Medically reviewed by Minimalist Health Specialist - Written by Nikitha Terence (Beauty Expert) on 08th Oct 2020
Watch Out! These Toxic Ingredients Could Be Present In Your Skincare Products
Are you aware of some unseen 'germs' in the cosmetics you use?
Clean beauty, glass skin, Vitamin C, etc. are some of the most common terms you get to see in every beauty article and something that everyone wants to own. These "trending" terms from the beauty vocabulary become an actuality by rigorous and regular regimens.
For miracles like flawless skin to occur, we purchase great products either by thorough research of their state and the compatibility with our skin layers or go with what our favorite beauty expert recommends! The after results might turn out to be as unique as you expected it to be, but does it mean that the products used regularly, even by dermatologists, are genuinely candid with their ingredients and manner, or is there more to it?
Let's dig a little more in-depth look at what each product contains and how beneficial or harmful is its impact on each skin type.
What are these toxins?
Toxins are substances that are being created both internally and externally in the human body. Some of them get eliminated without much involvement from our end, but more persistent ones can only be removed by something known as detoxing the skin. Before jumping into how simple methods can terminate toxins, it is crucial to learn the basics. What are they, how much are they present by the majority, and more.
Let us take a look at some deceitful skin ingredients
Even though we all take care of our skin well with the best products, how can one be sure about the topically applied elements on our skin?
Are these harmful, or how beneficial are these in the long run? Safety officers around the globe, after years of research, have narrowed down a few toxic ingredients that can account for sure ruin the party.
Parabens
As claimed by experts, parabens, one of the most deceptive ingredients, is just termed as preservatives that do not allow your makeup products to get spoiled. There are various types of these parabens, namely propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben. This so-called harmful ingredient has been nothing but a perfect addition to the cosmetics world.
Of course, there is plenty of evidence that shows how dangerous it is to invest in toxins, but as always, there is a different side to this story. We know that skin is the largest organ, and it has many layers to it, then how is it possible for the skin, which is a protective barrier to our body, to allow things applied on it just topically to ruin its texture?
We can confidently ignore it as a myth and instead beware of the mentioned ingredients in the products, as they are toxic. So, just like you research every other makeup item before purchasing it, check for yourself the many proofs about parabens being the winner of the race.
Did You Know:
In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that took place in 2005, it was found that there was a massive amount of parabens present in the urine of almost 2,548 partakers aged six years and above.
Alcohol
This singular ingredient has often been non-beneficial for the skin as well as the body.
Alcohol has all the power to kill the mood of the skin layers. Many brands have something called isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol whose job is to lend a helping hand to other ingredients to get absorbed faster for avoiding the degreasing for the skin.
But what these beauty enthusiasts don't understand is that it is only one good thing about alcohol presence. Another crucial thing to note here is, some kinds of alcohol like stearyl, cetyl, and Cetearyl alcohol are more skin-friendly.
1,4-Dioxan
Popularly named as an active carcinogen agent, this ingredient was first detected in animals' feed and small traces in skincare products. One major issue with 1,4-dioxane is that it is a part of the manufacturing process, which causes the FDA not to strike it out as a toxic product.
So it gets tough to differentiate it in cosmetics. Bath soaps, shampoos, and in almost every baby product, we can discover 1,4-dioxane in small traces.
Although the cosmetic industries have found the truth about 1,4-dioxane, they cannot remove them entirely from some products.
Fragrances
Who knew that the one thing that entrances everyone in the room and gives you a boost of self-confidence would turn out to be such a nightmare?
There is something known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) in fragrances that leads to a heap of health hazards. Like many toxins, showcase their true nature only in the long run.
Similarly, the dangerous health effects will come out in the light after like a few years. To prove this, in 2016, the International Fragrance Association surveyed to find the common ingredients in the cosmetics of random people. It was a shocking revelation that nearly 99% of the participants had been using scented cosmetics, and they had no idea about it. Next time, double-check if you invest in genuine lavender or lemongrass scents, or is it all coverup in the name of synthetic fragrances?
Petroleum and Mineral Oil
Both of these products seem to be stubborn by nature because once they are welcomed into the skin's barrier, there is no easy way to expel them out.
Once done in New York on a group of women in their mid-50s, a survey showed that they have 50-55% of larger chances to be affected by breast cancer. Like the occlusives, they derive the skin of their natural inhalation process, leading to oily, clogged pores.
FDA has still not found useful data behind these primary ingredients; they become an ineffective part of the skincare routine.
Artificial Dyes
Many ancient beauty ingredients came in varied colors, but none of them has an ounce of toxicity. Fast forward and this 21st century, we find several products in various colors and flavors. But are they authentic as before?
The answer is a clear no. The EU has been successful in banning many of these toxins, but they still exist by multiple sources.
The cause of such misery is their sources. The majority of the dyes originate from petroleum, coal tar origins.
The after-effects of detrimental ingredients in skincare
- The contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during mineral oils or petroleum products can effortlessly lead to skin sensitivity and allergies.
- The skin's microbiome is severely damaged due to cosmetics with a higher level of alcohol, thus making it difficult to renew, recover, and reproduce good skin texture.
- Phthalates, which are an added by-product in fragrances, can lead to sperm mobility, early breast development in girls, and breast cancer in elders. Mix up scents have also directed to asthma, dizziness, and much more trauma.
- Parabens can cause increased levels of breast tumors.
- Sulfates, the famous foaming mixtures, are said to irritate eyes, mouth and skin in the long run.
A guide for the safe shopping of neat cosmetics
- Since 1,4-dioxane is not aptly shown in the ingredients list of any skin product, look out for the chemical name, which ends with the prefix "eth" like oleth, ceteareth.
- Detox, Detox, and Just Detox! Though there is no specific way to remove the toxins from the skin physically, you can very well cleanse it from the dirt and pollutants. There is no shortcut to the detox process, but it is pretty amazing to watch the delayed unfolding of beautiful skin. All you can do is save/protect your skin from the dusty outside world and be high on rich content food.
- Invest an exceptional skin routine, keeping in mind about skin issues and needs. For the inside, "glow" take in the right foods and ample water for enough hydration.
- Do not forget about your environment and lifestyle to be more cautious when shopping for desired products.
- Get proper expert advice on how to repair your skin.
Final Thoughts:
"A beautiful side note is, once the toxins and dramas are removed from life, you purify your life. Simplify and purify. What better way to live your life? Simple and Pure!" Here Tony Curl was not wrong when he stated this meaningful quote in his book.
Just as mentioned, when used in moderation, it turns out to be not as dangerous as it looks. Turn to more organic skincare products that can help not to be scared of the consequences. Try to be positive and make it a point to indulge yourself in regular exercise because by sweating out, some of the toxins might get eliminated. Keeping all this in your thoughts, be sure to make the right decision by checking the skin health ingredients before purchasing cosmetics.