial cleansers, body lotions, and other cosmetic products. They are rapidly absorbed via the skin and aid in the absorption of other components, including potentially hazardous ones. Furthermore, these substances can disrupt the skin's natural hydration. They are not carcinogenic in and of themselves, but they can be contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals like 1,4-dioxane. PEG compounds have been demonstrated in several studies to produce skin irritation and systemic toxicity, particularly when used on injured skin.
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and toxin that is nonetheless present in several cosmetic products. It acts as a preservative in water-based products, preventing the growth of bacteria. Cosmetic goods, more frequently than not, contain preservatives that emit formaldehyde. Formaldehyde and its derivatives can be found in nail polishes, hair gels, hair colors, body shampoos, infant shampoos, and other cosmetics. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that has been linked to a number of cancers. Furthermore, it triggers adverse skin responses including rashes. Employees in hairdressing salons, nail salons, and little children are particularly vulnerable groups.
UV Filters: UV filters, as the name implies, are substances that absorb or repel damaging UV light in order to protect the skin. Most UV protection products employ two to six chemical filters. UV protection is essential for use all year; yet, some of the substances that give such protection are poisonous and dangerous. UV filters that should be avoided include oxybenzone, octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate), homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. These UV filters have lately been linked to a number of health hazards, including skin allergies, hormone mimicry, thyroid issues, and a harmful impact on embryonic development. This is especially true with oxybenzone.
Synthetic Fragrances: The vast majority of cosmetic goods contain synthetic fragrances as components. This word can refer to up to 4,000 separate substances that do not required to be declared on the product's composition since they are deemed the "secret recipe" of the firm that manufactures it. Almost all cosmetic products contain artificial fragrances, from body shampoos and face creams to eye shadows and lipsticks. They may be labeled as fragrance, perfume, parfum, essential oil combination, or aroma in the list of components. Several thousand chemicals, some of which are linked to the development of cancer, reproductive damage, and allergic reactions, can be concealed under the term "fragrance." Because cosmetic businesses are not obligated to declare these components on their products, you never know exactly what you're putting on your skin when you use a scented product. Choose products labeled "odorless," or natural products with natural fragrances explicitly listed in the ingredient list.
If you want to live a healthy lifestyle, you should prioritize organic and natural skincare. This is why:
Skin-Friendly: Organic skincare components adhere to the same criteria as organic food. These include the absence of harsh chemicals, insecticides, and fertilizers. Cheap fillers are frequently more harmful than beneficial. Synthetic substances may make your skin appear brighter in the short term, but they might cause irritation, sensitivity, and clogged pores in the long run. By using organic skincare, we chose substances that operate in unison with our bodies, helping the skin to balance and recuperate.
Better For Your Health: Endocrine-disrupting compounds included in cosmetics include aforementioned sodium lauryl sulfate, and parabens. Carcinogens have the potential to disrupt the immunological, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Toxic concentrations in our systems might increase as we use more items, eventually creating severe health problems.
Environmentally Friendly: Natural skincare is derived from organic materials that are farmed and processed in a sustainable manner. Because these goods do not contain harsh chemicals, they generate substantially less waste and contaminants. Organic beauty products are good for the environment, our skin, and internal wellness.
Recyclable or Biodegradable Packaging: Because eco-friendly cosmetic products are beneficial for us, most manufacturers have given great consideration to packaging. In other words, the packaging for green cosmetics is most often biodegradable, reusable, or recyclable. It is our responsibility to properly dispose of waste materials.
Skincare That is Both Effective and Inexpensive: When you compare synthetic cosmetics to eco-friendly cosmetics, you'll realize that conserving the Earth doesn't have to be expensive. You might believe that green advertising is more expensive. Despite this, expenses are typically comparable because you save money on packing and production costs. As a result, you may safeguard the environment without jeopardizing your financial security.
Natural cosmetics, as we can see, benefit both humans and the environment. As a result, acquiring natural cosmetics should done be without hesitation. Be sure to choose your products carefully. Some companies purposefully employ deceptive marketing to make you believe their products are ethical, so do your research and look for eco-friendly companies and producers.
Infinite Exchange always has deals or promotions for its valued customers. Log on to www.infinite-exchange.com and use code BLOG20 to get 20 percent off 100 euros or more in purchase.