Top 10 Harmful Makeup Ingredients to Avoid

Can you dare to go out of town without putting lipstick, mascara, concealer or a dab of foundation? If yes, then maybe you could tell me what's your secret? lol kidding aside, I bet none of you could! right!? because even me, I admit I definitely could not. Beauty has been defined by our society as having white skin, long straight hair, lengthy eye lashes and many more! and sad to say, everyone especially us girls are trying to fit in. We tend to forget that we are unique in our own little ways and many of us do not know that beauty is actually subjective and is about authenticity. 

Your pores, brown skin and small eyes are what makes you - you! So why do we have to alter and make ourselves perfect the way society see it? Remember, our imperfections are actually the ones that make us perfect. The problem now is that, because we try to comply to society's standards we use tons of make up and skin care products to give illusion of perfect skin, pouty lips and hooded eyes. Not knowing how these products can actually damage our beauty and most especially health.

Yes, beauty! because makeup products make you look perfect, you tend to settle with putting products just to look good instead of taking care of what will actually make your true beauty glow and radiate; your skin and health. Notice people who have perfect natural skin?  they don't put any makeup at all, what they invest more are not makeup but skin care and health. And that's what I think all of us especially women should focus more. BUT! BEWARE! because both makeup and skin care products contains ingredients that many of us are unaware of its harmful effects to our health.


 It is important that we educate ourselves especially with the  that we always use.I searched on google and learned so many things that I want to share with you guys. Here are just some of the harmful chemicals that we are exposed on a daily basis that we should avoid!


Parabens. Parabens are widely used preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in cosmetic products. Sounds good, right? Not so fast, they do more than that. Parabens possess estrogen-mimicking properties that areassociated with increased risk of breast cancer. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. They can be found in makeup, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers. You can also find them in food and pharmaceutical products.


Synthetic colors. If you take a look at your product label and notice FD&C or D&C, they represent artificial colors. F -- representing food and D&C representing drug and cosmetics. These letters precede a color and number (e.g., D&C Red 27 or FD&C blue 1). These synthetic colors are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. Synthetic colors are suspected to be a human carcinogen, a skin irritant and are linked to ADHD in children. The European Classification and Labeling considers it a human carcinogen and the European Union has banned it.


Fragrance. This particular category is pretty scary, because what does "fragrance" mean anyway? This term was created to protect a company's "secret formula." But as the consumer you could be putting on a concoction that contains tons of chemicals that are hazardous to your health. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database, fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system. It can be found in many products such as perfume, cologne, conditioner, shampoo, body wash and moisturizers.


Phthalates. A group of chemicals used in hundreds of products to increase the flexibility and softness of plastics. The main phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products are dibutyl phthalate in nail polish, diethyl phthalate in perfumes and lotions, and dimethyl phthalate in hair spray. They are known to be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects in males and females. Unfortunately, it is not disclosed on every product as it's added to fragrances (remember the "secret formula" not listed), a major loophole in the law. They can be found in deodorants, perfumes/colognes, hair sprays and moisturizers.


Triclosan. Tricolson is widely used antimicrobial chemical that's a known endocrine disruptor -- especially thyroid and reproductive hormones, and a skin irritant. Studies raise concerns that triclosan contributes to making bacteria antibiotic-resistant. There also wasn't enough supporting evidence that washing with antibacterial soaps containing triclosan provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water. Tricolson can be found in toothpastes, antibacterial soaps and deodorants.


Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). This surfactant can be found in more than 90 percent of personal care and cleaning products (think foaming products). SLS's are known to be skin, lung, and eye irritants. A major concern about SLS is its potential to interact and combine with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. These combinations can lead to a host of other issues like kidney and respiratory damage. They can be found in shampoo, body wash/cleanser, mascara and acne treatment.


Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRP's) preservatives are used in many cosmetic products to help prevent bacteria growth. This chemical was deemed as a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) and has been linked to occupational related cancers: nasal and nasopharyngeal. It is known to cause allergic skin reactions and it may also be harmful to the immune system. It can be found in nail polish, body washes, conditioners, shampoos, cleansers, eye shadows, nail polish treatments.


Toluene. A petrochemical derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. You may see it on labels listed as benzene, toluol, phenylmethane, methylbenzene. Toluene is a potent solvent able to dissolve paint and paint thinner. It can affect your respiratory system, cause nausea and irritate your skin. Expecting mothers should avoid exposure to toluene vapors as it may cause developmental damage in the fetus. Toluene has also been linked to immune system toxicity. It can be found in nail polish, nail treatments and hair color/bleaching products.


Propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a small organic alcohol commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent. It's classified as a skin irritant and penetrator. It has been associated with causing dermatitis as well as hives in humans -- these sensitization effects can be manifested at propylene glycol concentrations as low as 2 percent. It can be found in moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup products, conditioners, shampoo and hair sprays.


Sunscreen chemicals. These chemicals function as a sunscreen agent, to absorb ultraviolet light. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors and are believed to be easily absorbed into the body. They may also cause cellular damage and cancer in the body. Common names are benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate and ethoxycinnmate. They can be found in sunscreen products.
(source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vanessa-cunningham/dangerous-beauty-products_b_4168587.html)


It is impossible for us to avoid all of these because cosmetics and skin care products has been a part of our lives! But! we can all lessen and avoid having all of these. We just have to watch out what we use and if possible, use only pure organic products. I hope this post helps you and I'm looking forward to share so many relevant things about health to guys. Expect more of these posts in the future :) 

'till my next post!
<3

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