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The Hidden Dangers in Skincare Products

By James McRoy

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 25Jan2010 Word count: 1295 Viewed: 2650 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

You just wouldn't believe what dangers lie in the most innocuous skin care products nowadays. These products are promoted as being extra kind to your skin, bring you a natural healthy look, but when you peer at what ingredients are inside them, it will bring more than a healthy glow to your cheeks if you use them.

I have created my own A-Z of horrors just to make you aware of what you shouldn't be applying to your delicate skin.

If you find any of the following ingredients listed as apt of your skin-care products then avoid them like the plague, or, if you already have them, consign them to the trash-can!

AHA's: Found in skin creams, exfoliators & peels. These little beauties actually cause skin damage, and despite what it says on the jar, they won't help you look younger - the AHA's will actually make your skin - and consequently you - age prematurely.

Aluminium salts : Found in antiperspirants. e.g. Aluminium hydroxychloride, Aluminium chlorohydrate, Aluminium sulphate, etc. Aluminium actually blocks your pores and has links to Alzheimer's Disease and breast cancer.

Aqueous cream : Most commonly prescribed for skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis & diaper rash. Aqueous cream is paraffin and water in suspension. It clogs the pores. (See Paraffin, and Mineral oil) Butyl/methyl parabens : This is a preservative in most products particularly antiperspirants. There are some links with breast cancer and it mildly mimics oestrogen, so it should be avoided in pregnancy. It can cause rashes and allergic reactions. Only seek out suppliers who do not use parabens in their products.

BHT : Butylated hydroxytoluene, is a fat preserver found in cosmetics, skin creams & petroleum products. BHT may be carcinogenic. (See Paraffin, Mineral Oil) Collagen: Found in most "luxury" skin creams. Collagen is often taken from young animals and is a Slaughterhouse by-product. Research shows links to certain diseases caused by mutant collagen genes and there is a possible link to BSE.

Dea - Diethanolamine, Mea - Monoethanolamine, Tea - Triethanolamine : Found in cosmetics hair & skincare, bubble bath, shower gel, soap & cleansers. Dea is highly carcinogenic, especially to kidney and liver. The Dea family are hormone disrupting chemicals and can cause allergic reactions, irritate the eyes and dry the hair and skin.

Euxyl K100: Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoyl Alcohol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Hydroxytoluene: Found in soaps & perfume. These are severe skin irritants that can also affect the eyes and respiratory system. (Same as Kathon CG.)

Fragrance, Perfume/Parfum : Found in almost all products, even baby care. Usually petroleum based (see Petroleum, Vaseline) and are the most frequent cause of allergies. These are carcinogenic and toxic, causing headache, dizziness, rashes, skin discolouration, respiratory problems, coughing, vomiting, allergic skin irritation, multiple chemical sensitivity, hyperactivity, irritability and behavioural changes.

FD & C or D & C Colour: Made from coal tar this causes skin sensitivity & irritation. In extreme cases can cause depletion of oxygen in the body & even death. Carcinogenic.

Glycerine / Glycerin: Found in most beauty products & foodstuffs. Glycerine/ Glycerin is a slaughterhouse by-product, being made from from animal bones. Ther are possible links to BSE. You should only use products that are made from vegetable Glycerine which is a more expensive product. If your label just says "Glycerine' it will be from animal sources.

Isopropyl myristate, Iso-propylmyristate (Alcohol): Found in hair rinses, body rubs, hand cream, body lotions, aftershave, fragrances, cosmetics. Derived from Petroleum & found in Antifreeze. Even inhalation can cause headaches, dizziness, flushing, nausea, depression, vomiting and coma. It dries skin and hair, creates cracks and fissures in the skin which encourages bacterial growth. ONE OUNCE INGESTED IS FATAL.

Kathon CG: Found in shampoos & hair care products, skin creams, ointments & cosmetics. This is a constituent of anti-freeze and wood preservative and can causes allergic reactions and contact dermatitis.

