Cosmetics are a must have beauty product for most women. Actually, most women use up to to 10 different products following the daily ritual of cleanse, tone and moisturize then apply make –up. Many of these personal care products contain different harmful ingredients in form of chemicals. Research has shown that our skin absorbs upto 60% of the products it comes into contact with. Even while using small amounts of the product, over time and with continued use, the harmful ingredients can have a negative effect on our health. This should be a cause for alarm for anyone who uses these products.
A carcinogenic is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that promotes carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer (Wikipedia).Skincare specialists have compiled a list of the harmful ingredients that are present in beauty and skincare products following research conducted on them. Of major concern were the following ingredients;
Parabens.
Parabens are widely used preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast and help keep the product fresh.However,parabens have estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and have been found in biopsy samples from breast tumors. They can be found in makeup, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers.
Toluene.
Toluene is solvent used as paint thinner. It is derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. It can be found in nail polish and hair coloring products. Toluene can affect your respiratory system, cause nausea, irritate your skin and has also been linked to immune system toxity.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is found in skincare lightening products. It bleaches the skin by reducing melanin production and is quite effective in the treatment of different forms of hyper pigmentation. Hydroquinone has been banned in some countries due to its chemical nature although topical application of below 2.0% concentration has been deemed as safe. However, high doses of above 2.0% may act as a carcinogenic.
Artificial colors.
Almost all products contain artificial colors which are labeled as FD&C or D&C. F -- representing food and D&C representing drug and cosmetics. These letters precede a color and number (e.g., D&C Red 27 or FD&C blue 1). These synthetic colors are petroleum or coal by products and are suspected to be carcinogenic and have been banned in the European Union.
Phthalates
Phthalates work as softeners in skincare products. Several research studies have proved that phthalates have some harmful effects on hormones leading to early development of breasts in girls and reproductive birth defects. Phthalates are often added to fragrance mixes and can be found in deodorants, perfumes/colognes, hair sprays and moisturizers.
Triclosan.
Tricolson is a widely used antimicrobial and anti fungal chemical that research has shown has the potential to contribute to making bacteria antibiotic-resistant. Tricolson can be found in toothpastes, antibacterial soaps and deodorants.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
The purpose of this chemical is basically to makes bubbles in shower products allowing the product to cut through oil and residue giving your skin a clean feeling. As an emulsifier, it helps to stabilize and thicken solutions with ingredients of differing solubility. This allows the products to achieve a more uniform consistency for easier and smoother application. A major concern about SLS is its potential to interact and combine with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. SLS be found in shampoo, body wash/cleanser, mascara and acne treatment.
Formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde preservatives are used in many cosmetic products to help prevent bacteria growth. This chemical was deemed as a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) and has been linked to occupational related cancers. It is known to cause allergic skin reactions and it may also be harmful to the immune system. It can be found in nail polish, body washes, conditioners, shampoos, cleansers, eye shadows, nail polish treatments.
Propylene glycol.
Propylene glycol is a small organic alcohol commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent. It's classified as a skin irritant and penetrator. It has been associated with causing dermatitis as well as hives in humans . It can be found in moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup products, conditioners, shampoo and hair sprays.
Oxybenzone/Sunsctreen
Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3 or BP-3) is an organic compound that is useful in stabilizing and strengthening the color and scent of skincare products, but its most important use is in the form of sunblock. It absorbs UV Beta and UV Alpha rays and is common in regular lotion sunscreens and makeup foundations with an SPF. It easily dissolves into lotions and creams, producing an easily absorbed product which protects the skin from the sun. The biggest concern is the fact that Oxybenzone is easily absorbed and may accumulate in the body, eventually leading to potentially toxic levels which may affect the system.
Alcohol
Alcohol is used in cosmetics that require faster drying such as toners. Alcohol is not particularly harmful but prolonged use of alcohol will leave the skin dry and flaky as it strips away the top layer of the skin surface.
In conclusion
Research has shown that most of the ingredients used in skincare products are probable carcinogens. While its entirely impossible to avoid them, its important that you educate yourself and where possible choose natural / organic alternatives.Reduce the number of products you use and take precautionary steps to avoid excessive usage.
For healthy ,great looking skin, eat a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables, drink lots of water all of which are easily available and have no side effects.