Wednesday 12 October 2011

Toxic cosmetic ingredients you should avoid

                      



                                 
As a consumer, you must be well informed about the chemicals and toxic ingredients that may be injurious to your skin and your body, and most important, avoid them. After all, our skin is the largest organ of our body. The skin has a very important role – that is to protect us. So we should do the same in return – protect our skin. Even though skin protects the human body, it does absorb chemicals into the bloodstreams and tissues. These products ultimately contaminate our environment and lead to health hazards. Read on to learn what you must avoid.

Acrylamide - Found in many hand and face creams. Linked to mammary tumors in lab research.
Benzoyl Peroxide - Is used as an acne treatment, for improving flour, for bleaching hair and teeth, for polymerizing polyester and many other uses. Facilitates action of known carcinogens. Possible tumor promoter. May act as mutagen; produces DNA damage in human and other mammalian cells in some concentrations. Also, toxic by inhalation. May be harmful if swallowed and in contact with skin. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant.

Chlorine - Exposure to chlorine in tap water, showers, pool, laundry products, cleaning agents, food processing, sewage systems and many others, can effect health by contributing to asthma, hay fever, anemia, bronchitis, circulatory collapse, confusion, delirium, diabetes, dizziness, irritation of the eye, mouth, nose, throat, lung, skin and stomach, heart disease, high blood pressure and nausea. It is also a possible cause of cancer. Even though you will not see Chlorine on personal care product labels, it is important for you to be aware of the need to protect your skin when bathing and washing your hair.

Fragrance - Is present in most deodorants, shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care and baby care products. Many of the compounds in fragrances are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. Exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes.
Isopropyl Alcohol - Solvent distorting properties, found in hair dyes, massage oils, hand creams after shave creams, perfumes and many other cosmetic products of large brands. Inhaling or ingesting the vapor could cause headaches, intoxication, sickness, narcosis or coma.
Healthful alternatives are moisture magnets such as saccharide isomerate from beets, ceramides, jojoba and other vegetable oils.

Sunscreen chemicals - Avobenzone, benzphenone, ethoxycinnamate, PABA are commonly used ingredients that are known free radical generators and are believed to damage DNA or lead to cancers.
Talc - Widely used in makeup, baby and adult powders and foundation. It conveniently provides slip and covering, with the inconvenience of being strongly linked to ovarian and testicular cancer.
Can you take such risks with your health?