Are Chemicals in Skincare harmful?
by
Utkarsh Gupta
02 Sep 2024
Have you ever thought about what seeps down on your face while using a skincare product? Presently, skin products are crammed with various chemicals for enhancing their efficiency. Well, it's debatable if these chemicals are beneficial or detrimental for your skin. Skincare products are usually made from a mix of a variety of chemicals and active ingredients which can have both positive as well as negative effects.
While you might be clueless about these ingredients, it's important to be familiar with them because you apply them regularly.
Skip out on these Chemicals to avoid afflicted skin-
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PARABENS- Parabens are often used as preservatives to keep the product untainted by inhibiting the development of bacteria, yeast and mold, thus avoiding contamination. They are added to boost shelf life and stability of the product. But some studies have suggested that they tamper with the hormones, leading to problems like breast cancer, reproductive issues and environmental damage.
PHTHALATES-Phthalates are generally used as solvents and stabilisers in the personal care products as they enhance product formulations. They have been labelled as “endocrine disruptors” as they potentially interfere with the hormones resulting in decreased fertility in both male and female.Furthermore, exposure to phthalates has been associated with increased risk of breast cancer, obesity and asthma.
DRY ALCOHOL-Dry alcohol in skincare products is commonly used to facilitate the absorption of other ingredients such as Vitamin C and retinoids. If it serves as the main ingredient in skincare products, it can ruin skin's barriers, accelerate ageing and diminish the skin's ability to renew and heal itself promptly. On the other hand, "fatty alcohols” are generally used as emulsifiers or to thicken creams to ensure that formulations remain balanced. Fatty alcohols are non-irritating and help uphold moisture.
PEGs-PEGs stand for Polyethylene glycol. They can be identified as “PEG” or “INCI”.Pegs are popularly used as emulsifiers, emollients and solvents to boost stability in formulations. The number linked to them has to play a significant role in determining the level of their harmfulness. Low numbers signify increased levels of liquid substance.Additionally, they are not environmentally friendly.
Curious to know if natural ingredients can ruin your skin?/Can Natural Ingredients harm your skin?
We all have tried these DIY trends using readily available natural ingredients at home. Often without contemplating its side effects. Most commonly used lemon, which is citric, can alter skin natural pH equilibrium, making skin prone to UV rays. Whether eating or exfoliating sugar is bad for health. Furthermore, it can easily break down collagen and elastin present in skin making skin appear saggy and lifeless. Additionally, Baking soda can disrupt the skin's acid mantle, which is a protective oily layer for skin protection. Its high alkaline properties makes skin more prone to redness, irritated skin and redness.
Cognize with these compounds to have a flawless skin-
HYALURONIC ACID-What's the hype of Hyaluronic acid?Is it worth it? Of course yes! It is naturally found in our skin and also in joints and eyes. It attracts and retains moisture in the skin. Did you know? It can hold upto 1000 times its weight in water making it ideal for fighting ageing and wrinkles. Suffering from dryness? Your best friend in stress can be hyaluronic acid because its anti-inflammatory properties help heal wounds quickly and reduce redness and itchiness. It acts as a powerful humectant saving skin from harmful UV rays.
AHAs-Ditch using scrubs for exfoliating rather use AHAs, as they are best suited for this purpose. They seep deep into skin, surging collagen production. It also aids in breaking down the old skin, promoting cell turnover. Moreover, being water soluble they retain moisture, increase blood flow, boosting elasticity and enhancing overall skin tone. AHAs such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, and tartaric acid all work similarly.
BHAS-BHAs Stands for beta hydroxy acid. Unlike AHAs, it is oil soluble. This property makes it worthwhile for people with oily skin because it seeps down into the skin, unclogs pore, removes oil and dust. Furthermore, it also helps in regulating oil production. Being a gentle exfoliator, it reduces visible pores. Most commonly used BHA is salicylic acid suitable for reducing acne, hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions.
NIACINAMIDE-Niacinamide also known as Vitamin B3 is garnishing a lot of hype in today's time. What makes it imperative to include in our skin regime? Well, it aids in building a protein called keratin, crucial for strengthening the skin barrier and protecting it from harmful toxins present in the environment. It also boosts natural production of ceramides and elastin in the skin. Moreover, it regulates sebum production, preventing clogging of pores and reducing impurities. The number of benefits are endless. Be sure to add niacinamide in your skincare regimens.
No wonder natural ingredients can help our skin stay rejuvenated. Why always depend on high tech active ingredients when you can incorporate these natural healing ingredients in your skin regime? For some people, coconut oil works wonders as it has anti-inflammatory properties and hydrates. It has proven plant fat and works as a tropical skin moisturiser. Gotu kola, also known as centrella, has the exceptional property of recovering wounds quickly and boosting blood supply. Furthermore, tea tree oil has antibacterial properties making it suitable for acne prone skin as it flushes out bacteria. Additionally, shea butter has gained popularity because of its high smoothening skin properties and itch relief skin.
CONCLUSION
Before using any ingredient, it is crucial to understand your skin type and do a patch test to avoid allergic reactions. It is important to understand these various ingredients to keep your skin safe from harmful chemicals, as they can do more harm than benefit. It is always better to read the ingredients list on labels before making a purchase. Try to look for third party certification or any certification as it adds to its credibility.
