Skin & Personal Care Products Affect Your Health...
/Most of us use a range of beauty, skincare, and personal care products each and every day. In most cases, including cosmetics, cleansers, shampoos, moisturizers, deodorant, body lotions, and soaps. Unfortunately, the very products that we use for personal hygiene and to make ourselves look and feel great may also be contributing to health problems.
It turns out that many widely distributed products contain ingredients that can be harmful. The effects of these ingredients can include irritation, the exacerbation of existing skin conditions, and, in some cases, cause disruptions in hormonal balance, which could lead to a range of disorders and illnesses, including cancer.
The good news? Consumers are demanding better. There has been increased awareness of the dangers of many products and manufacturers are responding by removing unhealthy ingredients from their products. In addition, many new companies have started to develop effective products that are also safe to use. And, websites like Grove.co and Beauty Counter make it easy to shop a variety of brands/products.
Dangerous Ingredients
Unfortunately, a few common ingredients (used in personal care and skincare products) can contribute to disease and disorders. And, in some cases, counteract any benefits that you might receive from the product! (ie. some anti-aging skincare products contain potent irritants that can actually damage and age your skin).
Phthalates: This ingredient is known as a plasticizer, which means that it is added to materials and ingredients to make them softer and more pliable. Phthalates are added to cosmetics and personal care items to make them softer. Unfortunately, there is some evidence that phthalates could be hormone interrupters, though more research is needed in human subjects.
Fragrances: Fragrance is not, in and of itself, bad. However, many companies use fragrances in their products without disclosing the type of fragrance so you can make up your own mind about whether you wish to use the product. Some types of fragrance can be skin irritants, increase photosensitivity, and be hormone disruptors. Some major companies are now starting to disclose the names of all fragrances used in their products.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a common ingredient in many products and some types of alcohol, such as cetyl alcohol, can be beneficial to the skin. However, other types of alcohol, such as isopropanol, which is often used in cleansers and toners to tighten, reduce the appearance of large pores, and dry oiliness, can be damaging to your skin. If a product has alcohol in it, find out what kind.
Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that can help prevent spoilage and contamination. The problem is that they may be hormone disruptors. In small amounts, parabens may not be dangerous, but because they are so prevalent in cosmetics and personal care items, it’s easy to have more exposure to parabens than you intended.
How to Protect Yourself
You can protect yourself, and your family, by carefully researching the products that you already have in your home, as well as any new products that you are thinking about trying. Fortunately, many brands provide ingredient lists on their websites, so you can do some research without having to make a purchase first.
Another thing you can do is check out the Environmental Working Group’s website which includes databases of ingredients and products so that you can make an informed decision about what you use on your face and body. In addition, EWG has a certification program: Products made with safe ingredients can carry the AWG verified logo which can help you easily identify safe products online and in stores.
