Toxic Ingredients to avoid in Makeup and skincare products

Toxic Ingredients to avoid in Makeup and Skincare Products

Our skin is a porous organ and it absorbs a lot of what we put on it. Simply, when you take a shower an average of 1.5 liters of water is soaked by our body. Have you ever counted how many cosmetics or personal care products you use in a day ? To name a few chances are they include toothpaste, deodorant, hair conditioner, shampoo, soap, lip balm, body lotion, sunscreen, shaving products for men, cosmetics for women, and baby oils for children.

These cosmetics contain a wide range of synthetic chemicals that do not sit on the surface of our skin because they are designed to penetrate and they do. Recent studies indicate that many cosmetic ingredients do appear in tissues, urine and human fat. Feminization of male babies is linked to a common fragrant component diethylphthalate.

Baby oil : Take a deep breath as you are going to learn that baby oil is actually a mineral oil. Mineral oil is a liquid by product of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline from crude oil. Human skin is responsible for the production of vitamin D when exposed to sun's ultra violet rays. It cools the body and ejects toxin through sweat. Mineral oil prohibits skin from performing these vital tasks. Mineral oil is considered " comedogenic" which means it can clog your pores and increase your risk of acne and blackheads.

Mineral oil is commonly found in baby oil, vaseline, petroleum jelly, moisturizers, foundation to lip balm. It is known by different names like liquid petroleum, paraffin oil, and white mineral oil. According to 2011 study mineral oil hydrocarbons are the greatest contaminant of human body, amounting to one gram per person. It actually seals your skin and prevents it from breathing.

Baby oil should never be used on babies skin. It can cause permanent brain damage and death when inhaled.  As you know that babies love to put their hands in their mouth and whatever is on their hands is also going in their mouths. It leads to nutritional deficiencies specifically fat soluble vitamins A,D,E & K  .

"Don't put anything on your skin you would not eat."

Shine in your lip gloss also contains petroleum jelly and when you spread it on your lips , it ends up in your body. Over years of accumulated petroleum jelly it can easily cross 7 pounds.  Over use of it can cause various hormonal disruptions like endometriosis, miscarriages, ovarian abnormalities and decreased immune function.  Mineral oil damages skin cells and cause serious damage to kidney and liver. It can cause elevated estrogen levels and hormonal imbalance, low sperm count, low sex drive, testicular and prostate cancers. Daily and continuous use of products containing mineral oil is linked to breast cancer, thyroid disease, early puberty in girls, weight gain, irregular menses and depression.

 

Chemicals of concern in cosmetics :

Coal tar derived colours or dyes : Coal tar is derived from petroleum and is a known carcinogen ( cancer causing). It is generally contaminated with aluminum substrate and  cause brain damage . Women who used hair dyes for a longer period had an increased risk of developing non- Hodgkin's lymphoma ( Cancer of the lymph system).

Sodium laureth sulfate  (SLES) or sodium lauryl sulfate(SLS) :  These are found in cosmetics like shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, dish soap  and act as detergent, make bubbles and foam. It can cause skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation.

Triclosan :  Triclosan is used in diverse range of products including hand sanitizers, tooth paste, cleansers, antiperspirants, and antibacterial cosmetics. It is a suspected endocrine disrupter and cause antibiotic resistant bacteria. It is also used as a preservative to resist bacteria, mold, fungus etc. and is added to garbage bags, toys, linens, mattresses, toilet fixtures and fabrics.

Parabens : Methyl paraben, propyl paraben, isobutyl paraben, ethyl paraben ,and benzyl paraben are used as a preservative in deodorants and anti-perspirants. These can disrupt hormones and interfere with reproductive functions and easily penetrates the skin.

BHA and BHT : Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene are used in lipsticks and moisturizers as preservatives. these chemicals can easily cause allergic reactions in the skin, kidney, thyroid, liver problems and lung diseases.

DBP : Dibutyl phthalates are included in nail products as a solvent. These are linked to cause development defects, genetic mutations, changes in testes and prostate problems.

PEG Compounds :  Propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol are contaminated with 1,4- dioxane and cause cancer, damage the nervous system and interferes with human development.

Cyclomethicone, cyclotetrasiloxane : These are used to soften, smoothen and moisten as facial treatments. But they are responsible for causing uterine cancers, harm the reproductive and immune system.

Read labels ! If you can't pronounce it, don't use it. It doesn't sound natural.

Only use products made from living organic ingredients directly from the mother earth.

Coconut oil stands above all the natural oils :

Cleansing with coconut oil :   Massage with coconut oil liberates the oil from your skin along with impurities. When you apply steam with hot wash cloth to your face, dirty oil is lifted  which you can easily remove or wipe away. Coconut oil is a great cleanser, moisturizer, antibacterial and full of antioxidants. It is suitable for all skin types. It helps improve stretch marks, scars , fine lines and wrinkles.

How to clean your face with coconut oil ?    

1. Put about a teaspoon of coconut oil on the palm of your hand.

2. Warm the oil by rubbing with both hands back and forth.

3. Massage the oil onto your face with small circular strokes  for about a minute.

4. Take a wash cloth and rinse it in hot water and wring out extra water and place the cloth on your face for at least 30 seconds.

5. Now wipe the oil gently and completely .

Natural Homemade baby Oils :

The following types of essential oils can be used on their own or in  combination formulas that are significantly more eco-friendly than mineral oil.

Primrose oil :  Primrose oil is generally added to homemade baby oils as a protectant against skin diseases, and rashes.

Chamomile oils : Such as Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile are very calming, soothing and helpful in easing skin irritations.

Rose oil : It soothes and softens a baby's skin with its natural delicate and pleasant scent.

Sweet almond oil : This oil is very effective  for babies with very sensitive skin and moisturize the skin for a longer period.

Emu oil :  Emu is an Australian Bird and its oil contains both oleic and linoleic acids and makes a superb moisturizer as it gets absorbed very thoroughly in the skin.

Camellia oil :  or Tea seed oil is very rich in vitamins A and B vitamins and enriches your skin. It has no scent and very light weight.

Olive oil :  Olive oil has abundance of antioxidants like vitamin A and E . They help repair skin from inside out and acts as a moisturizer too. Keep in mind it needs damp skin before applying olive oil in order to reduce greasiness. 

Coconut oil : Coconut oil is one of the best oil for all types of skins including sensitive skins. It can be used with other essential oils too. it is a great moisturizer as well as antibacterial.   

"GOOD HEALTH "

Sukhwinder Brar

President

Healthy lifestyle Knowledge Foundation