After watching one of my favorite YouTuber's (Alex Garza) receive a HydraFacial in her latest vlog, I started doing some research on the treatment, and became very intrigued and amazed by the results. In the process, I stumbled upon some excellent and informative articles about caring for your skin in appropriate ways, and I really wanted to share them with you.
I have to say, I was horrified to find that I was guilty on MANY counts concerning things you should not be doing to or putting on your skin. Sure, I knew some of the rules, but I can be stubborn and think I know better than what "they say." On the brighter side, I learned so much, and was inspired to change up my at-home skincare regimen for the better.
Remember, your skin is the largest vital organ you have. It is essential to take care of your skin just like you would your internal organs.
Remember, your skin is the largest vital organ you have. It is essential to take care of your skin just like you would your internal organs.
*If you're struggling with severe or chronic skin problems of any kind (or if you see any suspicious spots or growths on your skin), my best advice is to seek care with a Board Certified Dermatologist before going too crazy with an at-home regimen of your own. If you live in the greater Cleveland area, I highly recommend Dr. Georgann Poulos at Brecksville Dermatology in Brecksville, OH.
Article #1:
Credit, Self.com
The One Thing Dermatologists Wish You’d Stop Doing
The difference between good and bad skin comes down to this.
You know to wash your face after the gym and wipe off your makeup before you go to bed at night. But did you know that avoiding magnifying mirrors and putting away your brushes can be just as important for your skin? Below are 13 complexion habits that irritate your skin—and your dermatologist.
You're... Over-Exfoliating
“When my patients walk in with a ruddy face that looks darker than their neck, I know they’re overdoing it with salicylic acids, glycolic acids, retinols, sonic cleansing systems or cleansing grains. They’re all great options, but just can’t use them all together, or too often. For most women, a weekly exfoliation is definitely sufficient.” — Debra Jaliman, dermatologist and author of Skin Rules
You're... Touching Your Face Too Much
“I wish my patients would just stop touching their faces! Whether they’re picking acne bumps or touching by habit, fingers on the face transfer bacteria.* This increases the risk of infection, and thus worsens acne and scarring.” — Ted Lain, dermatologist, ATX Dermatology, Austin
*Phones and earbuds also harbor tons of bacteria, so you should clean them often.
You're... Popping Zits
“Popping a pimple only pushes the bacteria and inflammation deeper in the skin, meaning it will take longer to heal, and will likely leave a scar. If you have a cyst or blackhead that’s really bothering you, go into your dermatologist and ask that they reduce swelling and release fluids hygienically. It costs a minimal fee and can save your skin.” — Lisa Garner, dermatologist, Garland, TX
You're... OD-ing on Anti-Agers
“Women think more is more when it comes to anti-aging products—then they come to me with red, inflamed faces. It’s better to stick to simple regimens tailored to your individual skin needs, which your dermatologist can help you decide on. But in general, products like retinols and exfoliating acids should be used sparingly for best results.” — Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City
You're... Only Buying Designer
“Yes, there are some expensive skin care products that are excellent and worth the money, but there are many fabulous inexpensive options that work as well, or better, than the expensive options. Rather than paying an arm and a leg, look for powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramide and retinol to appear in the top portion of the ingredient lists.” — Emmy Graber, dermatologist, Boston
You're... Using Toner
“It kills me when patients tell me they are using astringent on their skin. An alcohol-based solution strips the skin and gives people that “clean” feeling. If you have stubborn makeup that needs removing, find a gentle remover or towelette, then follow it with a pH-balanced cleanser.” — Kavita Mariwalla, dermatologist, West Islip, NY
You're... Switching Products Too Quickly
“I have women who, if they don’t see results within a week, they switch immediately to try something new. In general, I give something six weeks before considering another approach, although minor changes are usually visible in two.” — Francesca Fusco, dermatologist, New York City
You're... Using Too Many Products
