We all know that a good skin care routine as well as using quality liquid collagen supplements is crucial for a healthy, flawless complexion. But how much do we really know about what goes into the skincare products we use? To cleanse, moisturize and protect your skin is the basis of any good regimen but whether you like an organic natural range of skincare or something with proven, scientific research behind it, there's likely ingredients on the label that sound strange or unfamiliar. While in just one blog it would be an insurmountable task to look into all active ingredients across the cosmetics industry, we will highlight a few contemporary additives, as well as some of the more traditional ingredients commonly used within the beauty industry and give you the low-down on what they do and their innocuous or toxic potential. The Cleanser A good facial cleanser, make-up remover and shampoo is a must for clear skin and healthy hair. Here are some of the most commonly used ingredients. 1. Glycolic Acid Glycolic Acid is a humectant. Humectants are used in many skin care products because they do a great job of preventing moisture loss. Glycolic Acid is also a particularly good exfoliant that brightens and cleans the face. It is often found in cleansers, toners, and treatments such as masks and the Chemical Peel. Peels, in particular, are great for healthy skin cell renewal and provide you with a deep cleanse resulting in a youthful glow. Glycolic Acid is generally considered the jewel in the crown of the Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family and, though found at different levels in a diverse range of products, used as part of a good skin care routine it yields fantastic results. 2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate Sodium Lauryl Sulfate ("SLS") is a surfactant used in personal care products as a foaming agent. Though largely considered safe to use, there are significant health concerns for both our bodies and the environment. University of Maryland published The SLS Material Safety Data Sheet, which demonstrates this chemical is an eye, skin and respiratory tract irritant. Researchers at the University of California also examined the effects of SLS on human skin and reported significant irritation. The article, published in 2005 in the journal "Contact Dermatitis," found that SLS induced temporary redness and dryness of the skin at concentrations as low as 0.025 percent. If you have dry skin or sensitive skin, Sodium Coco-sulfate, made from coconut oil, can be used as a replacement for SLS in your beauty product. 3. Parabens Parabens are a type of preservative commonly used in the cosmetic industry to prevent the growth of bacteria, which makes them pretty essential. There's a lot of information out there which suggests there could be some health and safety concerns around Parabens. However, they are considered completely safe to use by government bodies around the globe. And though some countries have restricted their concentration within a certain product, they have been widely used in the beauty industry for nearly a century. It's also important to be aware that while there have been connections made between Parabens and breast cancer, there is currently no research to directly link their use in either the skin care or the food industry. The Moisturizer We expect so much from our moisturizers, including good hydration with anti-aging properties that also smells good. And though most of us love the idea of a product with naturally sourced ingredients, we also want a product that evens out our wrinkles and gives our skin a healthy glow, which can often mean using additives that are synthesized rather than organic in nature. 1. Petrolatum Petrolatum or petroleum jelly itself was, until very recently, a staple of medicine cabinets around the world. Used as a salve for many ailments, as well as being part of the typical beauty routine and lip care, it is one of most common ingredients used in many of today's cosmetics and is still widely recommended for dry skin. While there is no scientific proof that this ingredient is harmful to the skin, it's problematic in a litany of ways, most notably because it's a byproduct of fossil fuel production. So, if you want to help save the planet, you might want to rethink this non-sustainable resource. Does petroleum jelly clog pores? It’s a water-repellent and not water-soluble, and therefore has the ability to seal off the skin from water and air. So if petroleum jelly is applied to skin that is not clean, it will trap the dirt and other substances that ended up clogging the pores. 2. Fragrance Fragrance in your product adds to the appeal. An attractive odor not only means you're more likely to buy a product, it can also evoke all kinds of feelings and emotions. The bigger brands will label their scent ingredients as, merely, 'fragrance', so it's difficult to know if they are synthetic or natural. Smaller, more nature-based brands will usually have a detailed list of their ingredients. 3. Retinol Retinol is the primary, naturally occurring form of vitamin A, and in low percentages can be found in many over-the-counter products. Retinol is often touted as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetics, but when used in prescription-strength, it also benefits skin problems such as acne and oily skin. Though there are pros and cons to its general application, retinol and retinyl palmitate ("RP") restore the skin's youthfulness and replenish our natural stores of Vitamin A, which deteriorate as we age. More and more products are harnessing the possibilities of retinol, which is being used in both topical and edible form. The Protection Sunscreen has become a necessity in more recent times and while many consider its application not ideal for long-term skin health, the alternative is bleaker, with rising instances of skin cancer around the globe. In fact, one of the top tips from skin care specialists is to wear sunscreen every day, to protect our skin from the sun, and especially those early signs of aging on the face, neck and chest area. Let's delve into some of the most common ingredients and what they do. 1. Titanium Dioxide Titanium Dioxide, also known as titanium (IV) oxide or Titania, is naturally derived and comprises titanium and oxygen. It reflects those dangerous UV rays and prevents product deterioration. Titanium Dioxide is added to sunscreen as a fine powder and is imperceptible once applied. This is one of its most important functions since invisible sunscreen is more attractive to consumers and, therefore, encourages sun safe practices. 2. Zinc Oxide Zinc Oxide is derived from zincite, a naturally occurring mineral, and is used in sunscreen as a physical barrier against the sun. This means it works great to protect us from skin cancer and sun damage in the form of wrinkles and sunspots. In some form or other, zinc has been used around the world for thousands of years. 3. Glycerin One of the most used ingredients in skin care after water, Glycerin (or glycerol) can be both synthesized and naturally sourced from animal or vegetable fats. Glycerin is used in lots of beauty and skin care products, primarily as a humectant and as a conditioning agent for the skin. It is generally considered safe, as long as you don't experience allergic reactions, and is considered appropriate only for topical use. It is also commonly found in organic and vegan skincare products. Our skin is complex and its needs are very personal. Sometimes, we're so desperate for the results promised to us by the big players in the skincare industry that we forget to check the safety of what we're applying to our face and body. The idea of cleansing, moisturizing and protecting is no longer a simple task; we don't expect to get the same anti-aging effects from an organic, natural product that we'll get from a company that puts millions of dollars into research. It's also crucial to realize that what we put on our bodies will also be absorbed into it, so take a look at the ingredients and do your research (ideally a little scientific research rather than only relying on your favorite beauty blogger).Alternatively, keep it pure and simple, which is after all, is the epitome of beauty anyway. Dr. Beldholm - Bio Dr. Beldholm takes pride in being a compassionate doctor and specialist surgeon who puts the needs of his patients first. He utilizes the most advanced surgical techniques to help provide his patients with the results they desire. [recommended product="ultimate-transformation-taut-collagen-drink-mask" product="taut-hyaluronic-acid-hydrate"]
