WARNING: You might be disappointed in your skin care and makeup products after reading this. Makeup and skin care products may make you look beautiful on the outside, but without carefully looking at the ingredients, you could be harming your insides! Of what we put onto our skin, 60 percent gets absorbed, so you want to make sure you’re giving your skin and body the best. You might be surprised to learn that the FDA does not regulate skin care, so almost any ingredient could be included in your products. Some of them can even be dangerous to your health. We’ll show you what to avoid, and ANU’s South Jersey spa experts will suggest some healthy ingredients that your products should have!
Ingredients to avoid
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that are found in almost everything. Anything that contains water will usually have parabens in it to keep it from growing bacteria. Parabens have the power to mimic estrogen in the body and could cause hormone imbalances. Several studies have linked parabens to breast cancer, skin cancer, and decreased sperm count.
Sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate
These sulfate ingredients are foaming agents that are commonly found in shampoo, toothpastes, and cosmetics. These ingredients have been known to cause skin irritation, canker sores, natural oil imbalance and contribute to acne around the mouth and chin.
Artificial fragrances
It’s extremely difficult to find products without artificial fragrances (even the un-scented ones). Anything that says ‘artificial’ or ‘synthetic’ should raise a red flag. Companies are not required to list the ingredients of fragrances, so you never know what’s in there. You could be exposing yourself to carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and allergens.
Phthalates
These chemicals are used to increase the flexibility and strength of plastics. These are often not listed in the ingredients but have the same effect as parabens. They’re primarily found in fragrances but can also be found in hairspray and nail polish.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
PEG is used as a thickener in many cosmetic products like lotions, shampoos, and sunscreen. It can alter and reduce the skin’s natural moisture. If you’ve ever used a facial scrub with those little plastic beads, then you’ve experienced PEGs before. The U.S. government considers them a human carcinogen and that penetrates the skin.
Healthy ingredients you need
It’s important to make sure your skin care and makeup products include some of these ingredients:
Vitamin C and E, green tea, and licorice root
The skin needs antioxidants and skin protectants like these to interrupt environmental damage.
Retinol and niacinamide
Skin restorers like retinol and niacinamide encourage skin cells to make better, younger cells, which is awesome for people with fine lines and wrinkles. These ingredients will keep your skin looking younger.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid fortifies your skin to hydrate and keep it young, smooth, and healthy.
Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide can be found in many products that contain SPF,which you should be using every day anyway. Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide are your best line of defense for protecting your skin.
Remember, the next time you’re about to purchase your favorite product, turn the bottle over to read the ingredients and make sure you’re doing what’s best for your body. Happy skin is a happy you! Do even more for your skin with our South Jersey spa’s skin care specials.
