5 harmful skin care ingredients to avoid
Did you know that there’s no regulation of harmful ingredients in skin care products?
Even worse, if you or I buy a product and have an adverse reaction…
The company who sold us the product is under no obligation to report to the FDA!
And even if the FDA were made aware of the complaint, they have no authority to issue a recall of said product.
Isn’t that wild?
This means that self-regulation is the ONLY regulation.
Choosing safer soaps, makeup, and other skin care products is up to us as consumers.
So today, I want to share with you five ingredients you should stay away from when choosing products that end up on your skin:
Harmful Ingredient #1: Parabens.
Skin care companies use parabens in their products because they make great preservatives—keeping bacteria out of your product.
The issue with parabens is that they are well-known endocrine disruptors.
Parabens mimic estrogen in your body and this interferes with your normal hormonal function, which in turn affects everything from metabolism to sexual function.
What to look for on the label:
Methylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, and isobutylparaben
Harmful Ingredient #2: Artificial fragrances.
The thing with artificial fragrances is that you never know what you’re getting. Manufacturers aren’t required to list exactly what goes into their fragrances (yes, this includes “unscented” as well).
So for all you know, you’re dumping a steaming hot cocktail of allergens, endocrine disruptors, and irritants on your face.
What to look for on the label:
Fragrance or parfum.
Harmful Ingredient #3: Polyethylene glycol.
Polyethylene glycol is used as a thickening agent in lotions, shampoos, and sunscreens
PEG’s themselves aren’t the problem, but depending on manufacturing processes, they may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane (two known carcinogens).
What to look for on the label:
Polyethylene glycol or PEG.
Better yet, why not firm and plump up your skin from within and avoid thickening agents altogether?
Harmful Ingredient #4: Oxybenzone.
Considering sunscreen is so crucial to protecting healthy, beautiful skin…
You should probably know what’s in your sunscreen.
Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in sunscreen, and is also a well-known endocrine disrupter. Studies have also shown oxybenzone to cause allergic skin reactions.
What to look for on the label:
Oxybenzone.
Harmful Ingredient #5: Diethanolamine.
Diethanolamine is what makes body wash and shampoo all sudsy.
Unfortunately, the EU has banned diethanolamine because of its carcinogenic and respiratory toxicity—but America hasn’t.
What to look for on the label:
Diethanolamine or DEA.
One of the best things you can do when trying to improve your skin and health is this:
Do your homework!
No one else is gonna do it for you… except for me, of course :)
Be smart when choosing what to put on your face and you’ll enjoy soft, glowing skin for years to come.
To your health,
Sandra Wright
Assistant to Dr. Chasan