The skin is the largest organ of the human body. More technical, the skin is the barrier between the outside world and the complex inner workings. Because of this, we must be certain to care for it. Your skin is absorbent, so you must be careful to put good things into your skin and keep out the bad. These are just a few things to watch out for in skincare products, but be sure to consult a dermatologist for any concerns you may have:
1. Aluminum
Most often found in deodorant, aluminum is a metal that should not be going into your skin. Period. In deodorant, it causes clogged pores, which is why it is considered an antiperspirant. Because of this, your pores literally cannot release sweat because they are full of aluminum and other chemicals. Instead, try and use an aluminum-free deodorant. Many supermarkets and stores offer a variety of different all-natural deodorants that are free of aluminum and other un-natural substances.
2. Mineral Oil
Mineral oil may sound like it’s a great ingredient, but it is truly not good for you. Mineral oil is petroleum based so it sits on top of the skin. This traps anything and everything that is already on the skin, inside the skin, while keeping everything else out. This can be good, however the mineral oil itself is comedogenic, which means it clogs pores and may cause acne. Overall, it is best to avoid it.
3. Parabens
Parabens are something we’ve talked about before in the shampoo article (link to that here) but it is also present in our everyday skincare products. Parabens act as a form of synthetic hormone that can cause reproductive issues with continued exposure. These chemicals may be hard to spot, but they often end in "yl". Be sure to do your research and keep your body safe!
4. Phthalates
Phthalates, sometimes called plasticizers, are found in many personal care products such as soap, shampoo, and skincare. They have been found to cause reproductive problems in animals, and while studies are ongoing, it may be best to avoid them.
5. Sulfates
Sulfates in hair products are known to strip moisture and dry out hair so it becomes brittle. In skincare, it may clog pores and cause acne. In extreme cases, sulfates can cause skin irritation and rashes, though this is uncommon. For most, it is best to find products that are sulfate free.
These ingredients are common, but not unavoidable. More and more companies are switching their formulas to exclude these chemicals, so it is not impossible to find them at any good price. Talk to a dermatologist or doctor for any concerns you may have.
Research
https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sulfates#safety
