Words to Watch Out For When Buying Skin Care Products
Every time you apply skin care products, remember that the skin is not a barrier that protects you from those chemicals. The skin is a sponge. That means whatever you apply, whether it is safe or not, the skin will absorb and who knows what will happen overtime. According to a study made by United States’ Food and Drugs Administration, the average person uses ten different products on his/her body.
Knowing this and that the chemicals are absorbed by the skin, you have to be careful from now on of the things that you apply on your skin. You might think that the chemicals are in small doses and that cosmetic companies swore that it is safe but you do not know how it can affect your health overtime. It would be good if you become an informed consumer.
By this it means you have to know what to consider and what to reject. Yes your skin needs care but it doesn’t mean you have to overdo it. Simplify your regimen and limit it to only a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen with high SPF. If that is not enough for you, some products will do but watch out for red flag words. What are these words? Check the label or ingredients and then watch out for these words:
- Formaldehyde: If you found out that the product you are using has formaldehyde, you have to dispose it or find another one. Formaldehyde is a preservative at the same time a disinfectant. It is classified as a possible carcinogen. It is usually infused in eye shadows and mascara.
- Ammonia: If you are into dyeing and bleaching, ammonia is an important ingredient or compound. It emits a pungent gas that can irritate the eyes as well as the respiratory tract.
- Mercury: You might not find this word on the label but it is otherwise known as “thimersoal”. Mercury is proven to damage the brain even at its lowest level. It can be found on your usual mascara, lightening cream and eye drops.
- Lead acetate: Lead acetate is banned in the European Union because it is known to be a neurotoxin which is toxic to the health. It can be found in cleaners and hair dyes.
- Dibutyl phthalate: Phthalate is used to avoid cracking. It is a common ingredient infused in mascara and nail polish. Studies prove that this chemical can cause birth defects. It can also be found in cleaning detergents, air fresheners and cleaning detergents.
