Skin Damaging Substances: Which Ingredients Should We Avoid?

Most of us use a range of products in our daily skin care routine. But what exactly do these products do to our skin? Here's what you need to know about some of the ingredients found in unnatural skincare products that can potentially harm our skin.

‘Knowing what is in our care products is an important step in achieving healthy and beautiful skin.’

As consumers, we now need to understand what is good for our skin and what is harmful, and how to prevent harmful substances. Because after all, our skin is our most important heritage in our body and deserves the most attention and sensitivity. In this article, we will examine in depth some of the substances found in unnatural care products that are harmful to the skin.

Which Substances Should We Pay Most Attention to in Skin Care Products?

• Parabens
• Formaldehyde
• Sulphates
• Synthetic Fragrances

These substances are just a few examples. When using a product, it is important to keep in mind what effects these substances may have on our skin.

Parabens Let's start with parabens. Parabens are chemicals used to extend the shelf life of care products. However, many studies have shown that parabens can cause skin irritation.

Phthalates: Phthalates are ‘plasticisers’ used in skin care, cosmetics and hair care products to increase the flexibility of the products, to preserve their colour and to increase their durability.

Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity and cancer. For this reason, the use of these chemicals in cosmetics is banned in the European Union, but they are still widely used in US products.

Sls: Sls is another substance often used in care products. Sls is used to create the foam structure of the products. However, in continuous and excessive use, it can destroy the skin's natural oils and dry the skin. This can cause skin irritation and more serious skin problems.

Artificial Perfumes: Artificial perfumes used in care products can also have adverse effects on the skin. Artificial perfumes are often used to give the product a pleasant scent, but can cause allergic reactions in some people.

The best decision you can make regarding your skin may be to choose natural and organic care products. Such a choice will be the right step to protect your health and minimise possible damage to the environment.

For example, you can start with a solid shampoo that is natural and free of chemical additives, beneficial to both your skin and nature. Another option would be a chemical-free natural soap that nourishes and moisturises the skin. Of course, natural deodorant, which prevents sweat odour and at the same time allows your skin to breathe, will be an integral part of your health-friendly skin care routine.

You may also be interested in this article: Natural Cream Deodorants: Natural Solution to Sweating Problem