Friday, November 28, 2008

Is Your Skin Care Harming You?

By Jemma Rivera

Of course we all like to think that the skin care products that we use are perfectly safe. In reality though, they may not be as harmless as we think. If your facial cleanser makes you feel clean with those foaming, popping little bubbles, then you should keep reading; you may be surprised at what you learn here.

If your facial cleanser advertises some type of foaming action then chances are high that it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and/or Sodium Laureth Sulphate. These chemicals have been shown to weaken the immune system, cause skin inflammations and are commonly found in abrasive car washes and engine degreasers.

Another ingredient which is in a lot of personal care products is Propylene Glycol. As you may know, this is one of the important ingredients in antifreeze! Again, not something you want on your face.

Mineral oil is another common ingredient. Mineral oil coats your skin like a waterproof layer - however, this keeps your skin from performing the important function of cellular respiration. Your pores will be clogged, which causes acne and many other skin problems. Even with all of these downsides, skin care products often contain this ingredient.

The products which contain these chemicals usually also have lots of other chemical ingredients. These chemicals are found in lotions, skin creams and even fragrances. The manufacturers always say that the small amounts of these chemicals in their products are safe - but why risk it?

The effects of exposure to these chemicals can include cancer, headaches, hormonal imbalance and chronic fatigue syndrome. Thankfully, not all skin care products have these chemical ingredients. You should look for skin care products which are made using only natural ingredients to avoid exposing yourself to these potential hazards.

One ingredient in natural skin care products which is actually good for your skin is emu oil.

Emu oil is a completely neutral lipid that is safe for anyone and it is hypoallergenic. Emu oil products are highly penetrating to the skin surface and it can rehydrate and strengthen the cells in the deepest layers of skin.

Products that contain pure emu oil are able to naturally soften and nourish skin. Other benefits of emu oil include its anti-inflammatory properties. It's a bonus when applying skin lotion also helps relieve pain from minor aches and even arthritic discomfort.

Another skin-healthy natural ingredient is seaweed. While it may not look so great floating in the ocean, it is actually wonderful for your skin. Used in natural skin care products, seaweed can help you get a youthful, healthy look to your skin.

Botanical skin care formulas are made of natural, plant based ingredients. Some of the beneficial ingredients found in seaweed are mineral salts, amino acids, vitamins and a wealth of antioxidant compounds to repair the cellular damage done by free radicals. In fact, seaweed is one of the very best ingredients to promote cell growth in your skin.

Natural skin care products which are free of chemicals and have antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E naturally detoxify, nourish and hydrate your skin.

You can't expect the skin care industry to make an overnight conversion however - it's up to you to make wise choices about skin care products for you and your family. By using only high quality, natural skin care products, you'll be caring for your skin and your family in a healthy way. - 16004

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