Ingredients to Avoid in Skin Care and Beauty Products

    Men face care products

    It’s tempting to buy the new hottest thing in skin or hair care, but have you checked the ingredients? If your beauty regimen isn’t all natural, it can be hard to know if you’re doing more harm than good. Here are just a few ingredients to avoid in skin care:

    Alcohol, Isopropyl, or (SD-40) is a dehydrator and solvent that irritates your skin, stripping its natural immune barrier and moisture content. Over time, it can increase your vulnerability to viruses, bacteria and mold. It comes from a petroleum derivative called propylene, which is found in everything from shampoo to antifreeze. It can put your skin at risk for damage from other harsh chemicals and can spot skin and age it prematurely.

    Triethanolamine, diethanolamine and monoethanolamine, also known as TEA, DEA and MEA, are harmful skin care ingredients that can disrupt your hormones and lead to the formation of cancer-causing nitrates. Their carcinogenic effects have already caused them to be banned in Europe, but the US still uses them in products like shampoo and shaving cream. According to researchers, repeated exposure to DEA detergents can heighten the risk for liver and kidney cancer.

    Preservative ingredients in skin care products like urea and DMDM hydanation can release formaldehyde, which has been known to cause joint pain, respiratory system irritation, allergies, headaches, sleep disorders and other major issues.

    Synthetic colors made from coal tar or heavy metal salts like FDandC color pigments that are often ingredients in skin care products can deposit toxins, increasing irritation and sensitivity in your skin. Almost all of these colors are carcinogenic and can reduce oxygen in the body.

    Mineral oils are by-products of petroleum that actually clog pores and keep skin from eliminating toxins. They can also cause acne and other skin disorders. Healthy alternatives include oil free moisturizers or skin care products made with jojoba and other vegetable oils.

    This is only a small overview of some of the most dangerous ingredients in skin care products. There are many more which have shown extremely worrying study results and others whose long term effects haven’t yet been determined. The best skin care ingredients are natural and gentle on your skin.

    Research more here.