Due to our hectic lifestyles and busy schedules we are constantly looking for quick fix solutions for our hair and skin. We tend to buy products that either look good on the shelf or have been recommend by someone. We all need to be aware of certain minor things before we decide to put something on our body.
This blog is an attempt to make everyone aware so the next time you decide to buy something ensure that you have read the complete ingredient list and check if the person or company recommending that product to you does not have any financial gain in doing so. Make sure you read the complete Ingredient list. Ingredients are listed by quantity in the formula, from greatest to least, based on standards by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Few ingredients to completely avoid are listed below. And if they are among the first 5 ingredients they are used in large quantities in the formula.
Mineral Oils ( Paraffinum Liquidum or Petroleum) – Mineral oil is a petroleum by-product which clogs the pores and interferes with the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. May be contaminated with PAHs (carcinogens).
Parabens – Methylparaben, butylparaben and propylparaben are some of the most common parabens in cosmetics. Parabens possess estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors.
Silicones – Silicone is almost like rubber and/or plastic. It is used as a sealant against water and even air. It is not a natural ingredient and its side effects are bad for our hair. It gives the hair the illusion of shine, but it is not the shine we want—it is a fake shine from the plastic. Common names for silicones are Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Methicone, Amodimethicone, Dimethiconol, Cyclomethicone/Cyclopentasiloxane…and the list goes on. So if you see anything that ends wiht a cone avoid it.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – Over-exposure to SLS has been linked to eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhoea and severe skin irritation. SLS has been suspected to also damage the skin’s immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame.
Synthetic colors – If you take a look at your product label and notice FD&C or D&C, they represent artificial colors. F — representing food and D&C representing drug and cosmetics. These letters precede a color and number (e.g., D&C Red 27 or FD&C blue 1). These synthetic colors are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. Synthetic colors are suspected to be a human carcinogen, a skin irritant and are linked to ADHD in children.
I have just listed my top 5. To see a complete list you can checkout these websites.
https://www.handmadenaturals.co.uk/synthetic_cosmetic_ingredients_to_avoid.php
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/
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Try to find products that can help not only the immediate look and feel of your hair and skin but also help improve it with time. A little bit of time spent in reading the ingredients will go a long way towards a long and healthy life.