Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies and is a rare organ as it is affected both by what we put on it, as well as what we put inside of our bodies. We’ve all heard “Drink more water for clearer skin!” or “Eat yellow and orange veggies for radiant skin!”, or “ Don’t get too much sun – it will cause wrinkles!” While these things are important, we also need to be looking at what we’re putting into our skin in the way of skincare products. We’re breaking down 3 ingredients to be wary of when buying skincare products.
1. Parabens
Parabens may be a familiar word to you. You can usually find it in hair products, but actually many moisturizers, face and skin cleansers, sunscreens, deodorants, shaving gels, toothpastes, makeup, and many other products contain parabens. They are not always labeled on products and are used as preservatives as some of the other ingredients used in the product are biodegradable and parabens can increase the shelf life of the product. Parabens are absorbed into the body through the skin and can cause disruption to your hormones, potentially risking fertility and reproductive organs in both males and females. Due to the fact that products are able to be made without this potentially harmful preservative, it’s best to try to stay away from parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl).
2. Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is a humectant, meaning it is an ingredient that absorbs moisture from anything around it. It is commonly used in skincare products to increase the moisture retention of your skin. While propylene glycol may be fine for some people, many people are allergic and can experience a red, itchy rash where the product containing it is applied to the skin. This is why it is always stressed in skincare that when you’re using a new product for the first time, start with a very small area to test the product before slathering it all over.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a detergent used in products for that foaming, lather, or bubble effect. Not to be confused with sodium laureth sulfate, which also acts as a foaming and cleansing agent, sodium lauryl sulfate is more of a skin irritant, and can cause allergic reactions depending on your sensitivity to it. SLS can strip your skin of its natural oils which can cause dry skin, irritation, and allergic reactions. If you accidentally get SLS near your eyes, it can be very irritating to your eyes as well. It can even cause your skin to become more oily as it tries to compensate for the loss of natural oils that have been stripped by using the product. Bottom line – best to avoid this foaming agent where possible!
At American Regenerative Clinic, we only use the most all-natural methods and products for attaining whole body wellness. Elina Organics products are free from the additives discussed above and are made from all-natural, organic ingredients, and can also be purchased online.
Contact us to try our products for yourself or if you have any questions about our products or treatments.
