Three Dangerous Skin Care Chemicals to Avoid
Humans are exposed to thousands of toxins and chemicals in the environment on a daily basis. The use of organic skin care products can be a simple change to avoid unwanted side effects that come from prolonged use of certain chemicals. Society goes to great lengths to try and clean up the food, water, and air but often times harmful daily-use, beauty products can slip under the radar. It can be a challenge to find an effective organic skin care line, but here are three common chemicals that can be avoided by simply using organic or natural facial care products.
1.Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol can be found in over 4,000 different types of cosmetic products such as shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers, serums, cleansers, mascara, soap, toothpaste, and deodorant. It is mainly used as a lubricant and to keep products from melting or freezing. Because it allows chemicals to penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream, Propylene Glycol can be very dangerous. This ingredient has been linked to cancer, seizures, kidney and liver damage, organ system toxicity, immunotoxicity, and reproductive problems.
2. Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfate
Also known as SLS, this chemical is primarily used as a foaming agent in shampoo, detergent, toothpaste, sunscreen, bubble-bath, tooth paste, body wash, shaving cream, mouthwash, skin cleanser, and skin moisturizer. Products that foam up will generally include sodium laurel sulfate. SLS cannot be metabolized by the liver, and can worsen or cause PMS, breast cancer, lowered male fertility, eye irritation, scalp irritation, split hairs, and swelling of the hands, face and arms.
3. Parabens
Parabens can be hidden in ingredient labels as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and benzylparaben. They are estimated to be found in at least 13,200 cosmetic products. Parabens are seen in tanning lotions, shampoos, toners, personal lubricants, hand sanitizers, moisturizers, deodorants, fabric softeners, and shaving gels. Companies use parabens because they function as preservatives to fight bacteria and fungus. The problem with the use of these parabens products is that they can cause rashes, contact dermatitis, eczema, and allergic skin reactions, weight gain, lower muscle mass, gynecomastia, low sperm count, decreased testosterone levels, and breast tumors.
Finding chemical-free and effective skin care products can be a difficult task. Luckily, knowledge about these dangerous chemicals continues to surface. As more of the population becomes aware of these dangers, more natural products are being offered on the market.
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Guest post is provided by Mad Hippie. Madhippie specializes in creating effective and natural beauty products including cleanser, serums, and anti-wrinkle creams. For more information visit their website at http://www.madhippie.com.
