The Beauty Industry is constantly evolving with new trends and introducing new formulations of makeup, skincare and body care products. Everyone wants a healthy and youthful looking skin but it can be quite overwhelming and confusing to know what products you need that will suit your skin type and help you achieve your goal of a healthy and glowing skin. The chemicals used in the products directly affect the appearance and health of your skin. This is why it is crucial to know and understand what ingredients beauty products are composed of so you can make an informed decision about the products you will need to achieve your desired skin.
Good and Bad Chemicals:
The first step in understanding skincare ingredients is to clear the misconception that “all chemicals are bad”. A “chemical free” life is a myth. Anything that can be broken down into an atomic composition is a chemical so there is no clear distinction between what is a chemical and what is a not a chemical since they are everywhere. From processed foods to the water we drink, prescription medicines even the air we breathe is made up of a complex mixture of chemicals. Marketing claims such as “organic”, “non toxic” and “chemical free” of some brands and companies can be extremely obscure. There are many chemical compounds found naturally in plants that can be poisonous while there are many man made chemicals that are completely harmless. Like the father of toxicology Paracelsus said, “ All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dosage alone makes it so a thing is not a poison.” Dosage of a chemical and exposure to it is what can make a chemical truly harmful.
Beauty products are made up of a combination of chemicals. Not all of them are necessarily harmful or toxic. Consumers these days have become more conscious of what they are buying and putting on their skin. With plethora of information easily available nowadays with help of Internet, and social media, Consumers can read the label with the ingredient list on the product and make a more informed choice. It is important to know what ingredients or chemicals can be harmful for the skin and what ingredients are beneficial for your skin and suit your unique skin needs.
Toxic Ingredients to avoid:
Parabens:
Parabens are used as a chemical preservative used in an array of personal care products such as shampoos, moisturizers, foundations and many more to increase the shell life of a product. Multiple studies have suggested that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body, harm fertility and can increase the risk of cancer. The U.N. Environment Program has identified parabens as a group, including propyl- and butylparaben , as a potential endocrine-disrupting chemical. Researchers from the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health found decreased fertility was associated with urinary propylparaben. Some products with parabens can also lead to skin irritation.
Sulphates:
A widely disputed ingredient whether it is safe to use or not. Sulphates are a group of chemicals that are included in the category of salts , which are derivatives of sulfuric acid .There are many different types of sulphates but the most commonly used are Sodium lauryl sulphate(SLS) and Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES).Sulphates are know to strip the skin of its natural oils , which can lead to irritation, dryness and inflammation.
Sulphates can also damage the skin barrier making it more susceptible to infection and environmental damage.
Formaldehyde:
Formaldehyde is a colorless , flammable gas. It is used as a preservative in beauty products like nail polish, lotions, deodorant. Categorized by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as allergens, formaldehyde can cause skin irritation, difficulty in breathing, watery eyes and burning in the nose when inhaled. It is classified as a human carcinogen(can cause cancer) according to The International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Phenoxyethanol:
Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative used as an anti-bacterial in a wide range of skincare products. It is harmful if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin especially for mothers who are breastfeeding and infants. It causes skin irritation, blisters and is known to affect the central nervous system. While Phenoxyethanol is not considered harmful in small amounts, it can still affect you with prolonged exposure. Some other toxic chemicals that can be avoided in a skincare are fragrances, alcohols, Polythylene glycols, oxybenzone, phthalates, lead.
Best Ingredients for a healthy skin:
Salicylic Acid:
Salicylic acid is colorless, crystalline solid that naturally occurs in plants. It is known as acne assassin as it can help improve acne by reducing the production of sebum and loosening debris in clogged pores. It also fights whiteheads, removes dead skin cells and soothes inflammation
Adapalene:
Adapalene is a topical retinoid that can help control acne by keeping your pores clear of excess oil. It is often recommended by dermatologists to help reduce acne at its source.
Hyaluronic Acid:
Hyaluronic acid has emerged as one of the most popular ingredient when it comes to achieving hydrated and plump skin. It is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan. It is a humectant found in a wide range of skincare products especially moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid is known to improve skin texture, pigmentation and it also tightens face contour to keep skin looking youthful.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin c also known as ascorbic acid is a water- soluble vitamin. Regarded as one of the best skincare ingredient , it is a multi tasking ingredient that enhances body’s production of collagen, provides hydration, reduces pigmentation and works well as an antioxidant to reduce the symptoms of inflammation and irritation.
Glycolic Acid:
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) derived from plants like sugarcane, pineapple. It can also be chemically derived from fossil fuels. It is known to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting cell turnover. It can also help treat acne, increase elasticity, improve skin texture and can also reduce appearance of fine lines. Some other popular ingredients to help achieve glowing skin are niacinamide, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, kojic acid, ceramides and peptides.
Everyone’s skin is different. People can have different concerns for their skin. It is possible that one product or ingredient that suits an individual may not suit someone else. That is why it is important to understand and identify your skin type and skin concern and then buy a product with ingredients that will treat your specific skin problems without harming your skin and help you achieve healthy and glowing skin.
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