Did you know that many of your skincare products contain harsh chemicals that actually damage your skin? Although many products say “natural”, the content is not natural. However, understanding the carcinogenic nature of chemicals in skin care products could change this behavior. Here are some of the main ingredients to avoid in skin care products:

Perfumes and Fragrances

Just because it smells good doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin. Most fragrances are of synthetic origin, many of them toxic or carcinogenic (causing or contributing to cancer). Fragrances affect the central nervous system and cause depression, hyperactivity, irritability, and other behavioral changes. The “Fragrances” label can stand for a multitude of synthetic and toxic chemicals. When looking for something that smells good, make sure it’s scented with essential oils.

Alkylphenol ethoxylates

This chemical has been found to reduce sperm counts in animals and is currently under review by the EPA.

Vaseline

This is known as petroleum jelly and it is a mineral oil that is used in various cosmetics. It has no nutritional value for the skin and can interfere with the body’s own natural hydration mechanism, causing dryness and cracking. Companies produce petroleum jelly because it is super cheap.

Synthetic coloring – FD&C food coloring

Color makes things look good, but they may not be good for your skin. The colors are often synthetic colors made from coal tar, which contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins on the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. They will be labeled FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic.

Coal tar

This is a carcinogen that is prohibited for us in cosmetics in the European Union. It is found in anti-dandruff shampoos, hair dyes, and anti-itch creams.

Phthalates

This chemical softens shaving cream, but research links it to neurotoxicity and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as asthma and allergies. It is also found in nail polish, perfume, and hairspray.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLES)

This is found in things that foam. They are known to cause inflammation of the skin.

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine)

These hormone-altering chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to their known carcinogenic effects. They were located for causing cancer.

Triclosan

It causes cancer and is considered a pesticide by the EPA.

Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol

These are petroleum-based plastics that easily pass through the skin and can weaken proteins and cell structure.

Mineral oil (i.e. baby oil)

This ingredient is very common in everyday skin care products. It prevents the body from eliminating toxins, favoring acne and other disorders. It slows down skin function and cell development. Stop putting this on our babies!

In general, as consumers, we must read labels carefully. Don’t buy it because it smells good or looks good. Read what “good” means for your body, and then make a healthy choice for a quality product that maintains the skin you deserve. Promotes a healthier, more resilient appearance naturally. It is time for you to take a more active role in skin health and show an interest in investing in the skin you are in. In addition, magazines should take a more active role in educating and advertising natural products that promote health both inside and outside the body.

A daily cleansing and hydration regiment and a weekly exfoliation regiment are essential for healthy skin in all.

The author is the owner of Mikios Natural Body Scrub, a company that makes 100% natural salt body scrubs that exfoliate and hydrate the skin. The owner believes that businesses and consumers are mutually responsible for reducing exposure to toxic and chemical substances. While companies can stop producing them by offering alternative ingredients, consumers can stop buying them and require healthier products.