“I have patients bring in bags of countless products that they use on their skin everyday. Some people bring in 20 or more! More is not always better, and it can cause irritation. Instead, keep things simple. In the morning, cleanse, moisturize with sunscreen and apply makeup. And at night, cleanse, apply antioxidants, retinol and eye cream. And once a week, exfoliate.” — Emmy Graber, dermatologist, Boston
You're... Cleansing With Soap
“I’m always telling my family and patients to stop using so much soap. It’s fine to use soap or body wash where you need it—underarms, groin, feet—but water alone is sufficient everywhere else. Soap pulls off your natural skin oils, which, no matter how well you moisturize, can never really be replaced.” — Paradi Mirmirani, dermatologist, Vallejo, CA
You're... Going to a MedSpa
“Laser treatments can easily go wrong and cause discoloration and even scarring. While you might see them offered at salons or spas, laser treatments should always be done by a board-certified physician, not a nurse or technician.” — Emmy Graber, dermatologist, Boston
You're... Not Wearing Sunscreen
“Wearing sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy, even when you leave and return from work in the dark, is scientifically proven as the most effective way to preserve and attain a youthful appearance. Before spending hundreds of dollars on anti-aging products, apply broad-spectrum SPF 30—not just a makeup that has SPF—every single day, without exception. And don’t forget your chest and neck.” — Steven Wang, director of dermatologic surgery and dermatology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New Jersey
You're... Using a Magnifying Mirror
“Please, stop looking at yourself with a 5x mirror! Not only are you magnifying small imperfections that no one can see, but you might mistake normal skin structures like pores or follicles for abnormal conditions or blemishes—which can lead to mistreatment of the skin.” — Steven Wang, director of dermatologic surgery and dermatology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New Jersey
You're... Leaving Out Your Makeup Brushes
“I’m horrified when I walk into a girlfriend’s apartment and go to the restroom only to find her makeup brushes sitting on top of the toilet bowl tank, uncovered. Or even just in her bedroom! There are aerosolized particles in the air that can settle on the brushes and transfer to your skin. Please, keep brushes in covered canisters!” — Kavita Mariwalla, dermatologist, West Islip, NY
Click here to be directed to the article link.
Article #2
Credit, DailyMakeover.com
10 Common Things You Should Never (Ever!) Put on Your Face
Posted in Skin Care By Rachel Krause
There’s something to be said for DIY and quick-fix skin care, but with the Internet as our main resource for tips, tricks and recipes, what we can make do with at home isn’t always what’s actually going to help our skin in the long run. These 10 various products and ingredients have gotten a rap for being safe for your skin, but they’re actually among the worst for causing dryness and irritation that can lead to serious skin issues.
Baking Soda
While the scrubby texture of baking soda is consistent with the designated exfoliating products we know and love, the pH of the common household item is far, far too alkaline to be used on the face. pH balance is incredibly important to the health of your skin, which has a natural pH of roughly 4.5-5, while baking soda has a pH of 9. Using ingredients that are too alkaline disrupts and damages the skin’s natural barrier, which is crucial for keeping bad bacteria out. Baking soda used on the face causes significant moisture loss, as well as compromises your skin’s ability to regulate itself.
While the scrubby texture of baking soda is consistent with the designated exfoliating products we know and love, the pH of the common household item is far, far too alkaline to be used on the face. pH balance is incredibly important to the health of your skin, which has a natural pH of roughly 4.5-5, while baking soda has a pH of 9. Using ingredients that are too alkaline disrupts and damages the skin’s natural barrier, which is crucial for keeping bad bacteria out. Baking soda used on the face causes significant moisture loss, as well as compromises your skin’s ability to regulate itself.
Lemon
Lemon juice is on the other side of the pH scale—with a pH of 2, it’s highly, highly acidic. Just as sucking on a lemon can destroy the enamel on your teeth, applying pure lemon directly to your skin irritates and disrupts the acid mantle. The oils in citrus fruits are also phototoxic, which means that sun exposure can exacerbate the irritation to the point of chemical burns.
