Truth behind your everyday skincare products

Your skin is your body’s largest and most incredible organ!

Skin is highly permeable; it absorbs & literally eats everything you put on it!

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that the skin absorbed an average of 64% of whatever you put on it, and in another study, it was observed that facial skin is several times more permeable than broad body surfaces and an absorption rate of 100% for underarms and genitalia. 

Fragrances or scents are highly absorbent and can penetrate the skin easily; studies revealed that skin has a 100% absorption of fragrance ingredients.

Oils are also more easily absorbed into the skin than water-based ingredients because they can penetrate the intercellular matrix or travel through hair follicles.

To maintain a healthy mind & body, what you put on your body is just as critical as what you put in your body; toxic body load is real!

The truth is that whatever you put on your skin gets absorbed by your body.

So you must pay close attention to the ingredients in our skincare products. If the products you use contain harmful ingredients such as harsh, toxic chemicals, colors, and fragrances, they make their way into your body, blood, and lymphatic system. 

Most synthetic mainstream body care products in the market contain a cocktail of carcinogenic chemicals, allergens, and irritants, causing various health issues.

Many of my patients deal with stubborn and exhausting skin conditions, so I often teach them about Skincare in detail, so I thought of compiling this information so everyone could benefit.

Let’s learn about Skincare- the good, bad, and ugly side!

Skincare products have been used for thousands of years, with many ancient cultures using natural ingredients such as herbs, plants, and minerals to cleanse, exfoliate, and protect the skin.

Traditionally, natural ingredients were used because they were readily available and were believed to be effective in maintaining healthy skin. 

Many natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, honey, milk, and coconut oil, have been used for centuries for their soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties.

What are Skin care products?

Skincare products are a wide range of products that are used to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and protect the skin. 

These products can be formulated for different skin types, concerns, and conditions and can be used in various ways to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. 

Some of the most common types of skin care products include:

• Cleansers: These products are used to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin and can come in the form of foaming, cream, oil, and balm cleansers.
• Toners: These products are used to remove any remaining traces of dirt and oil after cleansing and can help to restore the skin’s natural pH balance.
• Exfoliants: These products are used to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover and can come in the form of physical or chemical exfoliants.
• Serums: These lightweight liquids are packed with active ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid and target specific skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, acne, or pigmentation.
• Moisturizers: These products are used to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness and flaking, and they can come in the form of lotions, creams, and oils.
• Sunscreen: These products are used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
• Eye creams: These products are specially formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes and can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.
• Face masks: These products are used to deliver a concentrated dose of ingredients to the skin and can be used to target specific concerns such as hydration, brightening, or acne.

These are just some examples of the many different types of skin care products that are available today. Choosing the right products for your skin type, concerns, and conditions is essential to achieve the best results.

Should we use skin care products?

Using skin care products as part of a daily routine helps maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin. 

The right combination of skin care products can help cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and protect the skin, improving its overall health and appearance.

However, the specific products and routines that work best for you depend on your skin type, concerns, and conditions. 

Additionally, it’s important to note that using skin care products alone is insufficient to maintain healthy skin. A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, as well as avoiding smoking, alcohol, and sun exposure, is also essential for maintaining healthy skin.

What Skincare ingredients can be harmful to your health?

Some ingredients that are commonly found in Skincare products can be harmful or irritating to the skin, plus can lead to concerning health issues; let’s learn about what skincare ingredients you should vary of:

1. Parabens: These synthetic preservatives are commonly used in skin care products and are linked to hormone disruption and an increased risk of cancer. 
2. Fragrance: Skincare products that contain “fragrance” often hide a cocktail of toxic chemicals, including phthalates which can disrupt hormones.
3. Sulfates: These harsh detergents can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
4. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
5. Oxybenzone: A common ingredient in sunscreens, this chemical is linked to hormone disruption and is toxic to coral reefs.
6. Retinyl Palmitate: A form of Vitamin A, this ingredient can be harmful when used in sunlight and has been linked to skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer.
7. Mineral oil: This petroleum byproduct can clog pores and lead to breakouts while reducing the skin’s natural ability to breathe.

It is always a good idea to read the ingredient list on a product before purchasing it and to look for products that are free of these ingredients.

Why may Manufacturers use harmful ingredients in skin care products?

There are various reasons why certain skincare products are used by manufacturers even though these are not good for your body, like:

• Cost: Some ingredients are cheaper to use than others and can help to lower the overall cost of producing the product.
• Preservation: Some ingredients, like parabens, can help extend a product’s shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria and mold.
• Consistency: Some ingredients can help to make a product more consistent in terms of texture and appearance.
• Functionality: Some ingredients, like sulfates, are added to skin care products to create a foaming lather that can be beneficial for cleaning the skin.
• Fragrance: Some ingredients are added for scent, which is an essential aspect for consumers regarding product preference.

It’s important to note that some of these harmful ingredients are allowed in small quantities by the FDA, but just because they are allowed in small amounts doesn’t mean they are safe for everyone.

It’s always a good idea to read the ingredient list on a product before purchasing it and to look for products that are free of these ingredients.

Natural ingredients are great for not only your skin but also your body, but then, why do synthetic and potentially harmful skincare ingredients gain such a high interest & demand?

Synthetic skin care products came to the market due to advances in science and technology, which allowed for the developing of new ingredients and formulations.

Synthetic ingredients were created for products with longer shelf life and more consistent results.

Additionally, the demand for skin care products increased with the change in lifestyle and fashion, and synthetic ingredients allowed manufacturers to produce more products at a lower cost, making them more accessible and affordable for a broader range of consumers.

Using natural skin care products can have several benefits:

• Safety: Natural ingredients are less likely to cause allergic reactions, irritations, or other negative side effects than synthetic ingredients.
• Environmental impact: Natural ingredients are often sourced from sustainable and renewable resources, whereas synthetic ingredients may harm the environment.
• Effectiveness: Many natural ingredients have been used for centuries and have been proven effective at improving skin health. For example, natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and avocado oil are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that can help to moisturize and nourish the skin.
• Avoiding harmful chemicals: Many natural skincare products are free of harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and phthalates, which have been linked to health problems.
• Transparency: Natural skin care products often list all the ingredients on the packaging, making it easy for consumers to understand what they are putting on their skin.

It’s important to note that just because a product is labeled as “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe or effective. Consumers should still read the ingredient list and research the product before purchasing.

With the rise of awareness about the potential adverse effects of synthetic ingredients on health and the environment, many consumers are now seeking out natural and organic skincare products as an alternative.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in natural skin care products as more people have become aware of the potential adverse effects of synthetic ingredients on health and the environment. 

Many natural skincare products are free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and other potentially harmful ingredients and are considered gentler and more nourishing for the skin.

Nowadays, it is possible to find natural or organic skin care products that are formulated with high-quality natural ingredients and follow strict standards of purity and efficacy.

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If you are dealing with a chronic skin issue and want to know how I can help you, feel free to email me.

I can assess your condition and provide a comprehensive treatment plan, including any necessary medications, therapies, or lifestyle changes to help manage your condition.