Sunday, November 30, 2008

Are Your Skin Care Products Dangerous?

By Jemma Rivera

Of course we all like to think that the skin care products that we use are perfectly safe. In reality though, they may not be as harmless as we think. If your facial cleanser makes you feel clean with those foaming, popping little bubbles, then you should keep reading; you may be surprised at what you learn here.

Facial cleansers which have foaming action almost certainly contain Sodium Laureth Sulphate and/or Soodium Lauryl Suplhate. These chemicals are common ingredients in skin care products, but are also found in heavy duty cleansers, engine degreasers and other things you wouldn't want anywhere near your face! These chemicals can impair your immune system and cause skin inflammation.

Let's look at another common ingredient in many personal care products, namely Propylene Glycol. This chemical is found in everyday products, sometimes in concentrations of up to 20 percent. If you've watched enough true crime shows it may sound familiar to you. Propylene Glycol is a major ingredient in antifreeze.

Then there is mineral oil. This oil coats your skin and is waterproof - this means that your skin is prevented from carrying out its normal cellular respiratory function. This causes clogged pores (which leads to acne) and can cause or exacerbate many other skin problems as well. Even so, this is a common ingredient in skin care products.

Personal care products which often contain these chemicals include skin creams, hand lotion and fragrances. The makers of these personal care products will say that the tiny amounts of these chemicals are safe, but why even take the risk?

Some of the side effects seen after heavy exposure to the chemicals mentioned include headaches, chronic fatigue, hormonal disruption, and cancer. While not all products contain these particular chemicals, it's often very difficult to find skin care products that do not have two or more ingredients that are considered toxic and deadly to humans.

There are natural, safe skin care products which contain only naturally occurring ingredients; one example is emu oil.

Emu oil is a completely neutral lipid that is safe for anyone and it is hypoallergenic. Emu oil products are highly penetrating to the skin surface and it can rehydrate and strengthen the cells in the deepest layers of skin.

Products that contain pure emu oil are able to naturally soften and nourish skin. Other benefits of emu oil include its anti-inflammatory properties. It's a bonus when applying skin lotion also helps relieve pain from minor aches and even arthritic discomfort.

Did you know that your skin can receive great benefit from many seaweed components? Most people's minds turn to some green slimy salt-water scented grass. While some of the seaweeds may look unattractive in the ocean, they can help us achieve vibrant, healthy skin.

Botanical skin care formulas are made from natural, plant based ingredients like seaweed. Some of the skin nourishing elements in seaweed include mineral salts, vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants. Seaweed is one of the best possible ingredients to promote cell regeneration.

Skin care products which are made from natural ingredients and contain vitamins A, C, E and other antioxidants help to nourish, hydrate and detoxify your skin.

You can't expect the skin care industry to make an overnight conversion however - it's up to you to make wise choices about skin care products for you and your family. By using only high quality, natural skin care products, you'll be caring for your skin and your family in a healthy way. - 15359

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