You have heard about toxins in your food and skincare products. Do you know what you are really putting on your face? It may come as a surprise that the cosmetics industry in America is unregulated. The beauty industry of US bans only 30 ingredients from cosmetic and skincare products. Using chemicals and other harmful ingredients excessively on your face could disrupt the natural pH balance of your skin. This can cause breakouts. The toxins in products enter your body and could damage cells, as well as your biological and neurological system. Toxins from beauty products and other sources are the reason that allergies, cancers, developmental impairments and other health issues are rising. Here are the harmful ingredients to look out for the next time you go shopping.
1) Lead
Lead is among the harmful ingredients that companies associate with paint, but it may come as a shock that it is a common ingredient in lipsticks and lip glosses. Lead is destructive to the nerve tissue and is associated with infertility, developmental disorders, menstrual problems, cognitive difficulties and behavioral issues. Lead is a neurotoxin, meaning that it has negative impacts on neurological development.
2) Parabens
Parabens are commonly found in makeup and skincare products. They are used to maintain shelf life, have anti-bacterial properties, and make products last longer. This is damaging for our bodies, particularly the endocrine system. Your body recognizes parabens as estrogen; thus, excessive parabens are linked with reproductive problems, skin cancer, breast cancer and hormonal imbalances.
3) Fragrance
You might think that all that pleasant smell, which turns your hair, washroom, and bedroom fragrant, is pleasant but it is actually dangerous for your health. A lot of chemicals are disguised under the name of fragrance. You find this in shampoos, creams, moisturizers, and make up items. Fragrance is linked with respiratory disorders, allergies, hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems and environmental damage.
4) Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Ever wonder how you get all that foamy lather from shampoos, body washes, and soaps?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS).
You would think that the more foam it generates, the better. We think that more foam means more cleanliness. Wrong. If it instantly makes your hair or body soft, it means there is a lot of SLS in the product. SLS irritates eyes and skin. It is easily absorbed by the skin and causes allergies.
5) Phthalates
Phthalates has absolutely made our list of harmful ingredients. This is all plastic that is easily absorbed into the body, softens the skin, and enables fragrances to last longer. It can easily enter the blood stream, and is linked with cancer, asthma, neurodevelopment disorders, and reproductive issues.
6) Triclosan
It may not be as common as other ingredients but you could find it in soaps, toothpastes, and deodorants. It is known to irritate skin and disrupt reproductive and thyroid hormones.
7) BHA & BHT
These are used as preservatives in cosmetics and are also used as food preservatives. Companies use preservatives because it is more cost-effective and benefits the beauty industry; however, it is damaging to skin and health. The chemicals are associated with cancer, hormonal imbalance, and skin irritation.
Therefore, if you are expecting, your physician would advise you to avoid most of these products. While it is impossible to completely avoid toxins, the key to good health is to cut down exposure to toxins and treat your skin with natural ingredients.
