Did you ever wonder that
the cosmetics, which you trusted in hope to get a perfect, glowing skin, might
actually be containing some skin scarring chemicals? A study says that an
average adult uses more than 7 skincare products a day, and most of them are
not thoroughly tested for toxicity. Although exposure to such elements once in
a while might not do much harm to your health, but daily exposure for a
prolonged period can result in life-threatening ailments. What’s even more
shocking is that many brands, which advertise themselves as ‘All-Natural’, they
too have been found to be containing the below mentioned poisonous chemicals in
some of the very commonly used cosmetics.
Sunscreen: Oxy-benzone
Most of the commercial
sunscreens in the market contain oxybenzone, a hormone disrupter. An ingredient
that is sometimes linked to obesity and fertility problems.
This is the same ingredient
that is used in embalming a corpse, ugh! In 2012, the presence of formaldehyde
in many brands had raised concerns. The FDA then stepped in, and now many
brands have avoided its usage, switching to safer
options.
Lipstick: Lead
The FDA had confirmed in
the year 2012 that traces of lead was found in around 400 lipsticks brands. The
fact is - nothing can be done about it. If you need color, you need lead, which
is a by-product of color additives. The main drawback is that lead builds over
time in the body, and can sometimes cause breast cancer.
Hand Wash: Triclosan
We all love the anti-bacterial
hand wash. But it is good if you read through the ingredient label. A potential
hormone disrupter, triclosan too can accumulate over time in the body. This
doesn’t mean you should stop washing your hands! Look for safer alternatives.
Lotions and creams: Paraben
Most of the ‘decent’
brands have this ingredient written on their label. Parabens and its variants,
butyl, iso-butyl, propyl, ethyl and methyl – all preservatives, can have
weakening effects on the estrogen hormone. Scientists have found that butyl
paraben can inhibit sperm formation in mice. Sodium methyl paraben has been
strictly banned by the E.U.
Many companies are working
towards bringing toxin-free beauty cosmetics in the beauty industry. But this
might take a while before they end up discovering something. So in the meantime
it is better you switch to using natural, herbal
products.
Most cosmetic brands that
you see in the stores are packed with truckloads of toxic chemicals. The truth
of the irony is that such ingredients can actually make you age faster, and
harm your gentle skin. At the end of the day such products are fooling
consumers, and defeating the very purpose of cosmetics.