It is important to be mindful of what we put on our skin. When it comes to skin care, it is sometimes easy to forget that the ingredients in the products we use can have an impact on our overall health and wellbeing. Buzzwords like ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ should not be taken for granted and it is essential to be aware of what substances are potentially damaging to our skin. In this article, we will look at some of the common skincare ingredients that could be harmful to your skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
It is always a good idea to be aware of what substances could potentially be harmful to your skin. This list will cover some of the most common skincare ingredients that you should strive to avoid when possible.
Parabens
Parabens are a type of preservative found in cosmetics, skin care and other beauty products. While the purpose of the preservative is to prevent the growth of bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms in the product, studies have shown that this chemical may disrupt the body’s hormones and even increase the risk of breast cancer. It’s best to look for products that are free of parabens, as these can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.
SLS and SLES
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) are common synthetic surfactants used in many cosmetics and cleaning products. The problem with these substances is that they can be very drying to the skin and can cause irritation, as well as disrupting the skin’s natural moisture balance. In some cases, it may even cause inflammation and soreness.
Phthalates
Phthalates are chemical compounds used as softening agents and stabilizers in many cosmetic and skin care products. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems, as well as possible links to cancer. It is best to look for alternatives that do not contain phthalates.
Fragrance
Fragrance is another common ingredient in beauty products, but this one can be difficult to avoid. Fragrance is often used to make products smell nice and the issue here is that it can be potentially irritating to the skin and might even cause allergies in some people. Fragrance is not required in most skin care products, so it is best to avoid them when possible.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a preservative used in many skincare products, as well as in certain medicines and disinfectants. Unfortunately, this substance has been linked to cancer and it is best to avoid it altogether.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent. While it can be useful in certain products, it can also pose risks to the skin. First, it can be irritating and drying to the skin, and it has also been shown to potentially disrupt hormones in the body.
Retinol
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and can be beneficial for skin health, but it can also be harmful if used improperly. Retinol can be irritating and drying to the skin and can cause redness, flakiness, and sensitivity to sunlight. It is important to use retinol carefully and not apply it too frequently.
Sunscreen Ingredients
When it comes to sunscreen, it is important to be aware of all the ingredients. While sunscreens are important to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, some of the chemicals that they contain could potentially be irritating or drying to the skin, so it is best to choose a product without any of these potentially harmful ingredients.
Common Irritants
Apart from the substances mentioned above, there are some other ingredients that can be irritating or drying to the skin. These include alcohols, fragrances, and essential oils. Alcohols can be drying and can cause irritation, fragrances can cause allergies, and essential oils can be very potent and might lead to skin reaction.
When it comes to skincare, it is always important to be aware of what ingredients are in the products that we use. While some of the substances mentioned in this article are common in beauty products, they can potentially be harmful to your skin. It is important to read the label of any skincare product closely and to look for alternatives that don’t contain any of these potentially damaging ingredients.
