Wait!! - Don’t put THAT
on your skin!!
Surely - in this day and
age - a major cosmetic and skin care
manufacturer wouldn’t be allowed to put anything harmful into a product we all
put on our skin? Right?
WRONG!!
Everyday, millions of
products are shipped to thousands of retailers around the globe that contain
chemicals that are scientifically proven to be harmful to humans.
Just because the FDA has not yet taken action to remove these products
doesn’t mean they are safe to use.
What’s a Mom to Do?
How do we navigate the
hundreds of products on the shelves? What about the numerous “natural” claims
by manufacturers, does that mean its “OK”? What about the long list of ingredients
found on the back of packages? Which
ingredients are really harmful, and which ones are OK?
Ultimately, the choice of skin
care and how aggressively a Mom wants to pursue the “natural” route is a
personal one, however there are a number of facts and rules of thumb to consider
when choosing a product to place on your skin:
1.
Fact:
FDA approval does not necessarily mean that a product is safe and risk-free
(translation – just because the product is on the shelf of your favorite retailer
does not mean its safe and good for you)
2. Fact:
There is currently no industry-wide agreed upon definition of
“natural”
skin care, and, more importantly, there is no sanctioning body with the
authority to enforce any definition (translation – don’t believe that if the
product says, “natural” its safe and good for you)
3. Rule of Thumb:
Skip the marketing hype and look at the ingredients; that is what you are putting
on your skin (not the commercial or the logo!)
4. Fact:
Skin is porous – this means that anything you apply to the skin can potentially
enter your bloodstream (do you really want “THAT” in your bloodstream?)
5. Rule of Thumb:
Generally the first five to six ingredients listed in any skincare product are
the ones that are really effective – the long list of other ingredients are
generally things like fillers, preservatives, colors, scents, and stuff to make
if feel smooth or sound trendy, but after the seventh ingredient it won’t have
much impact! (Translation – pay attention to the first few ingredients in a
product, and avoid products with a long list of chemicals that only a scientist
could pronounce)
Ingredients Really Matter
If ingredients really
matter, which ones really work? And which ones should a Mom avoid?
The first question is a complicated one, and really depends upon what
your skin care needs are and to what degree you want to pursue natural options
(note that natural does not mean not-effective, in fact it is often the natural
ingredients that can make the most positive impact).
Thankfully, the second question – which ingredients are harmful – is
not too difficult to answer. There is
a growing body of readily available research on harmful
skin care ingredients, AND you might
be surprised to find out how many products that contain these chemicals are
already in your own home…
10 Product Ingredients to
Watch Out For
Artificial Colors (FD&C,
D&C) – Most artificial
colors are derived from bituminous coal tar and contain various carcinogenic
(cancer-causing) substances, including benzene, xylenes, naphthalene, phenol,
and creosol. Although protected by law, these substances are a known cause of
allergies and can effect the reproductive health of women. Used because people
like pretty colors.
Artificial Fragrances – Artificial
fragrances used in cosmetics typically contain a mixture of hundreds of different
chemicals which are unknown to the eventual consumer (due to “trade secrets”).
Many of these substances have never undergone any testing for safety. Reported
side-effects include dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and skin irritation. Long-term
effects are unknown. Used because people like things to smell nice.
Avobenzine (Parsol
1789) – Common
broad spectrum sunscreen ingredient breaks down to form free radicals when exposed
to sunlight. Free radicals are a known carcinogen and can cause damage to our
DNA.
Dibutyl Phthalates – Often found
in perfumes and skin creams as a plasticizer, dibutyl phthalates are easily
absorbed into the skin and contain a hormone disrupting agent that may cause
birth defects in male fetuses. Used because it feels nice and smooth.
Formaldehyde – Formaldehyde,
a common household preservative, can be found in products ranging from particleboard
to fabric softener (check your laundry room). This substance has been found
to cause fatigue, headache, nausea, rashes, sniffling, coughing, wheezing, and
burning in the nose, eyes, and throat. At elevated levels, it can also bring
on chest tightness, breathing difficulties, and has been linked to cancer
Lauryl Sulfate
(Laureth Sulfate, SLS) – SLS, a
chemical surfactant, is the primary lather or bubble producing agent found in
many soaps, shampoos and cleansers (also used in carwashes and engine degreasers!)
Reported side-effects include eye irritation, scalp irritation, tangled hair,
swelling of the hands, face and arms and split and fuzzy hair. SLS can disrupt
our hormones by mimicking estrogen and are considered unsafe. Used because its
cheap so its an effective filler.
Mineral Oil – Mineral
oil, often found in petroleum jellies (petrolatum), is listed as a known carcinogen
in the “National Toxicology Program” and is known to cause hyper-sensitivity
to the sun. Used because its cheap so its an effective filler.
Parabens (methyl,
propyl, butyl or ethylbenzoates) – Parabens
are chemical compounds derived from Para-Hydroxybenzoic Acid and are used in
cosmetics as a preservative. Parabens have recently been found to be an endocrine
disrupter and can interfere with the ovaries, thyroid, and hypothalamus. Parabens
disrupt our hormones by mimicking estrogen and are considered unsafe.
Polyethylene Glycol
(PEG’s) – PEGs are
commonly found in many cosmetics as a preservative and are currently being studied
as a possible carcinogen by the FDA. PEGs are a well-known cause of allergies.
Propylene Glycol - Called
a humectant in cosmetics, it is really "industrial anti-freeze" and the major
ingredient in brake and hydraulic fluid. Tests show it can be a strong skin
irritant. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on Propylene Glycol warn to avoid
skin contact as it is systemic and can cause liver abnormalities and kidney
damage.
Lee Wright is a mother of
two and president of Ma Mi Skincare – an Orlando-based natural skincare company
that is designed specifically to help Mom’s look and feel healthy, youthful,
and vibrant as they meet the joys and challenges of motherhood. If you have
any questions or comments about the safety of skincare products or harmful common
ingredients found in skincare, don’t hesitate to contact
Lee@mamiskin.com
or visit her website at
www.mamiskin.com