Behind every amazing skincare product is a ton of ingredients listed on its product label. Some of the names in the ingredients list are pretty familiar while others we can’t even read properly! While the Food and Drug Administration has its own rules and processes that apply in regulating the ingredients that go in our products, you still need to be extra vigilant.
Always bear in mind that these types of ingredients, both synthetic and natural, get absorbed within the body. It’s quite a critical step for you to really go through the ingredients list of your skincare products since it’s something that can greatly affect your skin and health in general. In addition to this, taking your skin type in serious consideration will also help you narrow down your ingredients options to see what can and cannot work for your skin type.
Apart from pointing out the ingredients that are actually good for your skin, you should also carefully point out the ingredients to avoid. A lot of products mix a bunch of botanical names on the label to make it sound more appealing when in fact, the botanical extract is just a small percentage compared to the chemicals that mask it. So, you may be wondering what skincare ingredients to avoid? Keep on reading to know more.
Potentially Dangerous Ingredients that Can Harm Your Skin
According to Dr. Farid Mostamand, founder of Ageless Derma, “When checking the ingredients on skincare products, note that there are certain substances that should not be used at all, and some that don‘t add any value to the product‘s efficacy. Some of these ingredients can actually cause problems like pimples.”
Dr. Farid Mostamand is also the author of the book Ageless Skin Obsession. In this book, he listed skincare product ingredients to avoid. Some of these ingredients are merely extenders or binders which are deemed unnecessary and potentially dangerous.
- Alcohol – it is a drying agent that causes the skin to lose water and moisture. Alcohol is usually used by a lot of skincare products as an ingredient binder but it has harsh effects on the skin. As it dries the skin immensely, the skin becomes more prone to irritation. You can notice how your skin feels rough and dry while also looking red and flaky whenever you use alcohol-based skincare products.
- Artificial Fragrance – there are certain types of fragrances that feature strong and toxic chemicals. Some of these chemicals can disrupt hormones which can be dangerous to pregnant women and cancer patients. In addition, artificial fragrance also contains a high percentage of alcohol which can also cause irritation to the skin.
- Dioxane – it is a possible carcinogen according to individual dermatological studies. This ingredient can usually be found in lotions and shampoos so it’s definitely an ingredient to watch out for. It gets absorbed by the body really quickly which can affect your health in the long run.
- Mineral Oil – this is an ingredient that can be confusing for some. It is not as how the name suggests since mineral oil is not from natural minerals. It is an emollient, a petroleum byproduct, which is considered comedogenic. This type of oil clogs the pores which can lead to acne breakout.
- Parabens – parabens have been very controversial ever since. It is because they are also a possible carcinogen. While there are still no solid studies that prove its links to cancer, parabens are artificial preservatives that are harmful to the body.
What is a Safe Skincare Product Comprised of?
How can you tell if a product is safe for your skin? True enough, the term “safe” is a huge ground that can be defined in different regulations. However, in terms of skincare products, the term “safe” is all about keeping the ingredients list to a minimum. Purely natural ingredients sans all the harsh chemicals listed above can be considered a skincare product that is gentle to the skin.
Always invest in cosmetics and skincare products that feature nourishing vitamins and minerals that are highly beneficial to the skin. Look for ingredients rich in Vitamins A, C and E, as well as Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide and other all-natural ingredients that feature soothing properties.
On top of this, you should also consider your skin type. Understand the needs of your skin by knowing the condition it is in. Do you have dry skin, oily skin or hypersensitive skin? Do you suffer from certain skin conditions like rosacea, eczema or psoriasis?
It is always wise to do a thorough research before jumping into a certain skincare product. Additionally, if your skin has special needs, you should always consult a dermatologist to make sure you’re getting the best for your skin condition.
Are Mineral and Organic Skincare Products Always More Expensive?
The answer to this question is NO. Mineral and organic skincare products that feature premium ingredients do not always come in hefty price tags. While it is true that there are certain ingredients that are more difficult to acquire, the price of a skincare product does not solely rely on the ingredients list.
Another factor when it comes to expensive skincare products is the brand name and the middleman involved in it. Furthermore, brands that formulate their own premium skincare products deliver the same top-notch quality on more affordable price scale. This is because some beauty brands cut the middleman into the picture and directly sell products to its consumers.
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