Lemon juice is on the other side of the pH scale—with a pH of 2, it’s highly, highly acidic. Just as sucking on a lemon can destroy the enamel on your teeth, applying pure lemon directly to your skin irritates and disrupts the acid mantle. The oils in citrus fruits are also phototoxic, which means that sun exposure can exacerbate the irritation to the point of chemical burns.
Hairspray
Most hair products can cause irritation and breakouts when they come in contact with skin, but hairspray in particular is worth singling out because some people use it as a makeup-setting spray in a pinch. Getting a little bit of hairspray on your face while you’re applying it to hair isn’t the end of the world, but when used on your face, it’s a great way to dry out your skin, as well as clog your pores and cause irritation. Steer clear of the hairspray, and opt instead for a product that’s actually made to set makeup.
Most hair products can cause irritation and breakouts when they come in contact with skin, but hairspray in particular is worth singling out because some people use it as a makeup-setting spray in a pinch. Getting a little bit of hairspray on your face while you’re applying it to hair isn’t the end of the world, but when used on your face, it’s a great way to dry out your skin, as well as clog your pores and cause irritation. Steer clear of the hairspray, and opt instead for a product that’s actually made to set makeup.
Toothpaste
Another bathroom cabinet “quick fix” that does more harm than good, toothpaste is full of ingredients that are drying and irritating, if not outright harmful, to skin. It will dry out a zit, that much is true, but it’ll also zap healthy moisture from the surrounding areas and has the potential to chemically burn the skin, leaving dark scars that you won’t be able to fix with anything you can find in your kitchen. Turn to a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment or even a dab of tea tree oil, instead.
Another bathroom cabinet “quick fix” that does more harm than good, toothpaste is full of ingredients that are drying and irritating, if not outright harmful, to skin. It will dry out a zit, that much is true, but it’ll also zap healthy moisture from the surrounding areas and has the potential to chemically burn the skin, leaving dark scars that you won’t be able to fix with anything you can find in your kitchen. Turn to a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment or even a dab of tea tree oil, instead.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly can be helpful for sealing in moisture on super dry, fragile skin, as well as protecting cuts, bug bites, and other wounds from the air, but it isn’t a long-term fix or sufficient moisturizer. Skin will feel softer at first, but just as petroleum jelly seals moisture in, the thick emollient also seals in dirt and debris and can actually cause dryness over time because it keeps out additional air and moisture. We repeat: Petroleum jelly does not actually moisturize but rather retains what’s already in your skin, including the bad stuff.
Petroleum jelly can be helpful for sealing in moisture on super dry, fragile skin, as well as protecting cuts, bug bites, and other wounds from the air, but it isn’t a long-term fix or sufficient moisturizer. Skin will feel softer at first, but just as petroleum jelly seals moisture in, the thick emollient also seals in dirt and debris and can actually cause dryness over time because it keeps out additional air and moisture. We repeat: Petroleum jelly does not actually moisturize but rather retains what’s already in your skin, including the bad stuff.
Hot Water
A hot shower feels great, but it will absolutely zap the moisture from the outer layer of your skin. Hot water softens the natural oils of the epidermis and strip away the barrier that prevents moisture from escaping the skin, leading to dryness and imbalance. If you have naturally oily skin or breakouts, drying it out will cause a backlash that puts your oil production into overdrive. Always use lukewarm water rather than hot, and keep scalding showers to a minimum—especially in the winter, when your skin is already more inclined to dryness and itchiness.
A hot shower feels great, but it will absolutely zap the moisture from the outer layer of your skin. Hot water softens the natural oils of the epidermis and strip away the barrier that prevents moisture from escaping the skin, leading to dryness and imbalance. If you have naturally oily skin or breakouts, drying it out will cause a backlash that puts your oil production into overdrive. Always use lukewarm water rather than hot, and keep scalding showers to a minimum—especially in the winter, when your skin is already more inclined to dryness and itchiness.
