| Millions of us use skin care products every single | | | | these insecticides have the ability to travel |
| day, not realizing exactly what it is that we are | | | | through the skin and into the bloodstream. |
| putting on our skin. Even some natural products | | | | Although this chemical is a health risk, it is |
| can contain chemicals but most of us are unsure | | | | perfectly safe if it is not contaminated. The only |
| as to what to look for so we simply do not | | | | way to tell if a product contains uncontaminated |
| notice. | | | | Lanolin is if you choose an organic product. |
| The Chemicals we Know Nothing About | | | | However, this does not always stop the problem |
| If you do not know much about skin care | | | | so always make sure you look for good quality |
| chemicals, you are certainly not alone! Most of us | | | | products in order to be safe. |
| use products every single day without giving a | | | | Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD 40): |
| thought as to what is included in them. So just | | | | Alcohol is found in quite a lot of skin care |
| what should we be looking out for and are these | | | | products and it can be extremely drying for the |
| chemicals harmful? | | | | skin. It tends to strip the skin of its natural acid |
| 1,4 Dioxane: | | | | mantle, which causes us to be more vulnerable to |
| This chemical is found in 50% of cosmetics and it | | | | bacteria, viruses and mold. It can also promote |
| is listed as a carcinogen. If over exposed to the | | | | brown spots and aid in premature ageing. |
| skin it can cause irritation, it can be a central | | | | Lead: |
| nervous system depressant, and it can even | | | | Lead is contained mainly in hair dyes, and it is a |
| cause damage to the liver and kidneys. | | | | known carcinogen and hormone disruptor. The |
| Unfortunately most products do not list this on | | | | reason it is so harmful, is because it absorbs into |
| their ingredients list but it is usually found in | | | | the skin and it can cause neurological damage as |
| shampoo, creams and even cotton balls can | | | | well as behavior abnormalities. Other side effects |
| contain it. | | | | include muscle cramp and depression. |
| FD&C Colors: | | | | Diazolidinyl Urea: |
| This is commonly used in personal care products | | | | This is known as the main cause of contacted |
| and they are made from coal. Shockingly, coal tar | | | | dermatitis in America. It contains formaldehyde |
| colors have been known to cause cancer in | | | | which is a carcinogenic chemical, which is toxic if |
| animals, and a lot of people develop allergic | | | | breathed in. It can cause difficulty in breathing, |
| reactions to the chemical, including the | | | | irritation to the nose, throat and eyes, and it can |
| development of dermatitis. You will find them | | | | also cause blisters, burns and inflammation. |
| listed as FD&C or D&C, usually followed by a | | | | Overall there are hundreds of chemicals we do |
| color and a number. | | | | not know much about. Granted, most only do |
| Lanolin: | | | | damage if used in excess, but many people do still |
| Lanolin is a known allergen and some products | | | | have effects from some of the chemicals in their |
| have taken it out of their ingredients list. | | | | skin care products. |
| However, some still remain and something else | | | | You never completely know what you are putting |
| we should be worried about is the fact that it is | | | | on your skin, but now is the time to stop and |
| derived from sheep wool so there is a chance it | | | | think. Always read the labels and try and find out |
| may contain insecticides which can be really | | | | what it is that you are putting onto the skin. |
| harmful to the body. The worrying thing is that | | | | After all, it is better to be safe than sorry! |