Have you ever read that list of ingredients on the back of your detergent or shampoo? Go to your bathroom, take the bottle and read everything on the label. Tricky right? For most of us, analyzing the incomprehensible ingredients in our personal care products can be a difficult task, but understanding what we are putting on our skin is important.
From skin care and makeup to household detergents and bath soaps, the formulations we use every day lurk with harsh ingredients. We come into contact with these skin care products on a daily basis, but we are unaware that they can trigger symptoms such as itching, dry skin, or dermatitis (thanks, dish soap!). To keep our skin in top condition, we've researched the key ingredients to avoid in skin care and beauty products. Read on for tips on how to dodge questionable, mediocre, or downright bad skin ingredients and how to keep your complexion strong and healthy.
Why you want to avoid harmful ingredients in skin care
Have you recently noticed any changes to the skin on your face, hands, or body? If your scalp itches, your hands are unusually dry, or abnormal skin changes occur, check the labels on the products you use. If all else fails, consult a dermatologist with a list of all the skin care products you have used.
Unusual skin symptoms are:
- itching
- Increasingly sensitive skin
- Breakouts in new places
- Severe dryness and flaky skin
- Flaky skin
- Redness
- dermatitis
- eczema
- psoriasis
- Rosacea
If these symptoms are not enough, certain ingredients in skin care and beauty products should be avoided for the following reasons:
Damage to your skin barrier
The skin barrier (or the acid mantle of your skin) is a naturally secreted protective film over your skin. This protective barrier consists of natural oils, fatty acids, amino acids and lactic acid and provides an acidic environment to prevent bacteria from forming. If your skin barrier is healthy, it is protects your skin from bacteria, fungi, diseases and environmental pollutants. It also maintains the integrity of the moisture barrier and microbiome of our skin (i.e. the healthy bacteria on our skin). Unfortunately, some harmful ingredients can make the skin sensitive, dry, red, flaky, and prone to infection.
Allergic reactions or outbreaks
Harsh ingredients can also cause allergic reactions leading to itchy or dry skin, eczema, or dermatitis. According to the In the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that could otherwise be harmless: “Allergic reactions to cosmetics usually appear as itchy, red rashes on the skin or as contact dermatitis. "
An imbalance in the pH of your skin
The wrong ingredients can also unbalance your skin's pH. The pH of your skin is affected by your age, genetics, sweat and moisture levels, as well as other factors such as products and medications that you use. According to According to scientific studies, changes in the pH of our skin play an important role in skin conditions such as acne, contact dermatitis and psoriasis.
Ingredients to avoid in skin care
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)
These chemicals are found in shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, and almost anything with a foam or foam. You are probably wondering if there are any toxic ingredients in skin care? If you've ever suffered from an itchy scalp or body, check your shampoo or detergent for these ingredients as they are known to be responsible dry, itchy skin. Aside from beauty products, household soaps and laundry detergents that contain SLS and SLES can damage your skin. If you notice dry, cracked, or itchy hands after touching the laundry or washing the dishes, it may be a direct result of your skin coming into contact with these soaps.
2. Phthalates: friend or foe?
Phthalates can be found in soaps, shampoos, perfumes, nail polishes, aftershave, and more. This scientific journal states: “The main phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products are dibutyl phthalate in nail polish, diethyl phthalate in perfumes and lotions, and dimethyl phthalate in hairspray. Often their presence is not noted on labels. "
After some Scientific studies suggest that phthalates are an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) that can alter hormone levels and potentially cause reproductive, developmental, and other health problems. Because of the limitations of the exposure methods and models used in the experiment, it is found in this study that support for the results is fragmented. However, it still suggests that “the current evidence points in the direction of concern. Further research is needed to identify the most critical exposure windows, the importance of exposure pathways, interactions with social factors, and the effects of simultaneous exposure to phthalates and other environmental contaminants. "
3. Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol
Both propylene glycol and butylene glycol are used in a wide variety of products such as toothpaste, detergents, serums, moisturizers, and shampoos. And in sheet masks, they're usually the main ingredient (after water) too.
According to science educator and skin care blogger Michelle Wong, if you are sensitive to propylene or butylene glycol, you will find that high amounts of skin care products can itch and irritate your skin. Fortunately, if you've never noticed this type of reaction, the chances are that you aren't allergic to these chemicals.
4. Are Parabens Bad Ingredients For The Skin?
Parabens are an inexpensive and common type of preservative that is used in many different skin care products to help keep the product fresh. They also prevent the product from harboring harmful bacteria. Parabens resist the growth of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms in skin care products, especially in hot and humid conditions.