Hydrogen Peroxide
As a mild antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide is one of the best ways to prevent infection when it comes to injuries like cuts and burns, but that doesn’t make it suitable for treating breakouts. The corrosive nature of oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide can burn and blister the skin due to oxidative stress. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide is also a common allergen that can result in inflammation and, again, burning of the skin.
As a mild antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide is one of the best ways to prevent infection when it comes to injuries like cuts and burns, but that doesn’t make it suitable for treating breakouts. The corrosive nature of oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide can burn and blister the skin due to oxidative stress. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide is also a common allergen that can result in inflammation and, again, burning of the skin.
Body Lotion
The skin on the rest of your body is thicker and more resilient than the skin on your face, which is why most body lotions contain more fragrance and less nourishing ingredients than a facial moisturizer. That’s not to say that every moisturizer intended for the body is unsuitable for the face, but the delicate skin of the face needs to be treated differently and with gentler, better quality ingredients than those typically used in body lotions. Traditional body lotions shouldn’t even be used in a dry-skin emergency, as their ingredients can actually result in even more dryness on the face, as well as clogged pores and potential allergic reactions.
The skin on the rest of your body is thicker and more resilient than the skin on your face, which is why most body lotions contain more fragrance and less nourishing ingredients than a facial moisturizer. That’s not to say that every moisturizer intended for the body is unsuitable for the face, but the delicate skin of the face needs to be treated differently and with gentler, better quality ingredients than those typically used in body lotions. Traditional body lotions shouldn’t even be used in a dry-skin emergency, as their ingredients can actually result in even more dryness on the face, as well as clogged pores and potential allergic reactions.
Sugar
We already know that ingesting too much sugar spells disaster for your skin, but using it in your beauty routine as a DIY facial scrub can wreak havoc, too. Facial skin is far thinner than the rest of your skin, so while a sugar and olive oil exfoliator can make your legs look smooth and gorgeous, the texture of the grains are too rough for the fragile epidermis on your face. This is true of many scrubs and exfoliators, even some marketed for the face—they’re just too rough, and while they lend themselves to smooth-feeling skin, their sharp edges are actually creating tiny tears that damage and prematurely age the skin.
We already know that ingesting too much sugar spells disaster for your skin, but using it in your beauty routine as a DIY facial scrub can wreak havoc, too. Facial skin is far thinner than the rest of your skin, so while a sugar and olive oil exfoliator can make your legs look smooth and gorgeous, the texture of the grains are too rough for the fragile epidermis on your face. This is true of many scrubs and exfoliators, even some marketed for the face—they’re just too rough, and while they lend themselves to smooth-feeling skin, their sharp edges are actually creating tiny tears that damage and prematurely age the skin.
Rubbing Alcohol
Like hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol is an antibacterial disinfectant used to sterilize wounds to avoid infection… and to clean your house. It may feel cooling on the skin, and impart a “tingling” sensation that makes you feel like it’s working, but alcohol is one of the most drying, damaging ingredients you can put on your face. It dissolves the DNA of both bacteria and human skin cells, leading to dryness and buildup of dead skin cells. Before purchasing a toner or facial astringent, always check to ensure that it doesn’t contain isopropyl alcohol, which will strip the skin and lead to further clogged pores and excess oil production.
Like hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol is an antibacterial disinfectant used to sterilize wounds to avoid infection… and to clean your house. It may feel cooling on the skin, and impart a “tingling” sensation that makes you feel like it’s working, but alcohol is one of the most drying, damaging ingredients you can put on your face. It dissolves the DNA of both bacteria and human skin cells, leading to dryness and buildup of dead skin cells. Before purchasing a toner or facial astringent, always check to ensure that it doesn’t contain isopropyl alcohol, which will strip the skin and lead to further clogged pores and excess oil production.
(I have only recently started paying close attention to the ingredients in my skincare products and makeup, thanks to my lovely friend Tricia. These next 2 articles are a good guide.)