Lanolin: Found in many skin creams, hand & foot creams, cosmetics, hairspray, baby oils & nappy rash products. Lanolin can cause allergic contact dermatitis. As it is derived from sheep's wool it will likely be contaminated with pesticides from the sheep dip - including DDT. Mineral oil : Found in skin creams, lotions, baby products, lip balms, cosmetics.

BABY OIL IS 100% MINERAL OIL! This coats the skin like clingfilm and disrupts the skin's immune barrier as well as inhibiting its ability to breathe and absorb moisture or nutrition. The inability to release toxins results in blocked pores, spots, acne & other skin disorders. Slows down skin function & cell development & therefore leads to premature ageing of skin. (See Paraffin)

Padimate - o (PABA) OR Octyl dimethyl : Found mainly in sunscreens. Similar to DEA. Sun's energy absorbed by the sunscreens is turned into free radicals, which may actually INCREASE the risk of skin cancer. Paraffin/Petroleum Petrolatum products: Found in skin creams, lotions, baby products, lip balms, cosmetics. This is also used as lubrication oil in sewing machines as well as in floor wax. It prevents absorption of vitamins, and can clog pores. Its use can promote acne, and it may be carcinogenic. (See Mineral Oil) This group of products can cause sensitivity to sunlight, and they strip natural oils from the skin, causing chapping, dryness and premature wrinkling.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): Found in cleansers, skin creams & lotions. Caustic and carcinogenic, PEG strips skin's "Natural Moisture Factor", leaving the immune system vulnerable. Propylene Glycol (PG): Found in make-up, hair products, lotions, aftershave, deodorants, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. PG is also commonly found in antifreeze and brake fluid; it is highly toxic, causing brain, liver & kidney abnormalities.

PVP / VA Copolymer: Used in hair sprays. A petroleum based product. (See Petroleum / Vaseline)

Sodium Lauryl / Laureth Sulphate (SLS): Found in toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioners, shower gel, Bubble bath, skin creams & lotions. This ingredient is very aggressive on the skin. It strips moisture and oils from skin and hair causing damage including cracking, inflammation, rashes, hair loss, flaking skin and mouth ulceration. Produces carcinogens and builds up in heart, liver, brain and eyes.

Spermataceti cetaceum: Found in "luxury" skin creams. This is obtained from the head of the sperm whale.

Silk Amino Acid: Found in shampoo, conditioner, skin creams, lotions & clothing. Silk Amino Acids is extracted from dead silk worms. Seek out suppliers who use Sea Silk, which is made from plant extracts

Talc: Found in baby powders, face powders, & body powders. Talc is a known carcinogen and a major cause of ovarian cancer when used in the genital area. It can also lodge in the lungs causing respiratory disorders.

Tallow: Found in soaps, skin creams, lotions, hand & foot creams, lipsticks, cosmetics and candles. Tallow is made from beef fat and contains heavy metals and pesticides. There is a possible link to BSE.

Triclosan : Found in toothpaste, mouthwash, antiseptic soaps & skin washes, detergents, deodorants & cosmetics. Triclosan is extremely toxic and is used as a pesticide. It damages the environment, is a hormone disruptor and a suspected carcinogen. It causes skin irritations and must not be swallowed as it can be toxic. Use of triclosan may lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Urea & DMDM hydantoin: Found in all skin /hair / bodycare products, antiperspirants & nail polishes. Releases Formaldehyde, which irritates the respiratory system, causes skin reactions, palpitations, joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness, asthma and cough, weakens the immune system and causes cancer .

Vaseline: Found in skin creams, lotions, baby products, lipbalms, cosmetics. Destroys vitamins, may be carcinogenic. Clogs the pores. (See Mineral Oil & Paraffin) Ethical suppliers don't use ANY of these things in their products and because they are safe and free of the nasties they are more effective at keeping the skin in tip top condition.

Always look for suppliers who believe in using the best, 100% natural ingredients, sourced from ethical suppliers, so that you benefit from the purest form of skin care that is not only effective and therapeutic but also enjoyable to use.

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