Taking care of our skin is a priority. If we are good to it, it will be good to us. With so many skincare products to choose from, what do you do? Whatever skincare line you decide to use, there are some chemicals that shouldnt be contained in any of them.



1. Alcohols"Many skincare products contain alcohols in some form. You may not actually see the word alcohol but ingredients that end in ols are more than likely some type of alcohol. Most alcohols are used as drying agents. They help products to blend into the skin and disappear. Alcohol dries in air. For people with dry skin, alcohols will deplete moisture in the skin and increase the dryness. When found in shampoos, they can strip the hair follicles of essential oils and leave the hair brittle and dry.

2. Parabens"In the ingredients, you may see methylparaben listed. They are preservatives used in skincare products. They decrease the amount of bacterial growth in lotions and other skincare products. Some people may have an allergy to parabens. Its hard to know if this is the source of your skin irritation with so many other chemicals in some skincare products, so avoiding parabens altogether is a wise choice.

3. Perfumes"Companies work hard to produce a new scent that people will like. Even though you may like the smell, it can cause skin irritations or allergies if the right chemicals are mixed together. A rule of thumb is to avoid skincare products that are scented. Look for words like hypoallergenic when buying skincare products.

4. Phthalates"This word is hard to pronounce and with good reason. It is normally found in plastic to increase its flexibility. A chemical like that doesnt belong in any substance that goes on your body. But, it does wind up in some lotions and even soap.

5. Dyes"Dyes give skincare products their color. Even if it is a beige color, you can bet that there was a dye added to your product. People with sensitive skin develop dryness and itching from various dyes. Try natural products that are dye free.

It is important to read the label on all skincare products. Most people dont know that skincare products are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They are on their honor to provide a safe product to the consumer. Many consumer watchdog groups keep a lookout for harmful products and get the word out in print or on the Internet.

The next time you shop for skincare items, read the label carefully. This goes for all natural products as well. Eliminate as many of the above chemicals as possible from your products as possible. If the good substances are listed at the bottom of the ingredient list, chances are there are only trace amounts in the product and not enough to be of any benefit