Credit, NewBeauty.com
7 Ingredients You Don’t Want In Your Makeup
By: Margaret McGriff
Knowing what’s in your favorite makeup can be the difference between a gorgeous beauty look or a skin care nightmare. Rohan Widdison, the founder of NVEY ECO helps us break down the 7 ingredients you should look for in your cosmetics and safer alternatives.
1. Parabens
An ingredient that mimics estrogen in the body, a hormone associated with breast cancer. It's commonly found in lipsticks and blush. Try This Instead: Josie Maran Argan Color Stick, $22, joseimarancosmetics.com
2. SLS sodium-lauryl-sulfate
An irritant that strips skin of protective oils and moisture. 1 and 4 dioxane, a carcinogenic material are possible by-products of this ingredient. Try this instead: Eminence Organics Herbal Eye Make-up Remover,us.eminenceorganics.com
3. Petroleum/ Mineral Oil
Petrolatum can tend to interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping. Products like foundation use mineral oil. Try This Instead: Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation, $26 purminerals.com
4. DMDM hydantoin
A preservative often found in eye makeup and blush has small amounts of formaldehyde that can cause cosmetic dermatitis to those who are allergic to it. Try this instead: Alima Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow, $12.50 alimapure.com
5. Polyethylene Glycol Or PEG's
An ingredient that can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a carcinogenic material and is often found in concealer and lip balm. Try this instead: Aubrey Organics Silken Earth Translucent Powder, $24 aubrey-organics.com ; NVEY ECO Erase Concealer, $18, nveymakeup.com
6. Propylene Glycol
A chemical associated with irritants and can cause allergic contact dermatitis when using products like mascara and foundation. Try this instead: Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara, $19 sephora.com
7. BHA and BHT
These compounds have been linked to health concerns shuch as endocrine disruptors and organ system toxicity. Try this instead: Scotch Naturals Nail Polish, $16, thegreenkiss.com
Click here to be directed to the article link.
Article #4
Credit, OragnicBeautyTalk.com
Ingredients to Avoid
The skin is the body’s largest organ and absorbs what you put onto it. Always read the ingredient labels and know what’s in your products.
The “Terrible Touch-Me-Nots” (as they were presented to me back in 2001) are ingredients to AVOID in personal care, beauty and skin care products. What you put on your skin can go into your body to affect your health and sense of well-being – either negatively or positively. You can choose which … if you know the facts. As our body’s biggest organ, your skin is your most important immune defense barrier as well as your largest organ for eliminating waste. Commercial products with harmful petroleum ingredients can plasticize and “constipate” your skin, making germs more likely to get in and toxins less likely to get out of your body. The result: Neither you nor your skin are as radiant or as healthy as you could be.
Every day we use products that we think are safe; but the truth is that most of these products are NOT safe – and manufacturers don’t have to tell us so. Ever since 1938 – when the FDA granted self-regulation to the cosmetics industry – products can be marketed without government approval of ingredients, regardless of what tests show. Most of the 25,000 chemicals used have not been tested for long-term toxic effects. In a typical day, you might be exposed to over 200 different chemicals, many of which are suspected of causing cancer or juggling hormones. EPA tests conclude that ingredients in shampoos, dyes, and other personal care products “may be playing havoc with hormones that control reproduction and development.”
Who knew?!! I know I didn’t until someone shared this information with me many years ago. Bottom line—always read the ingredient labels and know what’s in your products. Don’t be scared….just get educated and avoid these harmful, hazardous and toxic “Terrible Touch-Me-Not” ingredients!
Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): a very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin’s moisture and natural immune barrier, making you more venerable to bacteria, molds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative and is found in many skin and hair products, fragrance, antibacterial hand washes as well as shellac and antifreeze. It can act as a “carrier” accelerating the penetration of other harmful chemicals into your skin. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin. A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients says it may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia, and coma. Fatal ingested dose is one ounce or less.
