People frequently question what products they should use for their skin. With so many options on the market, you may wonder which one you should choose. No matter what brand or product you choose, here are a few ingredients to avoid in your hair and skin care products.
Parabens
Parabens act as preservatives in body washes, hair care products, lotions, and other similar products.
Although they help your products last, parabens seep through your skin. Once they enter your body, they act like hormones and can interfere with your endocrine system. For instance, a paraben may mimic estrogen and increase your risk of breast cancer. Unfortunately, your body can’t process synthetic estrogen well. It may cause cell division in the breast cells as a result, and the division can lead to cancer.
In men, parabens may decrease sperm count, which hinders fertility. A study in rats concluded that the rats suffered a significant reduction in sperm from the parabens.
Examples of parabens found in pharmaceutical products include the following:
- Methylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
Keep an eye out and try to choose products without this ingredient.
Fragrances and Colors
While you may love smelling like a tropical breeze or cupcake, some products use artificial scents to create a fragrance. They may also use artificial colors to enhance the appeal of the product. Unfortunately, you may experience a skin reaction, such as hives or a rash, when your body comes in contact with these ingredients.
Not only can these ingredients trigger an allergic reaction, but the artificial colors and scents may irritate your skin.
Try to avoid products with artificial colors or scents. A product might not state it contains an artificial scent or color. Instead, it may state something as simple as a fragrance or color name, which may partially contain artificial ingredients along with natural ones.
Instead of products with artificial fragrances, look for ones that state they’re all natural. Look on the ingredient list for essential oils. These are natural and provide the product with fragrance. Instead of products with artificial colors, look for ones that state they’re free of color.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is an ingredient you may associate with embalming fluid for the deceased. It acts as a preservative, and many pharmaceutical products use it because it kills bacteria. However, this ingredient can affect various parts of your body.
One study concluded males who came into contact with formaldehyde regularly were more likely to pass away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This condition causes neurons in the body to break down. Eventually, the nerve cells die completely as the disease progresses. Eventually, ALS may affect your ability to speak, move, and even breathe.
Formaldehyde may interfere with your nervous system in general. If you’re using products with this ingredient in them, you may experience symptoms, such as the following:
- Headache
- Mood changes
- Insomnia
- Attention problems
- Irritability
To avoid these risks, formaldehyde-free products are your best bet.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/ Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate act as foaming agents in the skin cleansers you may use. However, some studies show they may affect your organs, cause neurological problems, or irritate your skin. They have also been linked to cancer.
Nowadays, manufacturers must adhere to guidelines regarding how much of these ingredients are in skin care products. However, there aren’t many studies on the long-term effects of repeated exposure.
These four ingredients are in many products on the market today. They serve purposes in the products, but they might cause short-term or long-term health effects.
Schedule an appointment with Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists, serving various areas of Southern California, for any of your skin care needs by contacting us today.
