Skincare Ingredients: The Do's and Don'ts
Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Up to 60% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed directly into your bloodstream and circulated throughout your whole body. Unlike the food you eat, which gets filtered through many digestive organs including your stomach, liver and intestines before entering the bloodstream, the products you put on your skin have little to no filtering before they are absorbed. This makes it extremely important to think about the products you are using on your skin and the ingredients they contain.
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid
Most skincare products contain a toxic cocktail of a variety of chemical and synthetic ingredients. Ever read the ingredients list on your shampoo or lotion bottle? Chances are you’ll have a tough time recognizing or pronouncing most of those ingredients. But, are all of those ingredients really that bad for you? The answer is yes and no. Some of those ingredients are relatively harmless, while others can have a huge impact on your overall health. Here are the top five ingredients to avoid in your skincare products:
1. “Fragrance”
When you see the word “Fragrance” on your personal care products, there’s really no telling what that consists of. There are no regulations currently in place that require companies to list the chemicals used in their fragrance mixtures and many of them contain hormone disruptors, allergens and other synthetic chemicals. A better option is to choose products that use natural fragrances or essential oils in their products. Or better yet, if you have sensitive skin (or a sensitive nose), opt for fragrance free products.
2. Parabens
Parabens are typically used as a preservative in cosmetics and beauty care products. You’ll see them listed as propyl-, butyl-, isopropyl-, or isobutyl-parabens on the ingredient list. Studies have shown that parabens disrupt the endocrine system and can cause reproductive and developmental disorders. It’s best to avoid these all together.
3. Phthalates
These are another family of chemicals known to disrupt the endocrine system, especially the male reproductive system. It is common in nail polish as well as “fragrance” mixtures. These are another ingredient to avoid completely, but especially men and pregnant women.
4. Triclosan and Triclocarban
These chemicals are typically used as an antimicrobial ingredient in many different personal care products including soap, toothpaste and deodorant. These ingredients have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system and they can have a direct effect on thyroid function and reproductive hormones. In addition to being bad for your health, these chemicals have been shown to be very toxic to the aquatic environment. Steer clear of these and opt for regular soap and water to get rid of bacteria.
5. Oxybenzone
This is a common ingredient in sunscreen, but has been linked to skin irritation, sensitivity and allergies. It has also been associated with birth rate issues in pregnant women with a high concentration of oxybenzone in their bodies during the third trimester and has been linked with disruptions to the hormone system. A better choice for sunscreen is mineral-based SPF like zinc oxide or titanium oxide. These nanoparticles are safer and more effective because they do not penetrate the skin.
Choosing Natural and Organic Skincare Products
So, now that we know what ingredients to avoid in our skincare, let’s talk about what we CAN put on our skin. When shopping for cosmetics or personal care products, there’s a few things you can look for:
Fewer ingredients. Look for products with fewer ingredients, but also ingredients that you can recognize and pronounce.
Essential oils or natural fragrances. As mentioned above, this will help to avoid a host of potential endocrine disruptors and other chemical ingredients.
Plant-based ingredients. Look for ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, plant extracts and hydrosols. These ingredients are generally more natural and safer for your overall health.
Organic ingredients. Not only will these be better for your skin, but they’re better for the environment.
Visit the Environmental Working Group’s verified skincare database to find products that will be safe for you, your family and the environment.
Plant-Based Medicine for your skin.
Feed your skin with slow-farmed beauty.
Taking care of your skin – and your health - starts at home with your everyday products. But sometimes, your skin needs a little boost, which is why Tru Wellness offers facials using a line of organic, plant-based skincare to help give you glowing, healthy skin without all the harmful ingredients.
Choose from four different facials, each designed for a different type of skin concern.
ANTIOXIDANT VIBRANCY ESSENTIAL FACIAL
PLANT-BASED DETOX ESSENTIAL FACIAL
HYDRATE, STRENGTHEN, & SOOTHE ESSENTIAL FACIAL
SUN GODDESS CAROTENOID REPAIR
Learn more about our facials and find the right one for your skin’s unique needs.