Cosmetic companies need to stop using hazardous compounds and cancer-causing chemicals. But, as long as we continue to buy them, they won’t. So, I’m trying to tell everyone about things to avoid. Hopefully, that will eventually get them taken off the market.
Government regulating agencies are slow to react to new scientific research. Retail department stores are sometimes quicker to take action. But, when it comes to cosmetics, people tend not to worry about it.
For many years, it wasn’t a problem. Most of the chemicals didn’t penetrate the epidermis, so other than causing superficial irritation, they could do little damage.
Today, the most effective skincare products are manufactured using nanotechnology. They penetrate deeply, even entering the tissues and muscles. If a company is going to use that kind of technology, the ingredients should be safe.
Here’s a short list of things to avoid. They are either strongly suspected of or known to cause cancer. Or, they inhibit the skin’s natural cell renewal process, thereby causing premature aging.
Petrolatum, mineral oils, paraffin wax, liquid paraffin, oxybenzone, triclosan, acrylamide, titanium dioxide, dioxins, artificial fragrances, parabens, DEA, MEA, TEA, nitrosamines, padimate-O and polyethylene glycol. That is not a complete list, I’m sure, but it’s as much as I can include here.
If you know anything about any of these ingredients, you will recognize that some of them are sunscreens. Organic and synthetic sunscreens were rushed to the market without proper safety testing. Now, years later, we learn that many of them cause cancer, which is what we were trying to prevent by using sunscreen in the first place.
The most effective skincare products for sunburn protection are also the safest. Nearly every drug store carries a store brand of zinc oxide sun block, with a 30+ SPF rating. That’s the most protection and the safest product that you can buy.
For moisturizing, petrolatum and mineral oils are widely used. They are not, in fact, moisturizing. They actually “repel” moisture and they interfere with the natural cell renewal process.
The most effective skincare products for moisturizing are those that contain grape seed oil and natural vitamin E. Grape seed oils are very similar on a molecular level to the skin’s own sebum. They are quickly absorbed and form a light film that prevents dirt particles from entering the pores.
Natural vitamin E is a strong antioxidant. When combined with coenzyme Q10 and properly manufactured, it can penetrate deeply. Even though the antioxidants are completely safe, they fade wrinkles and fine lines by undoing free radical damage.
Some compounds support the natural cell renewal process and speeds it up again, when age causes it to slow down. Amino acids and proteins are the keys. The skin cells need keratin, tryptophan, valine and other amino acids.
You won’t find the most effective skincare products being promoted by a celebrity. The company has to pay her too much for her endorsement. But, now, at least you have a better idea about safety and effectiveness.
by JAMI GOODE
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