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine) & TEA (triethanolamine): hormone-disrupting chemicals that can form cancer-causing nitrates and nitrosamines. These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects. In the United States however, they are still used despite the fact that Americans may be exposed to them 10-20 times per day with products such as shampoos, shaving creams and bubble baths. Dr. Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois) says that repeated skin applications…. of DEA-based detergents resulted in major increase in incidence of liver and kidney cancer. The FDA’s John Bailey says this is especially important since “the risk equation changes significantly for children”.
DMDM Hydantion & Urea (Imidazolidinyl): just two of many preservatives that often release formaldehyde which may cause joint pain, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness, and loss of sleep. Exposure may also irritate the respiratory system, trigger heart palpitations or asthma, and aggravate coughs and colds. Other possible side effects include weakening the immune system and cancer.
FD&C Color Pigments: synthetic colors made from coal tar, containing heavy metal salts that deposit toxins into the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and death. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.
Synthetic Fragrances: mostly synthetic ingredients can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes.
Alternative – Organic Essential Oils.
Alternative – Organic Essential Oils.
Mineral Oil: petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products such as baby oil which is 100% mineral oil!
Alternatives – Moisture Magnets (Saccharide Isomerate) from beets; Ceramides, Jojoba and other vegetable oils, etc.
Alternatives – Moisture Magnets (Saccharide Isomerate) from beets; Ceramides, Jojoba and other vegetable oils, etc.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin’s natural moisture factor. This could increase the appearance of aging and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the melting point and thickens products. Also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners.
Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol: gaseous hydrocarbons which in a liquid state act as “surfactant” (wetting olagents and solvents). They easily penetrate the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. Commonly used to make extracts from herbs. PG is strong enough to remove barnacles from boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that it requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to dispose of any PG solutions by burying them in the ground. Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. But there isn’t even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.
Alternatives – water extracted herbs, Therapeutic Essential Oils, etc.
Alternatives – water extracted herbs, Therapeutic Essential Oils, etc.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): detergents and surfactants that pose serious health threats. Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers – and in 90% of personal-care products that foam. Animals exposed to SLS experience eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation, and even death. Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS because proteins are dissolved. SLS may also damage the skins immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame. When combined with other chemicals, SLS can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. Your body may retain the SLS for up to five days, during which tie it may enter and maintain residual levels in the heart, liver, the lungs, and the brain.
Alternative – Ammonium Cocoyl Isethionate.
Alternative – Ammonium Cocoyl Isethionate.
Triclosan: a synthetic “antibacterial” ingredient – with a chemical structure similar to Agent Orange! The EPA registers it as a pesticide, giving it high scores as a risk to both human health and the environment. It is classified as a chlorophenol, a class of chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans. Its manufacturing process may produce dioxin, a powerful hormone-disrupting chemical with toxic effects measured in the parts per trillion; that is only one drop in 300 Olympic-size swimming pools! Hormone disruptors pose enormous long-term chronic health risks by interfering with the way hormones perform, such as changing genetic material, decreasing fertility and sexual function, and fostering birth defects. It can temporarily deactivate sensory nerve endings, so contact with it often causes little or no pain. Internally, it can lead to cold sweats, circulatory collapse, and convulsions. Stored in body fat, it can accumulate to toxic levels, damaging the liver, kidneys and lungs and can cause paralysis, suppression of immune function,brain hemorrhages, and heart problems. Tufts University School of Medicine says that triclosan is capable of forcing the emergence of “super bugs” that it cannot kill. Its widespread use in popular antibacterial cleaners, tooth pasts and household products may have nightmare implications for our future.
Alternative – Therapeutic Essential Oils.
Alternative – Therapeutic Essential Oils.
Other Common Toxic Ingredients To Avoid:
- Aluminum
- Pthalates
- DEET
- Dioxins
- Formaldehyde
- PABA
- Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)
- Parabens
- Phenoxyethanol
- Toluene
- Camphor
Helpful Resources:
- Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
- The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
- No More Dirty Looks