According to Regarding the danger of parabens and similar compounds, the jury is still undecided: "Many of the studies that show a direct connection between these compounds and hormonal dysregulation were carried out in animals rather than humans." In these animal studies are higher Doses tested when humans would normally be exposed through a cosmetic or personal care product. According to Harvard Health: “Some human studies have linked increases in urinary or blood levels of these chemicals to endocrine disruptions. However, it is difficult to interpret whether or how individual measurements of these chemicals in body fluids are related to exposure from cosmetics or personal care products. "
Still, responsible skin care companies choose paraben-free formulations to eliminate the risk of harm.
The best organic skin care products with safe ingredients
Now that you know which skin care ingredients to avoid and you may be wondering which ingredients and products to consider instead. Fortunately, Eminence Organics products are free from parabens, animal by-products, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, harmful dyes and fragrances, petroleum and other harsh cosmetic chemicals. Our Beyond Organic Collection is particularly gentle and pure. Certified Product Support Officer for Beauticians and Eminence Organics Alicia Hawthorne states that this collection "not only has a short list of ingredients, but is also made from biodynamic ingredients that are three times as nutritious." This collection was formulated with ingredients from Demeter International Certified Biodynamic® farms and represents the purest skin products for all skin types. Demeter is the official certification body for Biodynamic® products and the strictest standard in the world. This is why there are very few skin care companies that can get this certification.
If you are ready to explore alternatives to products with harmful ingredients, here is a comprehensive skin care regimen that treats your skin with kindness, not chemicals. Plus, this routine is suitable for all skin types.
Step 1: clean
The olive oil, sunflower and flax seeds in our Lemon Grass Cleanser gently removes impurities from the skin, while organic and biodynamic herbal ingredients contribute to calming and calming. This hypoallergenic cream cleaner is perfect for sensitive or dehydrated skin.
Step 2: use a face oil
While lotions and serums are great for general hydration, oil can solve a number of specific problems (even if you have oily skin!), Like fading the appearance of scars, smoothing the skin, and even applying excess oil to your face . Formulated with clary sage oil, olive oil, sage leaf extract and ylang ylang, Facial Recovery Oil is a type of treatment that moisturizes your complexion and addresses individual concerns.
Step 3: protect your skin under the eyes
The Bearberry Eye Repair Cream moisturizes and rejuvenates the appearance of the sensitive area around the eye. It also refines the contours of the eye area and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. Bearberry Extract is rich in antioxidants and visibly brightens the area around the eyes, while red clover extract, parsley seed extract and hop extract make the skin look radiant.
Product selection
Lemongrass cleaner
VIEW PRODUCT
Product selection
Facial Recovery Oil
VIEW PRODUCT
Step 4: treat with a serum
Suitable for sensitive skin Cornflower Recovery Serum can be used before moistening. It contains chamomile, which soothes and balances the appearance of the skin. Cornflower is a powerful antioxidant that is also gently astringent.
Step 5: use a mask to soothe the irritation
The Seabuckthorn Balancing Masque is great for balancing irritated skin, says Natalie. This creamy face mask combines vitamin-rich sea buckthorn with ingredients like carrot juice and calendula to protect and soothe red, dry skin. A little much is possible with this highly concentrated formula.
Step 6: apply SPF
Perhaps you are dealing with sun damaged skin such as signs of hyperpigmentation or dark spots and you are not sure how to treat them. Regardless of your age or if you have sun damage, you can reduce further damage by wearing sunscreen. To protect your skin, a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 40 should be used every day. Not only does it ward off the visible signs of aging, but it also reduces the chance of developing skin cancer. Keep your skin feeling healthy with our mineral SPF moisturizers specially formulated for the face and neck. For example ours The Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 40 contains shea butter, a moisturizing ingredient that revitalizes and repairs dry skin. The Red Currant Moisturizer SPF 40 from Eminence Organic protects against signs of aging and controls oil production.
This is how you avoid skin reactions to products
Whether you use gentle products like our Beyond Organic Collection or your usual beauty brand, it is always wise to be slow when trying something new. When you introduce a new product into your product Skin care routine, do a patch test first. Put a small amount on the inside of your elbow and wait 48 to 72 hours. If you notice any redness, swelling, itching, or burning sensation, do not use this product. Remain skeptical about the purchase decision and continue the patch test despite the conditions that may appear. For example, although a label states that something is "hypoallergenic," "dermatologically tested," "sensitively tested," or "non-irritating", those label terms are not always regulated.
We look forward to celebrating the best of our clean, organic and Biodynamic® skin care with you. If you want to experience our acclaimed products, find out more from you closest Eminence Organics Spa partner.
Product selection
Cornflower Recovery Serum
VIEW PRODUCT
Product selection
Red Currant Protection Moisturizer SPF 40
VIEW PRODUCT