The same applies to skin care products. In pursuit of a rejuvenating effect, we do not pay attention to their composition, and when we notice the action of harmful components, the situation is already irreparably spoiled. The beauty-coach, an international coach, a specialist in natural rejuvenation, tells about the dangers of the components of care products.
Are all drugs equally dangerous?
Of course, any cream or lotion has risk factors, and they are associated with the individual reaction of the body to their components. At the same time, 8 out of 10 skin care products contain substances that are harmful to everyone. As a rule, we do not read their composition or react to specific names, the dangers of which are warned in advance. For example, everyone is familiar with parabens and phenols. However, not only they can spoil the skin.
Glycerol
This wetting agent is also known as glycol. Its action is based on the ability to collect moisture. This implies that he will take it from the air, however, for this, the humidity of the environment must be at least 65%. In other words, glycerin will work properly either on a rainy day or in a room where a humidifier is turned on. In all other cases, he will not stop drawing in water, but he will have to take it from the deep layers of the skin. A film will form on the surface, creating the illusion of moisture, but as soon as the glycerin cream is absorbed, there will be no trace of this feeling, and you will have to apply a new portion. If you stop using it, then the skin will quickly lose its well-groomed appearance, become dry and dehydrated.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
Polyethylene glycol is widely used in the manufacture of medicines, foods and cosmetics, and products in which it is included are often labeled “natural”. It would seem, what kind of surprise can be expected from a substance that is so actively used in the most important areas for humans? The problem is that PEG is harmless only as long as its concentration does not exceed 20%.
Estimating the amount of PEG in a cream is quite easy: as a rule, the components on the label are placed in order of decreasing concentration, and if the substance you are interested in is one of the first, then there is a lot of it.
Mineral oils
Mineral oils are widely used in the manufacture of cosmetics, including children’s. They are perfectly combined with other components, contribute to the uniform distribution of products over the skin and dissolve various substances well, which is why they are often used to remove makeup.
But the moisturizing properties of mineral oils leave much to be desired. Getting on the epidermis, they form a film on its surface, under which the skin cannot fully breathe and remove toxins. However, if you touch the face, it seems that it is well hydrated. Do not be deceived by this effect – with regular and long-term use of cosmetics with mineral oils, the skin runs the risk of losing elasticity and aging prematurely.
Denatured alcohol
Denatured (technically) alcohol differs from rectified alcohol in the presence of additives that make it unsuitable for human consumption. It is included in many cosmetic products for oily and porous skin, as well as in formulations to combat rashes and inflammation.
Its undoubted advantage is antimicrobial activity, but it dries the skin and dehydrates its deep layers.
Placental extract
Placental extract at one time made a revolution in anti-aging cosmetics, as it provided a quick and noticeable anti-aging effect. But it must be remembered that it is made from the human placenta and contains a huge amount of the hormone estrogen. Its use is associated with two serious risks at once:
The skin quickly gets used to placental cosmetics;
Prolonged use of such drugs can cause hormonal imbalance.
Hyaluronic acid and collagen
By their nature, these substances are absolutely harmless. Moreover, their use really allows you to restore skin elasticity and youth. Only one important detail must be taken into account. The composition of cosmetics may include low- or high-molecular fractions of these substances. If the molecule is too large, it will not be able to pass through the cell membrane, so skin care products with a low molecular structure of ingredients should be chosen.
Formaldehyde derivatives
Formaldehyde is almost completely banned from use in the manufacture of cosmetics, as it is a strong carcinogen and poisonous to humans. However, cosmetics require preservatives for long-term storage, so formaldehyde derivatives are used. Try to avoid skin care products that contain these substances – they provoke the development of tumor diseases and are highly toxic.
Triclosan
Most of us are familiar with triclosan from advertisements for antibacterial soaps. Indeed, this substance actively kills bacteria, but, unfortunately, it does not know how to distinguish pathogens from beneficial ones. As a result, the skin loses its natural immunity, becomes more susceptible to infections, becomes inflamed more often and reacts painfully even to those remedies that it used to perceive well.
How to avoid contact with hazardous ingredients in cosmetics
First of all, it should be remembered that the nutrition and rejuvenation of the skin does not occur from the outside, but from the inside. The skin receives nutrients primarily through the blood, so a healthy diet and the rejection of bad habits will be more useful for it than the most expensive cream. But if you still decide to purchase a cosmetic product, follow a few rules:
1. Usually the composition is indicated in very small print, and if you do not want to miss important information, take a magnifying glass with you to the store.
2. When choosing cosmetics, be guided only by its composition: neither the well-known brand name nor the beautiful packaging guarantee safety. You will have to take care of this yourself.
3. Remember that substances with the highest concentration are indicated at the beginning of the list of ingredients. If you are one of the first to see a component that causes distrust, it is better to refuse to buy this product.
4. High price does not necessarily mean high quality. Yes, high-quality ingredients are not cheap, so you won’t be able to buy good natural cosmetics for nothing. But keep in mind that a significant part of the cost of expensive products is the cost of advertising, packaging and design. Therefore, it is quite possible to find a quality product at an affordable price.
5. Many manufacturers write “natural” or “organic” on the packaging, although their products contain only chamomile extract from natural ingredients. So always read the ingredients and don’t let the marketing gimmicks fool you.
Taking care of your health starts with loving yourself. If you live in harmony with yourself, you do not need ideal beauty achieved through harmful and dangerous procedures. It is more likely that you will give preference to natural rejuvenation techniques and natural care products. This way is not only safer, but also economical, because you do not have to pay for advertising companies of famous brands from your own wallet. Take good care of yourself and you will always be irresistible!