The Chemicals we Know Nothing About

If you do not know much about skin care chemicals, you are certainly not alone! Most of us use products every single day without giving a thought as to what is included in them. So just what should we be looking out for and are these chemicals harmful?

1,4 Dioxane:

This chemical is found in 50% of cosmetics and it is listed as a carcinogen. If over exposed to the skin it can cause irritation, it can be a central nervous system depressant, and it can even cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Unfortunately most products do not list this on their ingredients list but it is usually found in shampoo, creams and even cotton balls can contain it.

FD&C Colors:

This is commonly used in personal care products and they are made from coal. Shockingly, coal tar colors have been known to cause cancer in animals, and a lot of people develop allergic reactions to the chemical, including the development of dermatitis. You will find them listed as FD&C or D&C, usually followed by a color and a number.

Lanolin:

Lanolin is a known allergen and some products have taken it out of their ingredients list. However, some still remain and something else we should be worried about is the fact that it is derived from sheep wool so there is a chance it may contain insecticides which can be really harmful to the body. The worrying thing is that these insecticides have the ability to travel through the skin and into the bloodstream.

Although this chemical is a health risk, it is perfectly safe if it is not contaminated. The only way to tell if a product contains uncontaminated Lanolin is if you choose an organic product. However, this does not always stop the problem so always make sure you look for good quality products in order to be safe.

Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD 40):

Alcohol is found in quite a lot of skin care products and it can be extremely drying for the skin. It tends to strip the skin of its natural acid mantle, which causes us to be more vulnerable to bacteria, viruses and mold. It can also promote brown spots and aid in premature ageing.

Lead:

Lead is contained mainly in hair dyes, and it is a known carcinogen and hormone disruptor. The reason it is so harmful, is because it absorbs into the skin and it can cause neurological damage as well as behavior abnormalities. Other side effects include muscle cramp and depression.

Diazolidinyl Urea:

This is known as the main cause of contacted dermatitis in America. It contains formaldehyde which is a carcinogenic chemical, which is toxic if breathed in. It can cause difficulty in breathing, irritation to the nose, throat and eyes, and it can also cause blisters, burns and inflammation.

Overall there are hundreds of chemicals we do not know much about. Granted, most only do damage if used in excess, but many people do still have effects from some of the chemicals in their skin care products.

You never completely know what you are putting on your skin, but now is the time to stop and think. Always read the labels and try and find out what it is that you are putting onto the skin. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry!