What ARE Those Ingredients I’m Rubbing on My Skin?

by Barbara Roberts

Most of us know a lot about the food we eat, what’s good for us and what’s not.  We try to stay away from anything that is genetically modified (GMO).  And although processed food tastes good, we know we should be eating much more from the whole foods’ category.  But, when it comes to our skincare routine, do we even think about the lotions, serums and creams that we apply?  We should! Dermatologists say that up to 60% of what you rub onto your skin is absorbed and circulating throughout your body.

Taking care of our skin is gaining momentum as the right thing to do, beginning with the high schoolers fighting acne and other skin issues.  It continues throughout our lives, but there are so many products to choose from, all making claims that they are perfect for you.   Since perfect is relative, how can we be sure?  What’s good for you may cause me to break out.  Therefore, it is extremely important to read about what is in those products to ensure you get the benefits you are looking for without damaging your skin. 

The writing on those product packages and containers is sometimes sooo smalll that you need a super strength magnifying glass to even decipher what the contents are.  Do you think it’s because they don’t really want us to know? Maybe that’s why labels have all those scary-sounding chemicals!  Some are not just scary-sounding, but they can have negative effects as simple as redness or rashes to acne, or even cancer.  Let’s take a look at some of those harmful ingredients we should AVOID:

• Parabens        These have estrogen-mimicking properties and can disrupt the endocrine system, causing reproductive and developmental disorders.

• Benzophenone, PABA, Avobenzone, Homosalate, Oxybenzone, Ethoxycinnmate These ingredients may be found in sunscreen products, and they are endocrine disruptors that may result in possible cellular damage, and/or lead to cancer.

• Butylated Hydroxyanisone (BHA) Capable of causing skin depigmentation, among other conditions, this ingredient has been identified as a possible carcinogen. 

• Retinyl Palmitate This is in the same family as Retinol, and although it is derived from Vitamin A, it can increase the growth of cancerous tumors.  Not to be used in sunlight.

• Mineral Oil Too heavy for use undiluted, it seals the skin and prevents it from breathing.

• Propylene Glycol / Butylene Glycol These properties have caused skin allergies and hives.

• Fragrance Although it sounds pretty harmless, we have no idea what ingredients are used to engineer the fragrance.  In many cases, they include chemicals that can cause allergies and other more frightful reactions, such as an impact on hormone balance.

Now that I have scared you into running to read the labels on your products, it is helpful to know that there are beauty aids that won’t kill you!  Many of the above help with shelf life, meaning the products can be stored for longer without going bad.  You may have to watch more closely with natural products.  When you are out shopping for replacements, keep this list of HELPFUL SKIN-ENHANCERS that will not do damage handy:

• Antioxidants Assist in fighting off damaging free radicals. They naturally occur in fruits and vegetables through their vitamins (A, C, D, and E), and they can also be made in the laboratory.

• Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) Help with fine lines and wrinkles.  Those with sensitive skin should use every other day until your skin is used to it.

• Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) Has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties.  It reduces swelling, puffiness, redness and blotchiness, and it decreases the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

• Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) Helps maintain muscle tone to prevent sagging and drooping, producing firmer looking skin that is smoother, with fewer lines.

• Neuropeptides Re-energize and hydrate the skin, improving skin’s texture and tone.

• Hyaluronic Acid. Occurs naturally in the body, but aging, diet and smoking negatively impact levels.  It helps with plumping up the skin through hydration and smooths out wrinkles.

• Copper Peptide Promotes collagen production and subsequently helps to smooth, firm and soften skin.

• L-Ascorbic Acid Stimulates the synthesis of Collagen which minimizes fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.  It is Vitamin C, so also an antioxidant.

In addition to the vitamins, skin care products use ingredients that you might find in your diet as well.  You love chamomile tea because it soothes you.  Chamomile in your moisturizer will soothe irritated skin.  Cucumber sandwiches, cucumber slices on your eyes, and you might find Cucumber in your beauty products for its cooling effect.  Avocado?  Guacamole is good, but the buttery richness of Avocado hydrates thirsty skin and may be useful for healing wounds.  I like dried pomegranates in my oatmeal, and there are certainly lots of drinks, both alcoholic and virgin, made with pomegranate juice.  Pomegranate Extract is an ingredient used in anti-aging skincare products because it is so high in antioxidants, removing free radicals, protecting against cellular damage, and helping to reduce inflammation.

If you are willing to just do it yourself (DIY), there are recipes on Pinterest and you can google others that will guide you on your natural beauty adventure.  For instance, Aloe Vera is known for its cooling benefits for sunburn, Coffee Grounds can be made into a scrub to remove impurities from the skin, and Coconut Oil is great for removing makeup.  Greek Yogurt can be part of your anti-aging routine as it contains lactic acid which is a very gentle exfoliant.  And, Sea Salt or Brown Sugar can be combined with Honey (and other ingredients like avocado) to make a healthy face mask.

These are just a few examples of the abundance of plant-based natural products to help you with your beauty routine.  Check out those labels before you buy, and throw out the bad to experiment with and embrace the good for a healthier, happier you.

What has been your experience with skincare products?