subject: Do You Know Whats Going On Your Skin? [print this page] We've all looked at the ingredients list of at least one skin care product at some point in time or another. Unfortunately, how many of us can actually pronounce the ingredients, let alone know what they are and what they do. For some reason a lot of skin care companies don't list all their ingredients on their package or website (if they have one). Personally, I would only and do only use products with transparent ingredient lists. The best thing you can do is thoroughly research every ingredient in the product and see what turns up. If you start seeing words like: cancer, medical attention, swelling, bleeding, allergic reaction, etc. those are definitely things to stay away from. With the whole world slowly but surely catching on to the "going green" phenomenon, there are tons of all natural ingredients that work just as good if not better than those convention synthetic skin care ingredients.
Propylene Glycol is a byproduct of petroleum that is first off, deadly toxic, and secondly is used in anti-freeze for cars, and thirdly, it is used in many moisturizers and anti aging products to lock in humidity. I don't know about you, but I am not trying to put anti-freeze or it's by products on my skin. If youre looking for a moisturizer, consider using one made with Shea Butter and Aloe Vera, as they are two all natural ingredients that moisturize the skin without any harmful side effects.
Parabens are found in almost every skin care and cosmetic product around. If you see the word "Paraben", stay away. Parabens are used by skin care companies because they are cheap to use and they inhibit microbial growth. Usually a cheaper ingredient means a cheaper product. Parabens are highly toxic and have been linked to cancer in some clinical tests. They can also cause skin irritation, redness, and swelling.
Not having too much to deal with skin care, but just the same watch out for dyes in lipsticks and other types of makeup. These synthetic colors are derived from a coal-tar which is a carcinogen. When you put on the lipstick, the carcinogens go with it. For people with sensitive skin avoid using anything with an artificial fragrance as they have been known to cause allergic reactions.
Not every skin care product works the same for everyone. If you are using a product with quality not toxic ingredients you shouldn't have problem. I've found that the best way to go is to be as all natural as possible; it might just save you a trip to the hospital or worse.
